Romantic Suitors Put Pen To Paper As Japan's Birthrate Falls

Japan's faltering campaign to raise its birthrate has gone analogue, with authorities in a south-western city encouraging potential suitors to put pen to paper and wait patiently for a reply rather than just swipe right.

- Justin McCurry

The city of Miyazaki says hundreds of men and women have dabbled in letter writing since the matchmaking scheme began two years ago. While there have been no wedding bells, the programme has spawned 32 face-to-face meetings and brought together 17 couples. About 450 people have signed up so far - more than double the city's initial estimate - with about 70% in their 20s or 30s.