Japan is the only one in G7 that derecognizes same-sex marriage. Its constitution stipulates, “A man and a woman can marry only on the willing basis”. In recent years, the local authorities in Japan have taken actions to recognize same-sex partnership, although this recognition does not mean the same rights as in heterosexual marriage stipulated by law.
According the news released by Agence France-Press (AFP), on May 11, an official of Tokyo said, after modification to the current regulation, Tokyo will recognize same-sex partnership since November 2022; thus, Tokyo will be the largest city to recognize same-sex partnership in Japan.
According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the relevant regulation modified will be filed on the second regular meeting of Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in June 2022; from October 2022, the governmental department will accept same-sex partnership certificate application and this new regulation will be effective since November 1, 2022.
A spokesperson from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government told AFP, “We’ve collected the public opinions in the past two months and listened to those from same-sex partners. They said they hope to be recognized as partners”. The spokesperson further stated that Tokyo is considering various services currently for married couples to those with same-sex partnership certificate, including application for municipal apartment.
Shibuya-ku is the first to issue the “partnership” certificate to same-sex partners in Japan in 2015. Many regions follow suit. According to the activists, more than 200 cities recognize same-sex partnership in Japan and grant the partners’ right to visit their mate in the hospital and jointly rent a house.
On March 17, 2021, Sapporo District Court judged derecognition of same-sex marriage violates the constitution, which creates a pioneer in Japan.
Last year, a court in north Sapporo made a milestone judgment, stating derecognition of same-sex marriage violates the constitution. This judgment was appraised a significant victory by the activists.
However, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida maintains a cautious attitude to reform the legislation to recognize same-sex marriage on the national level. Nevertheless, Tokyo’s practice this time still brings a hope to the sexual minorities.
