Tokyo’s policy to solve falling birth rates? A dating app

6/7/24 11:11AM

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is planning to launch a dating app.

Undeterred by the long list of failed government-backed tech initiatives, Tokyo authorities are doing everything in their power to reverse the country’s tumbling birthrate, as data out on Wednesday revealed a record low of ~727k births in 2023: a staggering 5.6% decline, an issue compounded by a similar (6%) drop in marriages.

I do (not want to fill out this form)

In true bureaucracy-loving government fashion, the registration process for the app is expected to be lengthy. Users will need to submit documents proving they are single, provide tax certificates to verify their salary, offer up 15 other pieces of personal information, such as height and occupation, and attend an interview to verify their identity. They’ll even need to confirm that they aren’t looking for anything casual, signing a pledge promising that they are seeking a marriage partner, per The Asahi Shimbun.

Local governments are clearly getting serious about tackling what national officials are calling “a critical situation”. Economic instability in couples of child-rearing age has been cited as a major contributing factor, with the government earmarking trillions of yen to tackle the problem through financial support, childcare services and parental leave — even sponsoring in-person events for singles and offering counseling on marriage.

According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the new app will target the 70% of people who want to get married but aren’t actively looking for a partner.

Tom Jones

career high

5/18/26

A Nepali Sherpa just broke his own Everest ascent record amid busiest year for permits ever

When it comes to the world’s tallest mountain, it’s not so lonely at the top.

Jake Lahut

PAIN AT THE PUMP

4/29/26

Analyst: US could see $5 gas by Memorial Day, $6 per gallon on the table

Gas could hit $5 per gallon by Memorial Day, $6 by later in the summer: “Nothing’s impossible at this point.”

Gas station in front of the Gordie Howe International Bridge under construction.

Tom Jones4/29/26

The UAE’s OPEC exit will hit the group in the barrels

After just shy of 60 years in OPEC, its membership even predating its status as a nation-state, the United Arab Emirates yesterday announced its shocking departure from the oil production group, effective May 1, as the knock-on effects of the Iran war continue to play out across the Middle East and the energy landscape.

For context, the UAE produces the third-highest amount of oil in the group, per April data and OPEC’s latest set of annual statistics.

According to the cartel’s 2025 Annual Statistical Bulletin, the OPEC group was collectively exporting some 19 million barrels of crude oil a day last year, with the United Arab Emirates accounting for some 14% of that daily output.

UAExit means UAExit

The nation, whose energy minister told Reuters yesterday that the decision was taken “after a careful look at current and future policies related to level of production” and wasn’t made following discussions with any other country, made up a healthy share of the group’s total confirmed crude oil reserves, as well.

Of the 12 nations in the core group, which was founded by just five oil superpowers back in September 1960, only two (Iraq and Saudi Arabia) exported more barrels of crude oil daily, pumping out 3.36 million and 6.05 million barrels, respectively, each day to nations around the world.

For its part, the UAE said it will “continue its responsible role by gradually and thoughtfully increasing production, in line with demand and market conditions,” per the official state news agency. Clearly, the nation now wants a little more control of just how much oil it can pump around the world, with the UAE having to eat a large proportion of lost revenues due to its healthy abundance and OPEC restrictions.