TOKYO (AP) — Tokyo City Hall has launched a new initiative called “Tokyo Futari Story” aimed at fostering relationships in a country where the trend of being single, or “hitori,” is on the rise. The initiative includes an online platform offering guidance and general information for individuals seeking romantic connections, with plans for a dating app currently in development. The app is expected to be accessible via phone or web later this year, although specific details are yet to be finalized.
Reports suggest that the dating app may require users to verify their identity through documents such as a driver’s license and tax records, as well as a signed declaration of readiness for marriage. Additional information such as height, occupation, and education background may also be requested, although city officials have not confirmed these details.
Marriage rates in Japan have been declining, with the country's birth rate reaching an all-time low according to recent health ministry data. In 2023, the number of marriages decreased to 474,717 from 504,930 in the previous year, while births totaled 727,277 compared to 770,759. The government has been addressing the labor shortage by offering financial incentives to families with children and supporting childcare facilities, in addition to relaxing immigration policies to attract foreign workers.
The changing attitudes towards marriage and parenthood are evident among young adults in Japan, reflecting a global trend of prioritizing alternative lifestyles. Factors such as demanding work schedules, high living costs, and social norms contribute to the reluctance to start families. Tokyo City Hall is organizing various events to facilitate social interactions, provide marriage counseling, and even transform love stories into manga comics or songs.
