As the trend of marrying late or not at all continues to rise in Japan, local governments are employing a new weapon in their quest to reverse this societal shift – artificial intelligence (AI) matchmaking. By tapping into the power of AI, authorities in different regions are organizing traditional konkatsu events that have led to unexpected unions and successful marriages.
Recognizing the need to combat depopulation and an aging population, even the central government has stepped in to support these initiatives. Subsidies for publicly run AI matchmaking events have been increasing since fiscal 2021. At the end of March last year, 31 of Japan’s 47 prefectures offered AI matchmaking services, with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government joining them in December.
One such example is Ehime Prefecture in western Japan, which has turned to big data to pair individuals with potential partners. Their system analyzes personal information and internet browsing history to make recommendations. Hirotake Iwamaru, a counselor at the marriage support center, emphasizes that the goal is to broaden individuals’ horizons beyond traditional factors like academic background and age. With the center’s support, around 90 couples tie the knot each year.
Tochigi Prefecture, located north of Tokyo, also utilizes AI matchmaking. Katsuji Katayanagi of the marriage support center believes that occasionally seeking guidance from big data is necessary, particularly since young people often rely on others to make decisions. By asking users to answer over 100 questions, the system can analyze their preferences and introduce them to potential partners accordingly.
Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo, introduced a similar system in 2018. By the end of November 2021, 139 couples had exchanged vows through the support center. Some participants admit to meeting someone they might not have chosen themselves, showcasing how the AI system facilitates diverse encounters.
Shiga Prefecture launched an online marriage support center in response to the pandemic, utilizing a system akin to Saitama’s. As of January, 13 couples had decided to marry through the support center, six of whom were introduced by AI. The success stories include a woman in her 30s who initially had reservations but expresses gratitude for registering and finding her future partner.
Mayu Komori, chief administrator of the Shiga prefectural child and youth bureau, highlights the seriousness of participants in the service, reflected in the significant registration fee. Additionally, the involvement of the prefectural government offers a sense of reassurance to many.
Takeaki Uno, a professor of algorithm theory at the National Institute of Informatics, emphasizes that the use of AI in matchmaking expands the range of potential partners. He believes that the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of public AI matchmaking initiatives provide advantages to a wide array of individuals.
As AI continues to revolutionize the journey to love in Japan, it paves the way for unexpected connections and marriages that might otherwise never have occurred. These initiatives not only combat demographic challenges but also challenge societal norms, pushing individuals to explore diverse encounters and broaden their horizons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – AI Matchmaking in Japan
Q: What is AI matchmaking?
A: AI matchmaking refers to the use of artificial intelligence technology to analyze personal information and preferences in order to connect individuals with potential partners.
Q: Why are local governments in Japan using AI matchmaking?
A: Local governments in Japan are using AI matchmaking to combat depopulation and an aging population by encouraging people to get married. These initiatives aim to reverse the societal shift towards marrying late or not at all.
Q: How are AI matchmaking events organized?
A: Local governments organize AI matchmaking events where individuals can participate and potentially meet their future partners. The events often involve answering a series of questions that the AI system uses to analyze preferences and make appropriate recommendations.
Q: Which prefectures in Japan have implemented AI matchmaking?
A: As of the end of March last year, 31 out of Japan’s 47 prefectures offered AI matchmaking services. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government also joined in December.
Q: How successful have AI matchmaking initiatives been?
A: AI matchmaking initiatives have led to unexpected unions and successful marriages. For example, Ehime Prefecture’s support center helps around 90 couples tie the knot each year, while Saitama Prefecture had 139 couples exchanging vows through its system by the end of November 2021.
Q: What are the benefits of AI matchmaking?
A: AI matchmaking expands the range of potential partners by considering factors beyond traditional ones like academic background and age. It also facilitates diverse encounters and broadens individuals’ horizons. The cost-effectiveness and accessibility of public AI matchmaking initiatives provide advantages to a wide array of individuals.
Definitions:
– Konkatsu: A Japanese term that refers to the process of actively seeking a marriage partner.
– Depopulation: The decline in population size and density in a specific geographic area, often due to low birth rates, aging population, and migration to urban areas.
– AI (Artificial Intelligence): The simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans.
– Big Data: Large and complex sets of data that are analyzed to extract patterns, trends, and associations, often using algorithms.
Suggested related links:
– Website of Ehime Prefecture
– Website of Tochigi Prefecture
– Website of Saitama Prefecture
– Website of Shiga Prefecture
– Website of the National Institute of Informatics
The source of the article is from the blog queerfeed.com.br