Tokyo (AsiaNews) – Japan has long experienced a steadily falling birth rate, a reflection of a broader demographic decline that has alarmed government leaders, who are now exploringways tosupport families.
There isonenotable exceptionhowever -the latest data show an increase in the number of births in Tokyo, the first such rise in a decade,reversing the trend, though this is partly due to immigration, which does not necessarily translate into fundamental change.
To help people interested in marriage and parenthood connect, local authorities are even turning to artificial intelligence (AI).
According to preliminary demographic data for 2025, the number of children born in Japan to Japanese parents was 671,236, down for the tenth year in a row. Tokyo instead saw an increase of 857, bringing the total to 85,064.
In the capital, the total fertility rate, the average number of children a woman gives birth to in her lifetime, fell below one in 2023, a first among Japan’s prefectures, and remained at 0.96 in both 2024 and 2025. This is the lowest figure in the country, prompting officials to implement policies aimed at supporting births.
At the same time, Tokyo is boosting incentives for residents who wish to marry by offering affordable housing, in response to the rising cost of living and high rents. Child-rearing, housing, and marriage are considered the “three arrows” available to the capital’s leaders to help increase the birthrate.
In addition, dedicated activities have been organised, such as one on 8 August at a commercial facility in Tokyo, where officials hosted an event specifically for people interested in marriage.
The date was not chosen at randomsince itcarries significant symbolic value. The year 2026 corresponds to theeighthyear of theReiwaera in the Japanese calendar, a sequence featuring the number 8, which is considered a symbol of prosperity in Japan.
The event drew a large number of participants, with a dedicated programme that included free professional portrait sessions and seminars led by marriage consultants.
“I want to make a good impression, notonlyon potentialmarriagepartners, but also on people I meet at work,and broadenmy connections,” said a 38-year-old office worker from Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture, who took part in a communication coaching session.
Among those who visited the venue on this occasion was Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike.
For the current fiscal year, the budget allocated by the metropolitan administration for initiatives in support of marriage exceeds 700 million yen (US$ 4.4 million), more than double the amount earmarked for the previous year.
These initiatives include AI-powered matchmaking services, as well as a programme that encourages couples to share photos from their wedding on social media.
According to a survey conducted by the metropolitan government last spring, just under 60 per cent of unmarried individuals between the ages of 18 and 49 expressed a desire to get married.
However, the survey also found that half of those who would like to date do not actively seek out opportunities to meet potential partners in their daily lives.
Last year, for events organised by the metropolitan government, the number of applications received was more than five times the maximum capacity of 1,500 spots.
The concept behind these activities is to provide as much support as possible to those who wish to marry, through dedicated assistance programmes, and, thus, help boost the birth rate.
In addition to providing a monthly allowance of 5,000 yen for children under 18, other significant measures have been introduced, such as free childcare services for a first-born child up to the age of two, and subsidies for pain management during childbirth.
Furthermore, in response to soaring real estate prices, the Tokyo metropolitan government has launched a programme of affordable or rent-controlled housing for families with children, with rents set at 70 to 80 per cent of market rates.
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