Japanese prefecture pays singles to use dating apps to battle low birth rates

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South China Morning Post

A Japanese prefecture is paying its singles to use dating apps as the country grapples with record-low birth rates. Kochi prefecture announced on April 10 that it would subsidise private matchmaking app fees for its young residents, according to a Sankei News report. Residents aged between 20 and 39 will get a subsidy of up to 20,000 yen (US125) for the 2026 financial year to use apps that have received “internet-based marriage partner introduction service certification”.