A Japanese government survey shows nearly 70 percent of unmarried people do not know how to go about finding a spouse.

The Children and Families Agency conducted an online survey about marriage in July. Respondents to the poll of 20,000 people aged between 15 and 39 comprised 18,000 unmarried men and women and 2,000 married men and women.

One question asked unmarried people what they thought about tying the knot.

Sixty-seven percent said they do not know how to find a partner, while 66 percent said they lacked self-confidence and doubted they would find a spouse, even if they tried.

Married people were asked the same question about their situation before getting married. Fifty-seven percent said they hadn't known how to find a partner, while 49 percent cited a lack of self-esteem and doubts about ever settling down with someone.

Meanwhile, actively seeking a spouse was thought of as "uncool" by around 30 percent of both married and unmarried people.

Agency officials believe there is a lack of awareness about marriage services offered by local governments, and say they will step up their efforts to extend support.