By Natalia Rueda 
In response to the alarming birth rate decline, Tokyo has taken a bold step by launching a government-backed dating and marriage app. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has described the dramatic decline in births as the “most serious crisis” facing Japan today. This initiative aims to address the challenges faced by many singles in the city, where 70% do not actively participate in social events or use traditional dating platforms.
The main objective of this app is to encourage marriage. To register, users must provide personal data such as height, education level, occupation and income. In addition, they must provide documentation verifying their singleness and sign a statement indicating their intention to marry. While some may find these requirements intrusive, the government believes they are crucial to ensure that the platform is used properly: to connect singles who are genuinely looking for serious relationships and long-term marriages.
The situation is indeed worrying. In 2023, the number of births in Japan fell for the eighth consecutive year to just 727,700. Meanwhile, the number of deaths stood at 1,590,500, and the population is expected to shrink by 30% by 2070. In Tokyo, more than 30% of men and 24% of women in their 50s are still single, a trend that the government is fervently striving to reverse.
With significant public funding, the app aims to provide a safe and reliable environment where singles can find potential spouses. The official backing is expected to instill more trust among users, which will facilitate successful connections and ultimately increase the number of marriages.
Only time will reveal whether this government-backed dating app will succeed in increasing the birth rate and promoting marriage. However, one thing is clear: Japan is determined to combat the low birth rate crisis.