Published: Apr 23, 2026, 23:15 IST | Updated: Apr 23, 2026, 23:15 IST
Facing a historic decline in births, Japan is trying a new approach—paying young singles to use dating apps. A prefecture is offering subsidies to residents aged 20–39 in a bid to encourage relationships and tackle the falling birth rate, which recently hit its lowest level since 1899. The move reflects growing urgency as Japan grapples with an ageing population and shrinking workforce.