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Tokyo's AI Matchmaking App Enmusubi Helps 265 Couples Tie the Knot as City Tackles Low Birth Rate

Tokyo's AI Matchmaking App Enmusubi Helps 265 Couples Tie the Knot as City Tackles Low Birth Rate
People prepare for a wedding photo shoot near Tokyo station during evening hour in Tokyo on May 23, 2021 (Philip FONG)

Enmusubi, an AI-powered matchmaking app launched by the Tokyo government in September 2024, has led to 265 marriages among users as part of efforts to address Japan's falling birth rate. The app vets applicants to ensure they are legally single and serious about marriage; it had about 16,000 registered members by June 30, down from roughly 36,000 applicants, and 760 couples were in "serious relationships." National data show births fell to 671,236 in 2025 and the fertility rate declined to 1.14, underscoring the broader demographic challenge the app aims to help mitigate.

An AI-driven matchmaking app launched by the Tokyo metropolitan government in September 2024 has led to 265 marriages among users, officials say — part of a broader effort to address Japan's long-running demographic challenges.

Called Enmusubi, the platform went live after a government survey found roughly 70% of people interested in marriage were not actively participating in traditional matchmaking. To ensure the service attracted users genuinely seeking marriage, applicants must prove they are legally single, pass an online interview and meet other eligibility checks.

Usage and Results

Government data released in mid-2025 shows the app received around 36,000 applicants and, as of June 30, had about 16,000 registered members. Of those users, 760 couples were classified as being in "serious relationships," and 265 couples have gone on to marry after meeting through the service.

What Users Say

"I tried the app as a last chance as I approached my 40th birthday," a user quoted under the pseudonym "Turtle" said. "After several blind dates I met my current husband at the end of August, and we began a serious relationship in mid-September. I accepted his proposal at the end of December."

Another user, identified as "Skytree," praised the app's compatibility scoring: "The AI showed your compatibility in three stages, so even if you're unsure about meeting someone, a high compatibility rating gives you the encouragement you need. My girlfriend's AI compatibility rating was perfect."

Context: Japan's Demographics

The app's launch comes amid stark national statistics. In 2025, births to Japanese nationals fell to a record low of 671,236 — the tenth consecutive annual decline — while deaths totaled about 1.6 million. The country's total fertility rate edged down to 1.14, even as marriages rose slightly, according to the Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry.

Tokyo's Enmusubi initiative is one example of how local governments are experimenting with technology and targeted services to encourage marriage and family formation. Officials say the app is designed to reduce friction for people who want to marry but are hesitant to engage in traditional matchmaking, by combining verification checks with AI-assisted introductions.

What This Means: Enmusubi has produced measurable matches and marriages, but it is one of many policies needed to address the deeper social and economic factors behind Japan's low birth rate, including housing, work-life balance and child-care support.

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Tokyo's AI Matchmaking App Enmusubi Helps 265 Couples Tie the Knot as City Tackles Low Birth Rate - CRBC News