Marriage for all is still illegal in the country, although a majority of the population is in favor, according to a recent poll.
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Tokyo City Hall began issuing union certificates to people of the same sex who live or work in the Japanese capital on Tuesday (November 1). The measure was long awaited by the LGBT+ community in a country where marriage for all does not exist. Japan is the only G7 country that does not recognize same-sex unions, its Constitution providing that “marriage can only take place with the mutual consent of both sexes”.
Tokyo city certificates allow LGBT+ partners to be treated as married couples for certain public services related to housing, health or social welfare. These certificates do not confer the same rights as a legal marriage. Hopes are high that issuing such certificates will help fight anti-LGBT+ discrimination in Japan.
In recent years, Japan, led by a conservative right-wing party, has taken small steps towards accepting sexual diversity. A 2021 poll by state broadcaster NHK showed 57% of respondents were in favor of equal marriage, with 37% opposed.