Japan Launches ‘Tokyo Futari Story’ Dating App to Address Declining Birth Rate
In a bid to combat Japan’s declining birth rate, the Japanese Government is set to launch a new dating app called ‘Tokyo Futari Story’ this summer. The initiative, reported by the Japan Times, is part of a broader strategy to boost the nation’s birth rate, which hit an all-time low in 2023.
Government Measures to Promote Birth Rate
Addressing Labour Shortages
Amid growing labour shortages, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government is actively pursuing policies to encourage family growth. These policies include financial aid for families, easier access to childcare, and extended parental leave. The government’s involvement in promoting the birth rate underscores the urgency of the demographic issue facing Japan.
Innovative Approach with a Dating App
While matchmaking events organised by municipalities are not uncommon in Japan, it is quite rare for the government to directly create a dating app. The ‘Tokyo Futari Story’ app represents an innovative approach to encouraging marriage and, subsequently, childbirth. The app aims to facilitate connections among individuals who are interested in starting families but may not be actively seeking partners.
Enrollment Process for ‘Tokyo Futari Story’
Commitment to Marriage
To enrol in the dating app, users must sign a letter stating their willingness to get married. Additionally, they must submit documentation proving their legal single status. This measure ensures that participants are genuinely interested in forming serious relationships.
Income Verification
Another requirement for enrollment is a tax certificate slip to verify the applicant’s annual salary. This step helps create transparency and trust among users by providing a clear picture of potential partners’ financial stability.
Government’s Objective
A Tokyo government official involved in the app’s development explained the motivation behind the initiative: “We learned that 70% of people who want to get married aren’t actively joining events or apps to look for a partner. We want to give them a gentle push to find one.” Since late 2023, the app has been in a free test run phase, gathering user feedback and optimising its features.
Public Reaction
Mixed Responses
The launch of ‘Tokyo Futari Story’ has elicited a range of reactions on social media. Some users have expressed scepticism, questioning whether the government should be involved in such personal matters. One user commented, “Is this something the government should be doing with our tax?”
Positive Feedback
Others have shown interest, citing concerns about safety and fraud in the online dating world. They appreciate the government’s efforts to provide a secure platform for finding a life partner. Tesla CEO Elon Musk also weighed in on the matter, stating, “I’m glad the government of Japan recognizes the importance of this matter. If radical action isn’t taken, Japan (and many other countries) will disappear!”
Birth Rate vs. Death Rate
Demographic Challenges
Japan faces significant demographic challenges, with the death rate far exceeding the birth rate. In 2023, Japan registered 758,631 births, a 5.1% drop from the previous year, while the number of deaths stood at 1,590,503, which is 209.7% higher than the birth rate. This trend has persisted for eight consecutive years, exacerbating the dependency ratio and putting pressure on the country’s social and economic systems.
Government Response
The launch of the ‘Tokyo Futari Story’ app is part of a broader effort to reverse this trend. By encouraging marriage and family formation, the government hopes to stabilise the population and address the economic and social challenges posed by an ageing population.
Conclusion
The ‘Tokyo Futari Story’ dating app represents a novel approach by the Japanese Government to address the country’s declining birth rate. By facilitating connections among individuals interested in marriage and family, the app aims to provide a “gentle push” towards starting families. While public reactions are mixed, the initiative highlights the government’s proactive stance on a critical issue. As Japan grapples with its demographic challenges, innovative solutions like ‘Tokyo Futari Story’ may play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future.
