Japan is paying single people $125 to actually use dating apps

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A Japanese prefecture is offering a grant of up to 20,000 yen (around $125) to single residents to help pay for dating app subscriptions.

This program, launched by Kochi Prefecture, is aimed at people between 20 and 39 years old. Officials hope it will help young adults find partners and get married, as part of a larger effort to boost marriage rates.

Kochi launches dating app subsidy to tackle matchmaking slump

The new program would help eligible single people afford matchmaking apps by offering a subsidy to cover subscription and related costs. The support would be capped at 20,000 yen per year, according to reports.

Japan is facing fewer births and a decreasing number of people living in the countryside. As a result, local governments are trying new and creative approaches to help people connect and get married.

An ad for the program says singles aged 20 to 39 can get a 20,000 yen ($125) annual subsidy to help cover the costs of dating apps.

Shikoku is Japan’s smallest main island and has a relatively small population, with most people living in the city of Kochi. This new program isn’t about paying people to go on dates; it’s designed to help with the costs of using professional matchmaking services.

A local government official told Sankei that they set the annual membership fee at just over 20,000 yen to cover most of their costs, as that’s the typical price for similar memberships.

Although young people in Japan might need encouragement to begin dating, many married individuals are actively using dating apps. One app, which uses artificial intelligence, has become particularly popular among married men in their 40s.

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2026-04-20 16:18