For years, Japan has been a curious outlier among global powerhouses, standing as the only G7 nation not to recognize same-sex marriage. But recent court rulings are sending ripples of hope through the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, raising an exciting question: could Japan finally be on the brink of marriage equality?
I spent a month in Japan in 2023, traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. I also hiked the Kumano Kodo and fell in love with rural Japan.
Although I was nervous about traveling as a same-sex couple, and being gender policed in Japanese onsens, I was warmly treated everywhere I went.
There is widespread support for LGBTQ rights in Japan. The laws haven’t kept up with public opinion, but a change in government combined with these legal rules might be leading up to a tipping point.
Will Japan become the next Asian country to allow same-sex marriage, or pass other LGBTQ rights bills?
Keep reading to find out why I’m hopeful.
LGBTQ Rights in Japan
While same-sex couples cannot get married, queer Japanese enjoy several rights. Let’s take a look:
- Housing discrimination laws protect LGBTQ Japanese from being discriminated against on the basis of sexuality or gender identity.
- There is no censorship โ meaning Japanese folks can say gay all they want!
- It’s legal to change gender, but the process is lengthy and requires trans folks to be 18+, be single, have no minor children, undergo sterilization, and receive psychiatric approval.
- Employment discrimination protection varies by region. Currently, Tokyo, Ibaraki and Akita regions prohibit employment discrimination.
- Similarly, discrimination is legal in some contexts and illegal in others.
Societal opinion is favorable of LGBTQ people, as Equaldex reports. A majority of Japanese people support progressive policies like:
- Teens’ ability to access gender affirming care
- Third-gender options for legal documentation
- Broader LGTBQ rights and protections
- Same-sex marriage and parenting
What the High Court Rulings Mean for LGBTQ Rights in Japan
The fight for marriage equality in Japan has been gaining momentum since lawsuits were first filed in 2019. Hereโs where things stand:
- Currently, same-sex partnerships are allowed in Tokyo โ but these are not the same as marriage certificates, and do not confer the same rights as marriage.
- Out of nine high court rulings to date, eight have found the ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional or nearly so.
- The latest victory came from the Fukuoka High Court, following similar rulings this year in Sapporo and Tokyo. While these rulings donโt yet mandate action, theyโve set a powerful precedent.
- The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), known for its conservative stance, recently lost its majority and now leads a minority government. Opposition parties may seize the moment to push liberal policies forward.
- Over 70% of Japanese people support marriage equality
Strong public support combined with these court rulings put pressure on Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba.
Ishiba has said that he personally supports same-sex marriages and believes they would โmake the nation happier.โ
However, he also said he isn’t ready to introduce legislation to grant marriage equality.
Most likely, Ishiba will wait for the Japanese Supreme Court to rule on the issue, which probably won’t happen until 2026, according to the Tokyo Review.
Skeptics believe that Japanese government will find ways to obstruct progress toward marriage equality, but suggest there is room for leverage when LGBTQ activists inside and outside Japan pressure them to take a more progressive stance.
For now, we’ll wait and see.
The Benefits of Same-Sex Marriage for Japan
Legalizing same-sex marriage would have far-reaching positive effects for Japan, both socially and economically.
Same-sex couples in Japan would win invaluable legal protections, including inheritance, hospital visitation rights, and adoption.
Japan would strengthen its repetition for inclusion, aligning with fellow G7 nations that support LGBTQ rights.
Last โ but certainly not least โ passing marriage equality would be good for the economy.
Studies predict a $2 billion economic impact for Thailand, directly connected to its marriage equality legislation.
Same-sex marriage could position Japan as a top destination for LGBTQ+ weddings and honeymoons.
Events like Pride celebrations could expand significantly, drawing visitors and fostering cultural exchange.
Planning an LGBTQ Japan trip? I stocked my Japan itinerary with Tokyo queer bars, hidden Osaka karaoke clubs, and other LGBTQ-friendly finds. Join my email list to get access to queer destination guides and LGBTQ travel maps that’ll help you make the most of your trip. You’ll also stay up to date with the latest travel trends, like this bit of happy news!
