Japan is gearing up to unveil the 'Tokyo Futari Story' dating app to combat the country's declining birth rate, as part of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's efforts to encourage marriage and family formation amid labor shortages and an aging population crisis.

The birth rate in Japan plummeted to a historic low in 2023, with only 758,631 births recorded, a 5.1% decrease from the previous year.

Unique Government Initiative: Tokyo's Dating App

This decline is starkly contrasted by the number of deaths, which soared to 1,590,503, more than double the births. The fertility rate, standing at a mere 1.2, falls significantly below the replacement level of 2.1.

The 'Tokyo Futari Story' app, crafted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, is designed to facilitate matchmaking among singles seeking marriage.

The app's verification process is robust, requiring users to provide proof of their legal single status, a commitment to marriage, and income verification.

These stringent measures aim to build trust and seriousness among users, mitigating common concerns regarding safety and fraud prevalent on online dating platforms.

While matchmaking events are customary in Japanese municipalities, the development and launch of a dedicated app by a local government is a unique endeavor. The app underwent a testing phase in late 2023, offered for free to gather feedback and ensure operational efficiency.

dating app
Dating couple scene, love confession illustration

Public reception of the app has been varied. Some citizens question the allocation of taxpayer funds for such initiatives, while others acknowledge the government's proactive stance in addressing the demographic challenges facing the nation. The 'Tokyo Futari Story' app stands as an approach by the Japanese government to promote family values and combat the declining birth rate, reflecting a broader societal concern that necessitates innovative solutions.

Prime Minister Kishida's administration is actively working on different policies to tackle the declining birth rate, such as providing financial aid to families, improving access to childcare, and enhancing parental leave options for working parents.

These measures aim to create a better environment for young couples to consider starting families, ultimately aiming to increase the birth rate in the long run.

The current demographic trends in Japan are concerning, with projections suggesting a potential drop in the population from 125 million to 87 million by 2060. This decline could lead to a significant portion of the population being over 65 years old, which may bring about significant economic and social challenges.

In 2023, the number of marriages in Japan decreased by 6% to 474,717. This decline in marriage rates is closely tied to the lower birth rates, as Japan's traditional society still sees births outside of marriage as uncommon.

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