To increase marriage and birth rates, Japan is launching a dating app

In a unique attempt to combat its declining birth rate, Japan is venturing into the world of online dating. The government is introducing a new dating app, "Tokyo Futari Story" (Tokyo Two People Story), aimed at connecting singles and ultimately encouraging marriage and childbearing.

A project "Tokyo Futari Story" has been announced by Tokyo City Hall in an effort to address the country's falling marriage rates and growing loneliness trend. The project includes a dating app that aims to form long-lasting relationships and is anticipated to launch by late 2024. Japan is currently seeing its lowest rates of births and marriages. 

As per the experts, the government's decision to invest in matchmaking services and promote relationships is aimed at encouraging young people to form romantic connections and start families. The dating app initiative could offer several potential benefits, including providing singles with a platform to meet potential partners, facilitating social interactions, and promoting marriage and family values.

Meanwhile, local dating app company Tapple has been signing cooperation agreements with local governments across Japan as part of wider efforts to increase birth rates. By leveraging technology to facilitate matchmaking and foster relationships, Japan hopes to counteract social trends such as increasing singlehood, delayed marriage, and declining fertility rates.

However, the success of the dating app initiative will depend on various factors, including user adoption, cultural attitudes towards online dating, and the effectiveness of government-sponsored matchmaking programs. Additionally, it's essential to address underlying societal issues such as gender roles, work-life balance, and housing affordability, which can also influence marriage and family decisions.