A woman shares her experience navigating the dating world after only being in one relationship, highlighting the judgment and disbelief she encountered from men who questioned her romantic history and assumed she lacked experience. She explores the challenges of dating after trauma and the double standard faced by women who haven’t had many relationships.
Amidst severe labor shortages and a rapidly aging population, the Japanese Government is launching a unique initiative to boost the declining national birth rate. This summer, it will unveil a government-backed ‘dating app’ called ‘Tokyo Futari Story’ to connect potential partners who explicitly express their desire to marry. The move marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to promote childbirth, which has hit a record low in 2023. To access the dating app, users must submit a letter expressing their willingness to marry and provide documentation proving their legal single status and annual salary. The app, which has been under development since 2023, is expected to address the growing concern that many individuals seeking marriage are reluctant to actively pursue dating apps or events. The government hopes to encourage those interested in marriage to take the first step towards finding a partner. Despite some skepticism from netizens who question the government’s involvement in such matters, the app has drawn interest from those prioritizing safety and authenticity.
