Tokyo’s government-backed AI matchmaking platform has helped 265 couples get married, highlighting how technology is being used to address Japan’s declining birth rate and falling marriage rates.
Launched in September 2024, the TOKYO Enmusubi dating app was introduced after a government survey found that nearly 70% of people interested in marriage were not actively participating in matchmaking activities.
Unlike conventional dating apps, TOKYO Enmusubi is designed exclusively for people seeking marriage. Applicants must verify that they are legally single, complete identity checks and pass an online interview before being accepted onto the platform.
The screening process has been highly selective. By June 30, 2026, the app had accepted around 16,000 registered members from approximately 36,000 applications. Government figures also show that 760 couples are currently in serious relationships, while 265 couples have already married after meeting through the platform.
One user, identified by the pseudonym “Turtle,” said she joined the app as a final attempt to find a life partner before turning 40. After several unsuccessful introductions, she met her future husband in August, entered a committed relationship in September and accepted his marriage proposal by the end of December.
The initiative comes as Japan continues to face a worsening demographic crisis. Government data released in June showed that only 671,236 babies were born to Japanese nationals in 2025, marking the 10th consecutive annual decline and the country’s lowest birth total on record. During the same period, deaths reached approximately 1.6 million, while the national fertility rate slipped to 1.14 children per woman, despite a slight increase in marriages.
Another user, using the pseudonym “Skytree,” credited the platform’s artificial intelligence for helping users make confident decisions. The app evaluates compatibility in three stages, making it easier for users to pursue introductions they might otherwise hesitate to accept.
The success of TOKYO Enmusubi demonstrates how governments are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence and digital services to tackle long-term demographic challenges, encouraging more people to form lasting relationships and start families.
