Japan Introduces Financial Incentive Scheme to Boost Rural Marriages

Japan has launched a new initiative offering women a lump sum of 600,000 yen (approx. Rs. 3.52 lakh) to marry men from rural areas, in a bid to counter declining rural populations. The scheme, targeting women from Tokyo's 23 city councils, aims to encourage relocation to sparsely populated regions. It also covers travel and matchmaking event costs for eligible participants.

While designed to rejuvenate rural areas and boost marriage rates, the policy faced backlash from opposition parties. Critics raised concerns about its potential coerciveness and implications for gender equality, leading to its withdrawal.

This move aligns with global trends, as countries like China’s Guangdong province have also implemented financial incentives to address ageing populations and declining birth rates. Japan’s approach reflects the challenges governments face in balancing modern societal needs with traditional values in response to demographic shifts.