Kochi Prefecture to Subsidize Dating App Fees for Young Residents
Residents aged 20-39 eligible for up to 20,000 yen subsidy to use certified matchmaking apps in FY 2026
Quick Look
- Kochi prefecture will subsidize dating app fees for residents aged 20-39, offering up to 20,000 yen for FY 2026 to use certified apps like Tapple.
- The program aims to support young people in finding partners amid low birth rates, with users to be surveyed at year-end to track effectiveness.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Japan faces low birth rates and declining marriage rates. Some local governments are implementing innovative approaches to support young people in finding partners, including partnerships with dating apps.
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 (US$125) for the 2026 financial year to use apps that have received "internet-based marriage partner introduction service certification". One of these verified apps is believed to be Tapple, Japan's most popular dating app. Last December, Kochi partnered with the app to promote safe and secure online dating. "The going rate for annual membership fees is a little over 20,000 yen, so we set the amount to cover most of the cost," a prefectural official told the newspaper. The users will be surveyed when the year is up to track the effectiveness of the programme and help with future usage.
Open Questions
- How many residents will apply for the subsidy?
- What specific criteria must apps meet for certification?
- Will other prefectures adopt similar programs?
