#Japan #Tokyo #Migration Marriage #Regional Revitalization

New Model for Regional Revitalization: Migration Marriage Tours

In efforts to combat Japan's declining birth rate and shrinking population, the Japan Marriage Support Association has introduced an innovative initiative known as 'Migration Marriage Tours'. This new program aims to connect urban singles with local residents in rural areas, facilitating not only marriage prospects but also encouraging regional revitalization through migration.

Established in 2010, the Japan Marriage Support Association has been promoting the 'Migration Marriage' project, partnering with 142 municipalities across 13 prefectures. As of June 2026, the initiative has attracted over 2,244 applicants, demonstrating a growing interest in combining marriage support with rural regeneration. Currently, 112 municipalities across nine prefectures are engaged in this initiative, which continues to expand nationally.

To further promote residence in these regions, the association has launched a hands-on tour program that allows participants to immerse themselves in rural life rather than merely visiting for sightseeing. There are three key features that make the 'Migration Marriage Tours' appealing to prospective municipalities:

1. Comprehensive Support: The Japan Marriage Support Association provides one-stop support that covers everything from tour planning and participant recruitment to creating dedicated websites and social media marketing. This allows local governments to focus on regional introductions, migration consultations, and managing interaction programs, thus simplifying the integration process for towns with limited staffing resources.

2. Intimate Programs: The tours are designed for small groups, limiting participation to 3-6 people from outside the prefecture. This intimate structure allows for meaningful interactions with local singles, community members, and experienced migrants, allowing participants to develop a genuine understanding of the region’s charms and lifestyle, fostering connections that can lead to actual relocation.

3. Affordable Participation: To encourage participation, municipalities will subsidize over 50% of travel and accommodation costs for participants. This approach effectively lowers the barrier for urban residents while enhancing the chances of forming lasting connections between serious participants interested in both marriage and migration.

Upcoming Tour in Nagano Prefecture

The inaugural event of this new initiative will take place in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture, on August 1, 2026. Participants will have the opportunity to explore local attractions like Lake Nojiri and Mount Kurohime, dive into the daily life of the area, enjoy a special lunch at a local café run by a former migrant, and engage in discussions with local singles and past migrants. This program is designed to help attendees envision their lifestyle after relocating.

Additionally, customizable options will be available, which may include workplace visits, tours of migration experience facilities, and visits to the homes of established migrants, helping participants gain deeper insights into local living.

By starting with this model event in Shinanomachi, the initiative aims to proliferate nationwide, introducing a novel approach to rural revitalization that fuses the concepts of marriage and migration.

Call for Participation

The Japan Marriage Support Association is now calling for municipalities from across Japan to participate in the 2026 Migration Marriage Tours. Local governments that previously struggled to achieve tangible outcomes from conventional marriage events or are contemplating new strategies to promote migration and community connections are encouraged to reach out for support. The association is ready to propose tailored plans that consider local characteristics and challenges.

For inquiries and material requests regarding the Migration Marriage Tours, please follow the provided links. This initiative presents a golden opportunity for regions to tackle demographic challenges while promoting sustainable growth through marriage and migration.

About Japan Marriage Support Association

The Japan Marriage Support Association was established in 2010 with a mission to support individuals seeking marriage through events, seminars, and collaboration with local governments. The organization is actively working to address challenges related to declining birth rates and rural revitalization through its innovative projects.