[Marriage Support Service for Local Governments] "Ijukon" to be accepted in Kochi Prefecture from April 2026, with 34 municipalities participating

The Japan Marriage Support Association (Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Koki Goto) will begin accepting applications for "Ijukon," a marriage support project aimed at regional revitalization, in 34 municipalities across Kochi Prefecture starting April 1, 2026, in collaboration with the Kochi Prefectural Government's Vibrant Future Creation Division.

This initiative is a new model that simultaneously promotes the inflow of talent from outside the region and encourages permanent residency by integrating marriage support and migration promotion.

## Background
Local government marriage support faces challenges such as participant stagnation, lack of encounter opportunities, and gender imbalance (especially a shortage of women), which are difficult to resolve within the region alone. Against this backdrop, new initiatives incorporating matching with individuals from outside the region are needed.

## What is "Ijukon"?
"Ijukon" is an initiative that simultaneously introduces marriage partners and provides migration support to single individuals who wish to relocate from urban areas to rural areas. It goes beyond merely providing encounters, offering comprehensive support that considers life after marriage, work, and childcare environments, thereby achieving both marriage support and migration promotion.

To date, 12 prefectures nationwide have participated, with a cumulative total of 2,044 applicants (as of the end of March 2026).

**◎ Ijukon: A choice that connects encounters with a new life**
- A wide-area matching project deployed in 12 prefectures nationwide, with 2,044 cumulative applicants.
- Applicants can generally use the service for free, and online support allows applications from anywhere in the country.
- It is possible to choose a migration destination according to one's ideal life and lifestyle.
- It comprehensively supports marriage and migration, assisting individuals from encounters to taking the first step towards a new life.
- It provides diverse opportunities for encounters and interaction by utilizing marriage support implemented by the desired migration destination's local government.
- It supports the creation of a safe living environment by utilizing employment support, migration support systems, and childcare support.
- From encounters to migration, and then to permanent residency. A new option to design your own life.

## The Appeal of Kochi Prefecture and its Acceptance Environment
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 "Ijukon," where people start a new life upon marriage, providing a natural foundation for connecting encounters to permanent residency.

**Nature**
**Food**
**Region**
**People**

## Participating Municipalities (34 cities and towns)
Kochi City, Muroto City, Aki City, Nankoku City, Tosa City, Susaki City, Sukumo City, Tosashimizu City, Shimanto City, Konan City, Kami City, Toyo Town, Nahari Town, Tano Town, Yasuda Town, Kitagawa Village, Umaji Village, Geisei Village, Motoyama Town, Otoyo Town, Tosa Town, Okawa Village, Ino Town, Niyodogawa Town, Naka-Tosa Town, Sakawa Town, Ochi Town, Hidaka Village, Tsuno Town, Yusuhara Town, Shimanto Town, Kuroshio Town, Otsuki Town, Mihara Village

Furthermore, within the prefecture, marriage support such as matching assistance and ongoing support is provided, mainly by the Kochi Encounter Support Center, establishing a system to support new connections and lives throughout the region.

Kochi Encounter Support Center staff

---

## Contact Information (Acceptance Window)
Kochi Encounter Support Center
2F Daido Life Kochi Building, 5-5 Ekimae-cho, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture 780-0053
TEL: 088-821-8081
https://www.koishiyo.pref.kochi.lg.jp/

## Kochi Prefecture Department in Charge
Kochi Prefectural Government, Vibrant Future Creation Division
1-2-20 Marunouchi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture 780-8570
TEL: 088-821-9717 (Direct Line)
https://www.pref.kochi.lg.jp/

## Related Links
- Ijukon Official WEB
https://konkatu.or.jp/ijukon2020/
- Application Form
https://pro.form-mailer.jp/lp/91d54103219449
- Request for materials for local governments
https://konkatu.or.jp/contact/
- Recruitment of accepting local governments
https://konkatu.or.jp/press_release2025_0924/
- Japan Marriage Support Association Official WEB
https://konkatu.or.jp/

## Organization Profile: Japan Marriage Support Association
Established in 2010. Conducts marriage hunting events and seminars nationwide for single individuals who are serious about getting married.
Since 2020, in collaboration with local governments, it has been promoting the "Ijukon" project, which integrates marriage support and regional revitalization. It is committed to solving regional issues centered on marriage, such as creating related populations, promoting permanent residency, and fostering regional leaders.