Tokyo government won’t launch AI dating app to match couples and increase birth rate

TOKYO (Kyodo) — The Tokyo government has launched a new dating app for smartphones that uses artificial intelligence to match people serious about marriage based on their values.

Tokyo Enmusubi, which means Tokyo dating agency, is available to people over the age of 18 who live in or commute to the Japanese capital. To ensure security on the platform, users are required to complete an online interview upon registration and also submit photo ID and documents proving their income and that they are legally single.

The move is part of a broader effort to boost Japan’s falling birth rate, and the Tokyo metropolitan government wants to support singles and families at different stages of their lives – from first meetings to marriage, childbirth and raising children.

Users can download the app on their smartphone or access the platform’s website via computer. Registration costs 11,000 yen (US$77) and membership is valid for two years.

The service’s AI technology suggests potential love interests to each other based on an assessment of 110 questions.

Users can also search for partners based on their desired characteristics.

“There are many people who want to get married but have not pursued an active relationship,” said a metropolitan government official. “We want to encourage them to take the first step.”