Japan’s efforts to increase its birthrate have taken a traditional approach in the city of Miyazaki, where a matchmaking scheme encourages individuals to communicate through old-fashioned letter writing. The program, which has been running for two years, has resulted in 32 face-to-face meetings and the formation of 17 couples, although no weddings have taken place yet. Around 450 people have signed up, surpassing the initial estimate, with the majority being in their 20s or 30s. The scheme emphasizes the personal connection and imagination that comes with handwritten letters, as opposed to the efficiency of online dating. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address Japan’s low birthrate and shrinking population, which includes AI matchmaking schemes and creative endeavors like a calendar featuring single men from a mountain village.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan encourages letter writing for matchmaking | Shift from online dating to analog letter writing | More emphasis on sincere communication and imagination | Desire for deeper connections and personal touch |
| Matchmaking scheme brings people together | Increase in face-to-face meetings and couples formed | More successful matches and relationships | Addressing low birthrate and shrinking population |
| People matched based on shared interests, profile photos forbidden | Focus on personality rather than physical appearance | Reduced emphasis on looks in relationships | Promoting deeper connections and compatibility |
| Government funding AI matchmaking schemes | Integration of technology in matchmaking processes | More efficient and accurate matching algorithms | Addressing low birthrate and shrinking population |
| Single men produce calendar to find love | Creative approaches to finding partners | Increased use of unconventional methods for matchmaking | Desire to find companionship and start families |
| Low birthrate and shrinking population in Japan | Decline in birthrate and population growth | Implementation of policies and initiatives to address demographic challenges | Need to sustain population and address societal changes |
| More people choosing to marry later or not at all | Shift in marriage trends and preferences | Changing societal attitudes towards marriage and personal freedom | Desire for independence and financial stability |
| Desire for old-fashioned letter writing in matchmaking | Nostalgia and appreciation for traditional forms of communication | Preference for personal touch and deeper connections | Fond memories and sentimental value of letter writing |