Local Government Marriage Support Service: 'Iju-kon' to Start Accepting Applications in Kochi Prefecture from April 2026, with 34 Municipalities Participating
The Japan Marriage Support Association will launch 'Iju-kon' in Kochi Prefecture from April 2026, a marriage support project aimed at regional revitalization. All 34 municipalities in the prefecture will participate in this new model that integrates marriage support and relocation promotion.
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- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 09:36
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 03:34 (497h 58m after Collected)
The Japan Marriage Support Association (Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Koki Goto) will collaborate with the Vibrant Future Creation Division of the Kochi Prefectural Government to launch the 'Iju-kon' (Relocation Marriage) project, a marriage support initiative aimed at regional revitalization. Acceptance will begin on April 1, Reiwa 8 (2026), across all 34 municipalities in Kochi Prefecture.
This initiative is a new model that simultaneously promotes an influx of people from outside the region and encourages permanent settlement by integrating marriage support with relocation promotion.
■ Background
Local government marriage support faces challenges such as participant stagnation, lack of opportunities for encounters, and gender imbalance (especially a shortage of women), making it difficult to resolve these issues solely within the region. Against this backdrop, new initiatives incorporating matching with individuals from outside the region are sought.
■ What is 'Iju-kon'?
'Iju-kon' is an initiative that simultaneously introduces marriage partners and provides relocation support to singles wishing to move from urban areas to rural areas. It goes beyond merely providing opportunities for encounters, offering support that considers life after marriage, work, and childcare environments, thereby simultaneously achieving marriage support and relocation promotion.
To date, local governments in 12 prefectures nationwide have participated, with a cumulative total of 2,044 applicants (as of the end of March 2026).
◎ Connecting Encounters with a New Life: The Choice of Iju-kon
- A wide-area matching project implemented in 12 prefectures nationwide, with 2,044 cumulative applicants.
- Applicants can generally use the service for free, and online support makes it possible to apply from anywhere in the country.
- It is possible to choose a relocation destination according to one's ideal lifestyle.
- It comprehensively supports marriage and relocation, assisting individuals from initial encounters to taking the first step towards a new life.
- Provides diverse opportunities for encounters and interaction, utilizing marriage support implemented by the local government of the desired relocation destination.
- Supports the creation of a secure living environment by utilizing employment support, relocation support systems, and childcare support.
- From encounters to relocation, and then to permanent settlement. A new option to design one's own life.
■ The Appeal and Welcoming Environment of Kochi Prefecture
Kochi Prefecture is blessed with a warm climate, rich natural environment, and food culture, where human warmth is deeply rooted. This environment has a high affinity with 'Iju-kon', which involves starting a new life through marriage, providing a natural foundation for connecting encounters to permanent settlement.
This initiative is a new model that simultaneously promotes an influx of people from outside the region and encourages permanent settlement by integrating marriage support with relocation promotion.
■ Background
Local government marriage support faces challenges such as participant stagnation, lack of opportunities for encounters, and gender imbalance (especially a shortage of women), making it difficult to resolve these issues solely within the region. Against this backdrop, new initiatives incorporating matching with individuals from outside the region are sought.
■ What is 'Iju-kon'?
'Iju-kon' is an initiative that simultaneously introduces marriage partners and provides relocation support to singles wishing to move from urban areas to rural areas. It goes beyond merely providing opportunities for encounters, offering support that considers life after marriage, work, and childcare environments, thereby simultaneously achieving marriage support and relocation promotion.
To date, local governments in 12 prefectures nationwide have participated, with a cumulative total of 2,044 applicants (as of the end of March 2026).
◎ Connecting Encounters with a New Life: The Choice of Iju-kon
- A wide-area matching project implemented in 12 prefectures nationwide, with 2,044 cumulative applicants.
- Applicants can generally use the service for free, and online support makes it possible to apply from anywhere in the country.
- It is possible to choose a relocation destination according to one's ideal lifestyle.
- It comprehensively supports marriage and relocation, assisting individuals from initial encounters to taking the first step towards a new life.
- Provides diverse opportunities for encounters and interaction, utilizing marriage support implemented by the local government of the desired relocation destination.
- Supports the creation of a secure living environment by utilizing employment support, relocation support systems, and childcare support.
- From encounters to relocation, and then to permanent settlement. A new option to design one's own life.
■ The Appeal and Welcoming Environment of Kochi Prefecture
Kochi Prefecture is blessed with a warm climate, rich natural environment, and food culture, where human warmth is deeply rooted. This environment has a high affinity with 'Iju-kon', which involves starting a new life through marriage, providing a natural foundation for connecting encounters to permanent settlement.