(Photo: Lachlan Hardy)
Japan is deeply concerned about its declining birthrate. The government would like to encourage people to get married and produce babies. So going beyond a marriage certificate, the government has created forms that let people declare their love for each other. Marriage can come later. Why not commit to being just a couple for now? Go fill out a koitodoke--a "love declaration form." Rocket News 24 reports:
Spokesman Hideo Tsutsui, in talking about the koitodoke, told reporters that the form gives young people a way to assert their romantic feelings, and as such is hoped to be one way of helping to encourage childbirth.
So just what information does the form ask for? Well, first you’ll need to provide your name, plus the name of the object of your affection. There’s also a spot to enter to enter the time and place where you met, with the note that this data is only required if you remember, displaying a courteous understanding of some of the most common jumping off points for young passion.
But there's more! You can, as a couple, fill out these forms together. But an individual can do it on his/her own without the input of the designated love interest:
Make no mistake, the form is keenly aware that the other person may not return your sentiments. In the section asking whether or not your feelings are reciprocated, there are separate response boxes you can check to indicate “yes,” “I’m not sure,” “I’m pretty sure,” and flat-out “no.”
Isn't that cool? Fill out the form, show it to your love, and say, "Sweetheart, look! This form says that I love you! It's official now!"
-via Marginal Revolution