Tokyo City Hall has announced “Tokyo Futari Story” to address the growing trend of loneliness and declining marriage rates in Japan. The initiative includes a dating app, expected to launch by late 2024, aiming to create lasting couples.
Marriage and Fertility Rates at All-Time Low in Japan
Japan is witnessing its lowest marriage and birth rates. Health ministry data reported a decrease from 504,930 marriages in 2022 to 474,717 in 2023, and births dropped from 770,759 to 727,277 during the same period. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida highlighted this as the “gravest crisis our country faces.”
National Efforts to Address Declining Birth Rates
The Tokyo initiative is part of broader efforts to counteract these trends. The national government is offering financial incentives for families and expanding childcare facilities. Additionally, relaxed immigration policies aim to mitigate labor shortages by attracting foreign workers.
Factors Behind Declining Birth Rates
Several factors contribute to the declining birth rates. Long working hours, limited socializing outside work, and the high cost of raising children deter many young adults from traditional marriage and child-rearing. While this trend is common in developed countries, Japan’s birth rate remains higher than South Korea’s, the world’s lowest at 0.72.
Community Support and Social Initiatives
Tokyo City Hall is also sponsoring events where singles can meet and couples can receive counseling. Additionally, stories of how couples met can be turned into manga comics or songs, promoting a positive view of marriage.
Elon Musk reacted positively to Japan’s initiative, stating, “I’m glad the government of Japan recognizes the importance of this matter.” He further added, “If radical action isn’t taken, Japan (and many other countries) will disappear!”
With an aging population second only to Monaco, Japan is exploring various strategies, like “Tokyo Futari Story,” to encourage a baby boom and prevent a demographic crisis.
