Tokyo's Bold Move: A Dating App to Fight a Demographic Crisis

Japan faces a pressing demographic challenge – a rapidly declining birth rate. In response, Tokyo City Hall is developing a unique solution: a dating app called "Tokyo Futari Story" (Tokyo Couple Story). This initiative aims to connect singles and encourage marriage formation, ultimately leading to a higher birth rate.

In an effort to boost marriage and childbirth rates, Tokyo City Hall is developing a dating app called "Tokyo Futari Story" (Tokyo Couple Story). This article explores the app's features and the broader societal issues it aims to address.

Tokyo Futari Story: Features and Unknowns

While details are still under wraps, the app is expected to launch later this year and will be accessible through phone or web. "Futari" translates to "couple" in Japanese, hinting at the app's central goal.

Existing reports speculate on potential features like user verification (driver's license), income verification (tax records), and a marriage readiness confirmation form. Additionally, the app may request basic user information such as height, job, and education. However, city officials haven't confirmed these details.

Beyond Dating Apps: Addressing the Root Causes

The Tokyo Futari Story initiative highlights a broader societal issue in Japan. Long working hours, expensive childcare, and a shift in societal values have reduced interest in marriage and child-rearing among young adults.

To address these issues, the Japanese government has implemented various measures alongside the dating app. 

Related: Millions of Empty Homes Plague Japan: A Symptom of a Shrinking Nation

These include:

• Financial incentives: Cash payments are offered to families with children.

• Childcare support: Government programs aim to make childcare more affordable and accessible.

• Immigration reform: Relaxed immigration policies aim to attract foreign workers and potentially ease the labor shortage.

A Look Back, A Look Forward

Japan's "baby boom" era of the 1970s saw over 2 million births annually. Today's reality paints a different picture. While dating apps can offer a platform for connection, the success of Tokyo Futari Story hinges on addressing the underlying factors affecting marriage and childbirth decisions.

Will Tokyo Futari Story be a successful matchmaker for the city? Only time will tell. But it undoubtedly reflects the urgency of addressing the demographic crisis in Japan.

Source: Euronews