With catastrophically low birth rates, Japanese cities are getting into the matchmaking business.
Unlike dating apps, these city initiatives have one solid thing going for them: They verify identities. Men and women visit their local city offices, show proof of their names, income, and marriage status, and often take personality and values tests.
Some cities even require that a a city volunteer chaperone accompany prospective couples on the first date and act as an intermediary if the couple wishes to meet again.
Unfortunately, the process hasn't coaxed many young Japanese couples into parenthood, which is the entire goal for the programs. Instead, older single people are looking for partners with whom to share the last part of their lives.
