Photo/Illutration The government surveyed 20,000 people ranging in age from 15 to 39 to gain insight on how younger generations view relationships and marriage. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

A recent government survey revealed that dating apps are the most popular way for couples to meet, with 25 percent of married respondents finding their partner through such platforms.

This was followed by workplace encounters at 21 percent and school at 10 percent, according to preliminary figures released on Aug. 26 by the Children and Families Agency.

The agency conducted a nationwide online survey in July involving 18,000 singles and 2,000 married individuals ages 15 to 39. The aim was to gain insight into younger generations' attitudes toward marriage and relationships.

This survey was launched in response to Japan's declining birthrate, which is largely attributed to the rising number of unmarried adults and those delaying marriage.

When asked about the reasons for marrying their current partner, the largest group comprising 44 percent said it was about reaching the right age.

This was followed by concerns about finding a better partner in the future and a desire to live together with their partner as soon as possible.

The largest portion of unmarried respondents, 29 percent, attributed a lack of opportunities to meet potential partners as the biggest barrier to marriage.

This was followed by those who found the idea of marriage irrelevant or unrealistic and those worried about losing their personal freedom.

Nearly 20 percent of unmarried individuals surveyed had no desire to get hitched.

A vast 70 percent of both groups reported a lack of education and support in areas such as financial planning, career development, marriage, pregnancy and childbirth.

The survey suggests that increased access to such life planning education and support can positively influence people's attitudes toward marriage and relationships.

A growing number of local governments currently offer marriage promotion programs. More than 35 percent of unmarried respondents were aware of such initiatives and 33 percent expressed interest in using them.

The most desired program among respondents was a government-managed dating app.

The survey was part of a broader agency project aimed at supporting younger generations in their marriage and life development.

To guide this project, the agency established a working group composed of external experts and university students in July.

In the interim report released alongside the survey results, the working group emphasized the importance of expanding access to life planning support programs.

The report also highlighted the need to increase awareness and utilization of government-sponsored matchmaking programs, particularly among people in their 20s.

The agency plans to incorporate the findings of the survey and the working group's recommendations into its budget request, with the goal of strengthening programs promoting marriage and childbirth.

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