In February, Japan’s government acknowledged that “unprecedented steps” were necessary to address the nation’s record-low birth rates. The message has been received by Tokyo’s government.
The city has allocated $1.28 million to develop a dating app for its residents, which is set to launch this summer.
Managed by a private contractor, the app features a stringent registration process to ensure users are committed to seeking marriage as a final goal.
According to Japanese national newspaper The Asahi Shimbun, the app requires not only a photo ID but also an income certificate and an official document verifying relationship status.
The report stated that users must provide 15 types of personal data, including height, education, and occupation, all of which will be visible to potential matches.
Following this, users must attend a mandatory interview with the app’s operators and sign a pledge confirming their intention to find a marriage partner rather than a casual relationship.
“If there are many individuals interested in marriage but unable to find a partner, we want to provide support,” a Tokyo official said, as reported by The Asahi Shimbun.
Officials acknowledged that it is unusual for a local government to develop a matchmaking app, but they hope the officially endorsed app will attract those who are hesitant to use mainstream dating platforms.
This initiative comes as Japan confronts critically low birth and marriage rates.
Data released by Japan’s Health Ministry on Wednesday revealed that the birth rate fell by 5.6% in 2023, reaching its lowest level since the country began recording statistics in 1899. Marriage rates also declined by 6% compared to 2022.
In Tokyo, the situation is even more dire. The city’s fertility rate—the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime—was 0.99 in 2023, the only prefecture to fall below 1.00.
Overall, Japan’s aging population of 125 million is projected to decrease by 30% by 2070, which could have severe implications for the country’s economy and national security.
To address these challenges, Japan’s government has earmarked $34 billion in the 2024 budget for childcare and parental services.
Elon Musk, a vocal advocate against population decline, expressed his support for the app, stating he was “glad the government of Japan recognizes the importance of this matter.”
The Tesla CEO has frequently expressed concerns that low global birth rates could lead to “population collapse,” describing it as “a much bigger risk to civilization than global warming.”
“If radical action isn’t taken, Japan (and many other countries) will disappear!” Musk said in response to the announcement of the app.
