The government of Japan is stepping up efforts to promote marriage and family formation as a result of the country’s fertility rate falling to a historic low. In a country with 123.9 million citizens, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare issued data showing that just 727,277 births were registered in the previous year. The average number of births per woman throughout her lifetime, or the fertility rate, decreased from 1.26 to 1.20. A population needs a fertility rate of 2.1 in order to stay steady.
Historical Regression and Its Effects
Since the 1973 global oil crisis, Japan’s fertility rate has fallen below the steady benchmark of 2.1. The population is decreasing as a result of this long-term decrease, which has intensified in recent years and seen an annual increase in deaths over births. 2023 will see Japan recorded 1.57 million deaths, more than double the number of births. This demographic shift has significant implications for Japan’s workforce, economy, welfare system, and social fabric.
Challenges in Marriage and Divorce Rates
The country is also facing challenges in its marriage rates. Last year, the number of marriages fell by 30,000, while divorces increased. Experts predict that the population decline will continue for several decades, largely due to the country’s current population structure. Even if fertility rates were to rise, the population would continue to fall until the ratio of young people to older adults balances out.
Government Initiatives to Boost Birth Rates
In response, the government has launched several initiatives to mitigate the impact of the declining birth rate. These include expanding childcare facilities, offering housing subsidies to parents, and even paying couples to have children in some towns. New government agencies have been established to focus specifically on this issue.
Tokyo’s Innovative Solution: A Government-Run Dating App
Tokyo officials are exploring a new approach to encourage marriage: a government-run dating app. Currently in its testing phase, the app is expected to be fully operational later this year. The app’s website encourages users to see it as “the first step” towards marriage hunting. The AI-matchmaking system, provided by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, uses a “values diagnostic test” to match users based on their values and desired traits in a partner.
Encouraging Marriage and Family Formation
The app aims to facilitate unexpected encounters that go beyond appearance and conditions alone. Users must be single, over 18 years old, and living or working in Tokyo. The app also highlights other government measures to support couples, including work-life balance information, childcare and housing support, men’s participation in housework and child-rearing, and career counseling.
Expert Perspectives and Future Outlook
Billionaire Elon Musk highlighted the importance of Japan’s efforts on social media, warning that without radical action, Japan (and many other countries) could face dire consequences. However, experts assure that Japan will not disappear. The fertility rate is expected to stabilize eventually, and the country will adjust to the new demographic reality. While Japan’s future may look different, it will continue to evolve and adapt.
Final Thoughts
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s dating app is part of a broader effort to build momentum for marriage among those who “intend to get married eventually.” By addressing the root causes of low birth rates and providing comprehensive support for couples, Japan aims to reverse its population decline and ensure a sustainable future.