Tokyo City Hall Creating Dating App to Promote Marriage and Childbirth

Tokyo City Hall is taking a unique approach to combat the rising trend of being single in Japan with its new initiative, “Tokyo Futari Story.” In a country where being alone, or “hitori,” is becoming increasingly common, the city is aiming to create more couples, or “futari.”

The initiative includes an online platform offering advice and information for potential lovebirds, as well as the development of a dating app set to launch later this year. While details about the app are still being finalized, reports suggest that it may require users to confirm their identity with documents like a driver’s license and tax records, along with a signed declaration of readiness for marriage.

The push for more relationships comes as Japan’s marriage and birth rates hit record lows, with fewer people opting for traditional marriage and starting families. The government has been implementing various measures to address the declining birth rate, including cash incentives for families with children and relaxed immigration policies to attract foreign workers.

In addition to the dating app, Tokyo City Hall is organizing events for singles to meet, offering counseling for couples considering marriage, and even turning love stories into manga comics or songs. The city hopes that these efforts will not only help individuals find love but also contribute to reversing the trend of declining marriages and births in Japan.