The Tokyo Metropolitan Government plans to launch a dating app this summer to help increase the country’s declining birth rate. Users will need to provide proof of their single status and express their willingness to marry.
The app will also require users to submit a tax certificate to verify their annual income, a unique feature compared to other dating apps in Japan. The goal is to encourage more people who want to get married to actively seek a partner through the app.
While matchmaking events are common in Japan, it is uncommon for a local government to develop a dating app. The Tokyo app has been in a testing phase since last year and will include an interview process to verify users’ identities.
Some social media users have questioned the government’s role in creating a dating app, while others see it as a safer way to find a partner. Japan has been experiencing a decline in births for several years, with deaths exceeding newborns in recent years.
To address the issue, the government is implementing various policies to support families, such as financial aid, improved childcare access, and expanded parental leave options.
