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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 152 (from laksa114)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa152.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan","crawl_time":1774045156,"first_indexed_time":1727445682,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,wikipedia!en,\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan s443","src_root_hash":"17790707453426894952","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"LGBTQ rights in Japan - Wikipedia","meta_descriptions":[],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"This article is about LGBTQ legal rights in Japan. For a general overview, see\nHomosexuality in Japan\n.\nLGBTQ rights in\nJapan\nJapan\nLegal status\nNot criminalized since 1882\nGender identity\nLegal sex changes allowed since 2004, requiring\ngender confirmation surgery\nMilitary\nLGBT people allowed to serve openly\nDiscrimination protections\nSexual orientation and gender identity protected in some cities and prefectures, though not nationally\n[\n1\n]\nFamily rights\nRecognition of relationships\nNo national legal recognition of same-sex relationships, some localities offer partnership certificates\nAdoption\nNo recognition nationally, some localities provide accommodations\nLesbian\n,\ngay\n,\nbisexual\n,\ntransgender\n, and\nqueer\n(\nLGBTQ\n) people in\nJapan\nhave fewer legal protections than in most other\ndeveloped countries\n,\n[\n2\n]\n[\n3\n]\nalthough some developments towards stronger rights have been made in the 2020s.\n[\n4\n]\nSame-sex sexual activity was criminalised only briefly in Japan's history between 1873 and 1881, after which a localised version of the\nNapoleonic Penal Code\nwas adopted with an equal\nage of consent\n.\n[\n5\n]\nSame-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are ineligible for the legal protections available to opposite-sex couples, although since 2015 some cities and\nprefectures\n, covering over 92% of the population by 2025, offer \"partnership certificates\" to recognise the relationships of same-sex couples and provide some legal benefits. Japan is the only country in the\nG7\nthat does not legally recognize same-sex unions nationally in any form.\n[\n6\n]\n[\n7\n]\nIn March 2021 and May 2023, the\nSapporo\nand\nNagoya\nDistrict Courts ruled that not recognising\nsame-sex marriage\nwas a violation of the Constitution.\n[\n8\n]\n[\n9\n]\nWhile in June 2022, the\nOsaka\nDistrict Court ruled that not recognising same-sex marriage was not a violation of the Constitution,\n[\n10\n]\nin November 2022, the\nTokyo District Court\nruled that the absence of same-sex marriage legislation was an unconstitutional state of affairs but did not violate the Constitution,\n[\n11\n]\nthough the court's ruling has no immediate legal effect.\n[\n12\n]\nIn June 2023, the\nFukuoka\nDistrict Court ruled that the ban on same-sex marriage was constitutional.\n[\n13\n]\nA second ruling in September 2023 concluded that same-sex relationships should not be excluded from Japan's marriage system.\n[\n14\n]\nJapan's culture and major religions do not have a history of hostility towards homosexuality.\n[\n15\n]\nA 2019 poll indicated that 68 percent of the respondents agreed that homosexuality should be accepted by society, while 22 percent disagreed.\n[\n16\n]\nAlthough many political parties have not openly supported or opposed LGBTQ rights, there are several openly LGBTQ politicians in office. The conservative\nLiberal Democratic Party\n, Japan's leading political party, remains opposed to same-sex marriage,\n[\n17\n]\nwhile two other major parties, the liberal\nConstitutional Democratic Party\nand libertarian\nInnovation Party\nboth favor same-sex marriage. As of 2023, marriage equality movements have been gaining prominence within the nation.\n[\n18\n]\nA law allowing transgender individuals to change their legal gender post-\nsex reassignment surgery\nand sterilization was passed in 2003. The sterilization requirement was unanimously ruled by the\nJapanese Supreme Court\nto be unconstitutional in October 2023, removing the requirement.\n[\n19\n]\nDiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is banned in some cities, including\nTokyo\n.\n[\n20\n]\nTokyo Rainbow Pride has been held annually since 2012, with attendance increasing every year.\n[\n21\n]\nA 2015 opinion poll reflected that the majority of its respondents supported the legalization of same-sex marriage.\n[\n22\n]\nFurther opinion polls conducted over the following years have found high levels of support for same-sex marriage among the Japanese public, most notably the younger generation.\n[\n23\n]\n[\n24\n]\nHowever, a 2020 survey of over 10,000 LGBTQ people in Japan found that 38 percent of LGBTQ people had been harassed or assaulted.\n[\n25\n]\nIn 2019, 2022 and 2025, Japan voted in favor of the United Nations\nindependent expert on sexual orientation and gender identity\nat the\nUnited Nations Human Rights Council\n.\n[\n26\n]\nA\nwakashū\n(wearing headscarf) sneaks a kiss from a female prostitute behind his patron's back.\nNishikawa Sukenobu\n(1671–1750)\nHomosexuality\nand same-sex relations have been documented in Japan since ancient times. One\nShinto\nmyth describes same-sex love as being introduced by the couple Shinu no Hafuri and Ama no Hafuri, servants of a \"primordial goddess\", presumably\nAmaterasu\n. Following Shinu's death, Ama killed himself, and the two were buried in the same grave.\n[\n27\n]\nIn the pre-\nMeiji era\n,\nnanshoku\n(男色) relationships inside Buddhist monasteries were typically\npederastic\n. The older partner, or\nnenja\n(\n念者\n; \"lover\" or \"admirer\")\n, would be a monk, priest or abbot, while the younger partner was assumed to be an\nacolyte\n(\n稚児\n,\nchigo\n)\n, who would be a prepubescent or adolescent boy.\n[\n28\n]\nThe relationship would be dissolved once the boy reached adulthood (or left the monastery). Both parties were encouraged to treat the relationship seriously and conduct the affair honorably, and the\nnenja\nmight be required to write a formal vow of fidelity.\n[\n29\n]\nDuring the\nTokugawa period\n, some of the\nShinto\ngods, especially\nHachiman\n, Myoshin, Shinmei and\nTenjin\n, \"came to be seen as guardian deities of\nnanshoku\n\" (male–male love).\nFrom religious circles, same-sex love spread to the warrior (\nsamurai\n) class, where it was customary for a boy in the\nwakashū\nage category to undergo training in the martial arts by apprenticing to a more experienced adult man. The relationship was based on the typical\nnenja,\nwho loves, and the typically younger\nchigo\n, who is loved.\n[\n30\n]\nThe man was permitted, if the boy agreed, to take the boy as his lover until he came of age.\n[\n31\n]\nThese relationships were expected to be exclusive, with both partners swearing to take no other (male) lovers.\nAs Japan progressed into the Meiji era, same-sex practices continued; however, there was a growing animosity towards these practices. The practice of\nnanshoku\nbegan to die out after the\nRusso-Japanese War\n. Opposition to homosexuality did not become firmly established in Japan until the 19th and 20th centuries, although it was only criminalized between 1873 and 1880.\n[\n30\n]\nModern\nJapanese\nterms for LGBTQ people include\nseitekishōsūsha\n(\n性的少数者\n, \"\nsexual minorities\n\")\n.\n[\n32\n]\ndōseiaisha\n(\n同性愛者\n, literally \"same-sex-love person\")\nhomosekusharu\n(\nホモセクシャル\n, \"\nhomosexual\n\")\nrezubian\n(\nレズビアン\n, \"\nlesbian\n\")\ngei\n(\nゲイ\n, \"\ngay\n\")\nryōseiaisha\n(\n両性愛者\n, literally \"both-sex-love person\")\nbaisekushuaru\n(\nバイセクシュアル\n, \"\nbisexual\n\")\ntoransujendā\n(\nトランスジェンダー\n, \"\ntransgender\n\")\n.\n[\n33\n]\nLegality of same-sex sexual activity\n[\nedit\n]\nThere are no explicit religious prohibitions against homosexuality in the traditional\nreligion of Japan\n,\nShinto\n, or in the imported religions of\nBuddhism\n(see \"\nBuddhism and sexual orientation\n\"); however Chinese\nConfucianism\nprohibited homosexual marriage which may have also influenced Chinese Buddhism.\n[\n34\n]\nSodomy\nwas first criminalized in Japan in 1872, in the early\nMeiji era\n. But this provision was repealed only seven years later by the Penal Code of 1880 (commenced in 1882) in accordance with the\nNapoleonic Penal Code\n.\n[\n35\n]\nSince then, Japan has had no laws against homosexuality. Thus, sexual activity among\nconsenting adults\n, in private, regardless of gender and\/or sexual orientation, is legal under Japanese law. Since June 2023, the age of consent has been set at 16 years.\n[\n36\n]\nRecognition of same-sex relationships\n[\nedit\n]\nArticle 24 of the\nJapanese Constitution\nstates that \"\nMarriage\nshall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes and it shall be maintained through mutual cooperation with the equal rights of husband and wife as a basis.\" Articles 731 to 737 of the\nJapanese Civil Code\nlimit marriage to heterosexual couples. Same-sex couples are not able to marry, and same-sex couples are not granted rights derived from marriage. Also,\nsame-sex marriages\nperformed abroad are not legally recognized in Japan and bi-national same-sex couples cannot obtain a visa for the foreign partner based on their relationship, though the Ministry of Justice does have a general rule of giving the discretionary \"designated activities\" visa to same-sex married spouses.\n[\n37\n]\nJapan and\nItaly\nare the only countries in the\nG7\nwhere same-sex marriages are not performed.\n[\n38\n]\nIn March 2009, Japan began allowing Japanese nationals to marry same-sex partners in countries where same-sex marriage is legal. The\nJustice Ministry\ninstructed local authorities to issue key certificates, which state that a person is single and of legal age, to individuals seeking to enter same-sex marriages in areas that legally allow it.\n[\n39\n]\nIn February 2015, the ward of\nShibuya\n(in Tokyo) announced plans to establish a partnership system that would recognize same-sex couples for situations such as hospital visits and shared renting of apartments. This procedure allows couples to get a \"proof of partnership\" paper, which does not have any weight under Japanese law but can help in, for instance, getting access to a partner who is ill and in hospital but institutions are under no legal obligation to respect the certificates.\n[\n40\n]\nThe Shibuya system is considered a significant step towards lesbian and gay partnership rights in Japan.\n[\n41\n]\nIn July 2015, Tokyo's\nSetagaya\nward announced that it would be joining Shibuya in recognizing same-sex partnerships from November of the same year.\n[\n42\n]\nSince then, over 400 municipalities have begun issuing partnership certificates, including highly populated\nYokohama\n,\nOsaka\n,\nSapporo\n,\nFukuoka\n,\nKyoto\n,\nKawasaki\n,\nSaitama\nand\nHiroshima\n,\n[\n43\n]\nas well as 30\nprefectures\n, including\nTokyo\n,\nIbaraki\n,\nOsaka\n,\nGunma\n,\n[\n44\n]\n[\n45\n]\nSaga\nand\nMie\n.\nOn 17 March 2021, a district court in Sapporo ruled that laws or regulations that deprive same-sex couples of the right to marry constitute unlawful discrimination and violate Article 14 of the\nConstitution of Japan\n. The court found that Article 24 does not prohibit the recognition of same-sex marriages. The ruling did not legalize same-sex marriage in Japan, but is likely to step up pressure on the\nNational Diet\nto act.\n[\n46\n]\nYasuhiko Watanabe, a law professor at Kyoto Sangyo University, stated that if Japan recognizes same-sex marriage, that would impact the whole of Asia, proving that it is allowed not only in Western societies.\n[\n47\n]\nOn 26 June 2022, a district court in Osaka brought down a conflicting ruling to the ruling from the previous year out of Sapporo. It ruled that a ban on same-sex marriage is not unconstitutional. The ruling did not change the legal status of same-sex marriage in Japan as it did not occur at a court with the power to set binding legal precedent. The plaintiffs have indicated plans to appeal the decision. Other similar court cases in other district courts in Tokyo, Nagoya and Fukuoka remain ongoing.\n[\n48\n]\nIn addition, the Tokyo metropolitan government recently\n[\nwhen?\n]\nannounced a plan, set to take effect in October, to accept registrations from same-sex couples seeking certificates of their partnerships. On 1 November, Tokyo finally implemented a legally recognised relationship registration scheme for same-sex couples.\n[\n49\n]\n[\n50\n]\nIn August 2023,\nWakayama Prefecture\nproposed to locally introduce Japan's partnership system for same-sex couples.\n[\n51\n]\nIn July 2022, Japanese video game company\nNintendo\nannounced its support for same-sex marriage and that it would recognize employees in same-sex partnerships as identical to opposite-sex marriages, in defiance of Japanese law.\n[\n52\n]\nThe company's policy has been described as a major action in Japan's increasing discussion on its same-sex marriage ban.\n[\n53\n]\nOn 17 December 2024, then Prime Minister \nShigeru Ishiba\nmade the following statement about same-sex marriage during a parliamentary session: \"I have met concerned individuals, and I can see that being together is the most precious thing to them. While there is no 'scale' for measuring the national happiness, I believe that fulfilling these deepest wishes would have a positive and beneficial impact on the overall well-being of Japan\".\n[\n54\n]\nSanae Takaichi\n, the\nPrime Minister of Japan\nand the\nPresident\nof the\nLiberal Democratic Party\n(LDP) since October 2025, opposes same-sex marriage.\n[\n55\n]\n[\n56\n]\n[\n57\n]\nDuring a government budget committee meeting in 2023, she called legalizing same-sex marriage an \"extremely difficult issue,\" though she added that \"there should be no prejudice against sexual orientation and gender identity\". In a subsequent statement during a campaign debate in September 2025, she told the audience she opposed same-sex marriage, adding that having a same-sex partner was \"fine\".\n[\n58\n]\nAdoption and parenting\n[\nedit\n]\nSame-sex couples are generally not allowed to legally adopt in Japan, though in some regions it is legally complicated. Lesbian couples and single women are unable to access IVF and\nartificial insemination\n.\n[\n59\n]\nIn December 2022, a \"very broad and comprehensive fertility bill\" was introduced in Japan - that explicitly and legally only allows heterosexual married women access to IVF treatment.\n[\n60\n]\nIn April 2017,\nOsaka\nofficially recognised a same-sex couple as foster parents, making it the first such case in Japan.\n[\n61\n]\n53 municipalities and Tokyo Metropolis have also established a \"partnership family system\" (\nパートナーシップ・ファミリーシップ制度\n,\npātonāshippu famirīshippu seido\n) as of April 2023. This system, which allows registered partners to optionally designate children in the household through the partnership oath system in a limited form of\nsecond-parent adoption\n, also recognises the children of same-sex couples, and allows partners to make medical decisions for their child, and to pick up their children at schools and kindergartens (whereas previously only the biological parent was allowed to pick up the child). The first to establish this system was\nAkashi, Hyōgo\nin January 2021 followed by\nTokushima\nin February 2021 and\nAdachi, Tokyo\nin April 2021.\n[\n62\n]\n[\n63\n]\n[\na\n]\nDiscrimination protections\n[\nedit\n]\nAs of 2021,\nsexual orientation\nand\ngender identity\nare not protected by national civil rights laws, which means that LGBTQ Japanese have few legal recourses when faced with discrimination in such areas as employment, education, housing, health care and banking.\n[\n64\n]\nAccording to a 2018 Dentsu Diversity Lab survey, more than 65% of questioned LGBTQ people said they had not come out to anyone at work or home.\n[\n65\n]\nThe Japanese Constitution promises equal rights and is interpreted to prohibit discrimination on all grounds. However, homosexual and transgender persons can experience physical, sexual and psychological violence at the hands of their opposite-sex or same-sex partners, but receive limited protection from the law. Same-sex partners are excluded from the\nAct on the Prevention of Spousal Violence and the Protection of Victims\n(\nJapanese\n:\n配偶者からの暴力の防止及び被害者の保護等に関する法律\n)\n[\nb\n]\nand generally lack safe places where they can seek help and support.\n[\n66\n]\nIn 2013,\nYodogawa-ku, Osaka\n, became the first Japanese government area to pass a resolution officiating support for LGBTQ inclusion, including mandating LGBTQ sensitivity training for ward staff.\n[\n67\n]\n[\n68\n]\n[\n69\n]\n[\n70\n]\nNaha\nfollowed suit in July 2015.\n[\n71\n]\nIn October 2018, the\nTokyo Metropolitan Assembly\npassed a law prohibiting all discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The law, which took effect in April 2019, also commits the Metropolitan Government to raise awareness of LGBTQ people and \"conduct measures needed to make sure human rights values are rooted in all corners of the city\". The law outlaws expressing\nhateful rhetoric\nin public.\n[\n72\n]\n[\n73\n]\nPrior to this, the wards of\nShibuya\nand\nSetagaya\nhad already passed explicit protections for LGBTQ people.\n[\n74\n]\n[\n75\n]\nIn December 2018, four political parties, the\nConstitutional Democratic Party of Japan\n, the\nDemocratic Party for the People\n, the\nJapanese Communist Party\n, and the\nLiberal Party\n, along with the support of several independents, introduced to the\nHouse of Representatives\na bill entitled the\nProposed Law on the Promotion of the Elimination of Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity\n(\nJapanese\n:\n性的指向又は性自認を理由とする差別の解消等の推進に関する法律案\n)\n[\nc\n]\nto prohibit discrimination, harassment and bullying at schools on the basis of sexual orientation.\n[\n76\n]\n[\n77\n]\nIn March 2019, legislation banning discrimination against \"sexual minorities\" was passed in\nIbaraki Prefecture\n.\n[\n78\n]\n[\n79\n]\nHuman Rights Watch\n, J-ALL (Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation) and\nAthlete Ally\nurged\nPrime Minister\nShinzo Abe\nto support legislation protecting\nLGBTQ\npeople against discrimination on the basis of gender and sexual orientation. On 17 April 2020, 96 human rights and LGBTQ organizations sent a letter to the Prime Minister calling for the passage of a non-discrimination law.\n[\n80\n]\nIn April 2022, legislation prohibiting discrimination among others sexual orientation and gender identity came into operation in\nAkita Prefecture\n.\n[\n81\n]\nEmployment discrimination\n[\nedit\n]\nWhile the\nEqual Employment Opportunity Law\n(\nJapanese\n:\n男女雇用機会均等法\n)\n[\nd\n]\nhas been revised several times over the years to address sex discrimination and harassment in the workplace, the government has refused to expand the law to address discrimination against gender or sexual identity.\n[\n82\n]\nThe\nTokyo Metropolitan Government\nhas passed legislation banning discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.\n[\n74\n]\nCompanies in Japan consisting of ten or more employees are required to establish work regulations. In January 2018, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare revised the Model Rules of Employment (モデル就業規則)\n[\ne\n]\nwhich \"stands as the example framework for work regulations\", to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and \"gender identification\".\n[\n75\n]\nArticle 15 reads:\n[\n83\n]\nIn addition to what are provided for from Article 12 to the preceding paragraph, employees are prohibited from any other forms of harassment at the workplace that are damaging to the work environment of other employees such as by way of speech or behaviour related to sexual orientation or gender identification.\nHousing discrimination\n[\nedit\n]\nIn 1991, the group\nOCCUR\n(Japan Association for the Lesbian and Gay Movement)\n[\n84\n]\nfiled a court case against the Tokyo government after being barred from using the \"Metropolitan House for Youth\" the previous year. OCCUR won the case in 1997. While the court ruling does not seem to have extended to other areas of government-sponsored discrimination, it is cited by the courts as a civil rights case.\n[\n74\n]\nSince autumn 2003, the Urban Renaissance Agency, the government agency that operates government housing has allowed same-sex couples to rent units the same way as heterosexual couples at any one of the over 300 properties that it operates. This opened the way for more such action, as the Osaka Government in September 2005 opened the doors of its government housing to same-sex couples.\n[\n85\n]\nIn February 2018, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare created provisions addressing discrimination in housing, stating that \"consideration must be taken to not deny lodging on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.\"\n[\n75\n]\nIn October 2020,\nThe Guardian\nreported that several Japanese\nlove hotels\nwere denying entry to same-sex couples for the sole reason of their sexual orientation, despite it being illegal since 2018 as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.\n[\n6\n]\nBullying in schools\n[\nedit\n]\nIn 2017, the Education Ministry added sexual orientation and gender identity to its national bullying policy.\n[\n74\n]\n[\n86\n]\nThe policy mandates that schools should prevent bullying of students based on their sexual orientation or gender identity by \"promoting proper understanding of teachers on … sexual orientation\/gender identity as well as making sure to inform on the school's necessary measures regarding this matter.\"\nIn January 2018, after a high-profile incident in 2015 in which a gay student at\nHitotsubashi University\ndied by suicide after being outed against his will, the city of\nKunitachi\npassed an \"anti-outing\" ordinance to promote understanding of LGBTQ people.\n[\n75\n]\nMie Prefecture\npassed a similar \"anti-outing\" law in March 2021.\n[\n87\n]\n[\n88\n]\nLGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act\n[\nedit\n]\nIn June 2019, after three years of consultations, a special committee of the ruling\nLiberal Democratic Party\n(LDP) announced the\nLGBT Understanding and Enhancement Bill\n, which aims to improve understanding of LGBTQ issues, would be introduced to the National Diet. However, LGBTQ rights activists criticized the bill for falling short by not mentioning\nsame-sex marriage\nor anti-discrimination protections.\n[\n89\n]\n[\n90\n]\nIn April 2021, the LDP announced it would pass the\nLGBT Understanding and Enhancement Bill\nduring the 204th National Diet session, set to end in June for the\n2020 Summer Olympics\nand\nParalympics\nin\nTokyo\n. The bill only requires the government to \"promote understanding of LGBT people\" and does not actually ban discrimination.\n[\n91\n]\nHowever, the bill was not enacted in 2021.\nOn 16 June 2023, the \"watered down\"\nprivate member's bill\non enhancement of LGBTQ understanding formally passed both houses of the\nNational Diet of Japan\nfor the\n49th G7 summit\nin\nHiroshima\n, with majority support from the\nLiberal Democratic Party\n,\nKomeito\n,\nNippon Ishin no Kai\nand\nDemocratic Party for the People\n.\n[\n92\n]\n[\n93\n]\n[\n94\n]\nThe\nAct on Enhancement of Public Understanding of Diversity in Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity\n(\nJapanese\n:\n性的指向及びジェンダーアイデンティティの多様性に関する国民の理解の増進に関する法律\n),\n[\nf\n]\nLGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act\n(\nJapanese\n:\nLGBT理解増進法\n)\n[\ng\n]\n(in short title) came into effect on 23 June 2023.\nPassage of the law on gender recognition\n[\nedit\n]\nIn 2003, a law was passed allowing transgender people to change their gender marker on legal documents. Approval required being over 18 years old, unmarried, undergoing\nsex reassignment surgery\n,\nsterilization\n(until 2023), and having no children under 18 (the majority age, which changed from 20 to 18 on 1 April 2022). The law, known as the\nAct on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder\n(\nJapanese\n:\n性同一性障害者の性別の取扱いの特例に関する法律\n)\n[\nh\n]\nor simply\nLaw 111\n, went into effect in July 2004,\n[\n95\n]\nand was upheld by the\nSupreme Court of Japan\nin January 2019.\n[\n96\n]\nBy that date, 7,000 persons had legally changed gender. The court wanted to prevent \"confusion\" within parent-child relations, as well as \"abrupt changes\" in Japanese society. Two of the\nmajority\njudges still issued a call for society to \"embrace the diversity of sexual identity\", also adding that the requirements were invasive and encouraged the National Diet to review them.\n[\n97\n]\nThe legislation has been the subject of criticism on the grounds that its pathologising terminology and restrictive conditions violate the human rights of transgender individuals.\n[\n98\n]\nSocio-cultural background\n[\nedit\n]\nYale University professor Karen Nakamura notes in a discussion held October 2015 that \"Japanese transgender activists present their gender identity as a disability in order to achieve more social and legal change in Japanese society\", employing the medical diagnostic term of \"gender identity disability\" (性同一性障害,\nseidoitsusei shougai\n), instead of \"gender identity disorder\", which is more common in English-medium materials. This in part arises from what Nakamura calls a \"translation fluke\"; shougai can be fluidly interpreted as (among other things) either \"disability\" or \"disorder\". According to Nakamura, this is because there is a strong protection in Japanese society and laws for disabled persons; therefore, identifying more as members of the disability community rather than the queer community has allowed transgender Japanese to assert their rights in law and society more strongly without social ostracization, more so than cisgender LGB Japanese.\n[\n99\n]\n[\n100\n]\nConflict of private international law\n[\nedit\n]\nEven though surgery is required as a condition to change one's registered gender in the Japanese courts, this only applies to Japanese nationals. Foreign nationals change their registered gender with the country of their nationality, then report the change to the Immigration Services Agency to be reflected on their residence card. This\nconflict of laws\ncan lead to bureaucratic breakdown.\nIn 2018, U.S. national and Aoyama Gakuin University lecturer\nElin McCready\nchanged her legal gender to female in the United States. After the change, municipal offices in the Meguro and Ota wards of Tokyo refused to recognize it, citing her subsisting marriage to Midori Morita-McCready, a Japanese national - which the legal gender recognition would make a same-sex marriage. This led them to pursue a lawsuit against the local and central governments. Their attorney, Toshimasa Yamashita, said that following the precedent set in the 2018 Sapporo court case on same-sex marriage, this refusal was unconstitutional.\n[\n101\n]\n[\n102\n]\nOn 24 February 2012, the Hyogo Lawyers' Association recommended that a transgender woman in a male prison be transferred to a female institution.\n[\n103\n]\nAccording to this report, she had been placed in a male institution because of her legal sex, despite having undergone sex reassignment surgery prior to her detention, and was not treated as a woman in any way. She was subject to body checks by male staff, had her hair shaved, and was denied feminine clothing.\nSince April 2018, transgender people have been covered for sex reassignment surgery as long as they are not receiving hormone treatment.\n[\n104\n]\nThe Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has also allowed transgender people to use their preferred names on their health insurance cards.\nIn June 2018, the Japanese Government enacted a new law lowering the age of majority in Japan from 20 to 18, which took effect on 1 April 2022. Among others, the new law sets the age of marriage at 18 for both men and women (previously women could marry at the age of 16) and allows 18-year-olds to obtain valid passports, credit cards, etc. The law also allowed people diagnosed with\ngender dysphoria\nand who have undergone irreversible sterilization to legally change their sex at the age of 18.\n[\n105\n]\nIn October 2020,\nHuman Rights Watch\nwrote a letter urging Japan officials to allow transgender women to enroll in public women's universities in the country.\n[\n106\n]\nOchanomizu University in Tokyo became the first public women's university in Japan to admit transgender women who had not changed their legal gender to 'female'.\n[\n107\n]\nIn January 2022, a transgender individual was arrested for \"using the wrong bathroom\" in\nOsaka\n. The Osaka Prefectural Police has declined to pursue charges, instead leaving that decision up to state prosecutors. Mikiya Nakatsuka, professor of health sciences at Okayama University and president of the Japanese Society of Gender Identity Disorder, stated that most transgender persons in Japan \"paid attention when they used toilets at public facilities so they [could] stay out of trouble\", and expressed concern that this single case would be applied erroneously to the wider transgender community, creating unwarranted prejudice and discrimination.\n[\n108\n]\n[\n109\n]\n2023 Supreme Court ruling\n[\nedit\n]\nIn October 2023, the Japanese Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the part of the 2003 law that requires sterilization before a change of sex or gender on an individual's\nfamily register\ncan be legally made was unconstitutional.\n[\n110\n]\nThe Supreme Court has asked a lower court to review the requirement to have \"genitalia that closely resemble the physical form of an alternative gender\".\n[\n111\n]\nGender reassignment surgery has been covered by insurance since 2018. However, hormone therapy is still not covered by insurance.\n[\n112\n]\nChildren aged 15 and over can receive hormone therapy in Japan with parental consent.\n[\n113\n]\nThe Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology (JSPN) published its updated guidelines in August 2024 on the treatment of gender dysphoria. The guidelines continued to recommend puberty suppression in trans patients, noting that it \"is medically self-evident that bodily features of the undesired sex will become permanent if\nAMAB\nindividuals who would require puberty suppression do not receive it\". However, they also asked doctors administering such treatment to report more detailed information on it going forward.\n[\n114\n]\n[\n112\n]\nGay and bisexual men are allowed to donate blood in Japan following a six-month abstinence from sex\n[\n115\n]\nwhile women and heterosexual men only need to wait six-months after being with a new partner of the opposite sex.\n[\n116\n]\nThe\nJapan Self-Defense Forces\n, when being asked about their policy toward people who are gay or lesbian following the U.S. debate during the\npresidency of Bill Clinton\n, answered that it was not an issue, and individuals within the forces indicated that as long as same-sex relations did not lead to fights or other trouble, there were few, if any, barriers to their inclusion in the armed services.\n[\n117\n]\nWhile representations of homosexuals in the Japanese media tend towards caricature on the basis of stereotypes of sexual or behavioral deviance (e.g. the actually straight\nHard Gay\n), there are several examples of transgender and non-binary celebrities in Japan such as\nHaruna Ai\n,\nKayo Satoh\n,\nAtaru Nakamura\n,\nKaba-chan\n,\nHikaru Utada\nand\nIkko\n. Several prominent musicians including Yoshinori Kanemoto and\nAyumi Hamasaki\nhave large LGBTQ fanbases as a result of their support for the LGBTQ community; among other activities, Hikaru Utada featured a gay teddybear called Kuma who she introduced as far back as 2010,\n[\n118\n]\nand Ayumi Hamasaki headlined at Tokyo's 2018 Pride festival (incidentally, Hamasaki starred in the LGBTQ-themed movie\nNagisa no Shindobaddo\nin the 1990s).\n[\n119\n]\nIn 2023,\nShinjiro Atae\ncame out as openly gay.\n[\n120\n]\nVarious celebrities have dedicated airtime on radios and podcasts to LGBTQ topics and supporting LGBTQ issues.\nSho Sakurai\nof\nArashi\nheld an interview with drag queens in 2015 in\nShinjuku Ni-chōme\nand was given the nickname \"Cherry Shoko in the Sky\".\n[\n121\n]\nMatsuko Deluxe\nis a famous and well-respected drag queen TV personality along the lines of Lily Savage (UK) and Dame Edna (Australia). The education specialist Naoki Ogi (more colloquially known by teachers across Japan by his nickname \"Ogimama\") has in past years given focus to LGBTQ issues in schools.\n[\n122\n]\nSupport for LGBTQ rights has been expressed by corporate executives and Olympic athlete\nDai Tamesue\n.\n[\n123\n]\nOne of famous Japanese director\nHirokazu Kore-eda\n's earliest movies, a documentary called \"August without Him\", released in 1994, follows Hirata Yutaka, the first openly gay\nAIDS\nsufferer in Japan. Filmed over a series of months, it contrasts his public life as an outspoken figure on the lecture circuit with his personal descent into illness and death.\nTokyo Rainbow Pride in 2016\nSapporo\nRainbow Pride in September 2019\nJapan's society and government are predominantly conservative.\n[\n7\n]\nMost political parties in Japan have formal positions in favor or against LGBTQ rights in their party's platform or manifesto. The\nLiberal Democratic Party\n(LDP) has indicated opposition to legalizing\nsame-sex marriage\n, whereas the\nConstitutional Democratic Party\n(CDP), the\nJapanese Communist Party\n(JCP), the\nJapan Innovation Party\n,\n[\n124\n]\nand the\nSocial Democratic Party\nhave indicated support for legalization.\n[\n125\n]\nIn a 2023 survey,\nPew Research Center\nestimated that nearly 70% of Japanese people support same-sex marriage, the highest percentage of acceptance out of the Asian countries surveyed.\n[\n24\n]\nIn 2001, the Council for Human Rights Promotion, under the Ministry of Justice, recommended that\nsexual orientation\nbe included in the nation's civil rights code, but the National Diet refused to adopt the recommendation.\nIn 2003,\nAya Kamikawa\nbecame the first openly\ntransgender\npolitician to be elected to public office in Japan, winning a seat on the Setagaya Ward Assembly. She initially ran as an independent but expressed support for the now-defunct\nRainbow and Greens\n.\n[\n126\n]\nIn 2005,\nKanako Otsuji\n, from the\nOsaka Prefectural Assembly\n(2003–2007), became the first openly gay politician in Japan, when she formally came out at the Tokyo Gay Pride Festival. She later briefly served on the\nHouse of Councillors\nin 2013. Following the\n2017 general election\n, Otsuji became the first openly lesbian member of the\nHouse of Representatives\n.\n[\n127\n]\nIn 2010,\nTokyo Governor\nShintaro Ishihara\nfaced international criticism for controversial comments he made, in which he said that gays and lesbians were \"deficient somehow. It may be attributed to something genetic. I feel sorry for them being a minority.\"\n[\n128\n]\nIn 2011,\nTaiga Ishikawa\nbecame the first openly gay man elected to office in Japan, winning a seat in the local assembly of\nToshima\nWard.\n[\n129\n]\nHe came out publicly in his book\nWhere Is My Boyfriend\n(2002), and started a non-profit organization that sponsors social events for gay men in Japan. At the\n2019 House of Councillors election\n, Ishikawa won a seat in the House of Councillors as a member of the CDP, the first openly gay man to do so.\n[\n130\n]\n[\n131\n]\nAfter his election, he vowed to legalize same-sex marriage and enact anti-discrimination laws within the six years of his term.\n[\n132\n]\n[\n133\n]\n[\n134\n]\nAt the\n2016 House of Councillors election\n, the conservative governing LDP included in its manifesto, that \"same-sex marriage is incompatible with the Constitution\".\n[\n135\n]\nHowever, it also included \"promoting understanding of sexual diversity\" in its platform, a move that would have been \"unthinkable\" in earlier times and that lawmaker\nGaku Hashimoto\nattributed in part to burnishing the country's international image in advance of the\n2020 Summer Olympics\nin Tokyo.\n[\n136\n]\nIn 2019, former Defense Minister\nTomomi Inada\nsaid she was unsure whether she would be able to introduce new legislation seeking greater tolerance of same-sex relationships amid opposition from her LDP colleagues. While Inada announced she wishes to \"promote understanding\" of LGBTQ people, she stated she is not trying to get Japan to legalize same-sex marriage or ban discrimination against LGBTQ citizens. Some LDP members have made controversial statements, such as\nKatsuei Hirasawa\nwho argued in a speech in February 2019 that the \"nation would collapse\" if everyone were gay. Another ruling party lawmaker,\nMio Sugita\n, published a magazine article in 2018 describing same-sex couples as \"unproductive\" because they do not have children.\n[\n137\n]\nIn March 2017,\nTomoya Hosoda\nwas elected to the\nIruma\nAssembly, in the prefecture of\nSaitama\n. Hosoda is believed to be the first openly transgender man elected to public office in the world.\n[\n138\n]\nDuring the country's\n2017 general election\n, Tokyo Governor\nYuriko Koike\n's newly launched\nParty of Hope\npledged the elimination of LGBTQ discrimination in its manifesto.\n[\n139\n]\nIn January 2019, trans woman Maria Akasaka became a member of the\nKameoka\nCity Assembly, in\nKyoto Prefecture\n.\n[\n140\n]\nIn April 2019, another trans woman,\nAyako Fuchigami\n, won a seat on the Hokkaido Prefectural Assembly representing\nSapporo\n's\nHigashi-ku\nward. She became the first openly transgender person to hold a prefectural assembly position in Japan.\n[\n141\n]\nIn June 2019, the CDP added introducing legislation aimed at ending discrimination against the LGBTQ community and legalising same-sex marriage to its party platform ahead of the\n2019 Japanese House of Councillors election\n.\n[\n142\n]\nIn May 2021, Japan's conservative governing LDP has been accused of violating the Olympic charter after it failed to approve a bill to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community, during discussions marred by homophobic outbursts from conservative MPs. Closed meetings held in May to discuss a bill, proposed by opposition parties, ended without agreement after some LDP MPs said the rights of sexual minorities had \"gone too far\". An unnamed lawmaker described LGBTQ people as \"morally unacceptable\", while another MP, Kazuo Yana, said sexual minorities were \"resisting the preservation of the species that occurs naturally in biological terms\", media reports said. The failure to back a proposed law to protect LGBTQ rights was condemned by human rights groups, which said the party deserved a \"gold medal for homophobia\".\n[\n143\n]\nIn July 2022, LGBTQ rights activists and supporters protested in front of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's headquarters after an intra-party panel meeting circulated a booklet claiming that \"homosexuality is a mental disease or addiction.\"\nThe text was packed with false information, including \"It's not the case that high suicide rates among LGBTQ people can be attributed to discrimination within society,\" and, \"We should not legitimatize the sexual lifestyles of sexual minorities as it will become a social problem which will destroy families and society.\"\n[\n144\n]\nIn 2023,\nPrime Minister\nFumio Kishida\nof the\nLiberal Democratic Party\nmet with LGBTQ groups in the\nPrime Minister's Official Residence\nand apologized for comments made by his former aide, Masayoshi Arai, based on\nhomophobia\nand anti-\nsame-sex marriage\n.\n[\n145\n]\nSame-sex sexual activity legal\n(Since 1882)\nEqual age of consent (16)\n(Since 1882)\nAnti-discrimination laws in employment\n\/\n(In\nTokyo\n,\nIbaraki\nand\nAkita\n)\nAnti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services\n\/\n(In Tokyo and Ibaraki)\nAnti-discrimination laws in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech)\nCivil unions\nSame-sex marriage\n(Ban declared unconstitutional in some lower courts)\n[\ni\n]\n[\n146\n]\nRecognition of same-sex couples\n\/\n(Several jurisdictions offer partnership certificates)\nStepchild adoption by same-sex couples\n\/\n(Some jurisdictions offer partnership certificates including identifying biological children of one partner)\nJoint adoption by same-sex couples\nLegal recognition of intersex people\nIntersex human rights\nLesbian, gay and bisexual people allowed to serve in the military\nTransgender people allowed to serve openly in the military\nRight to change legal gender\n(Since 2004; under certain restrictions: must undergo\nsurgery\n, be unmarried, and have no children under 18)\nGender self-identification\nLegal recognition of non-binary gender\nConversion therapy on minors banned\nAccess to IVF for lesbian couples\n[\n60\n]\n[\n147\n]\nCommercial surrogacy for gay male couples\n(Banned regardless of sexual orientation)\nMSM\nallowed to\ndonate blood\n\/\n(6-month deferral period)\nLGBTQ rights in Tokyo\nHuman rights in Japan\nSituation of homosexuals in the Japanese military (JSDF)\nLGBTQ rights in Asia\nLGBT and politics in Japan\n [\nja\n]\n^\nThe 50 other municipalities are\nKoga\n(July 2021),\nToyota\n(July 2021),\nIruma\n(September 2021),\nMiyoshi\n(September 2021),\nKawajima\n(October 2021),\nKōnosu\n(December 2021),\nSōja\n(December 2021),\nHannō\n(January 2022),\nHidaka\n(January 2022),\nTokorozawa\n(January 2022),\nMitoyo\n(January 2022),\nIchikawa\n(February 2022),\nAnan\n(April 2022),\nBungo-Ōno\n(April 2022),\nKan'onji\n(April 2022),\nKanuma\n(April 2022),\nKasaoka\n(April 2022),\nKasuya\n(April 2022),\nKosai\n(April 2022),\nMiyashiro\n(April 2022),\nOkazaki\n(April 2022),\nYoshimi\n(April 2022),\nTosashimizu\n(June 2022),\nTondabayashi\n(July 2022),\nOsaka\n(August 2022),\nIchinomiya\n(September 2022),\nToyoyama\n(September 2022),\nNaha\n(October 2022),\nToda\n(October 2022),\nIkeda\n(October 2022),\nSetagaya\n(November 2022),\nNagoya\n(December 2022),\nIchinoseki\n(December 2022),\nWako\n(January 2023),\nKomaki\n(February 2023),\nNagaoka\n(February 2023),\nRanzan\n(March 2023),\nKashiwa\n(March 2023),\nTakasago\n(April 2023),\nNamegawa\n(April 2023),\nAsaka\n(April 2023),\nKasukabe\n(April 2023),\nNiiza\n(April 2023),\nShiki\n(April 2023),\nNachikatsuura\n(April 2023),\nMaibara\n(April 2023),\nKaizu\n(April 2023),\nMatsudo\n(April 2023),\nChiba\n(April 2023),\nSapporo\n(April 2023) and\nMorioka\n(May 2023).\n[\n62\n]\n^\nRōmaji\n:\nhaigūsha kara no bōryoku no bōshi oyobi higaisha no hogo tō ni kansuru hōritsu\n^\nRōmaji\n:\nseiteki shikō mata wa sei jinin o riyū to suru sabetsu no kaishō tō no suishin ni kansuru houritsu an\n^\nRōmaji:\ndanjo koyō kikai kintō hō\n^\nRōmaji:\nmoderu shūgyō kisoku\n^\nRōmaji\n:\nseiteki shikō oyobi gender identity no tayōsei ni kansuru kokumin no rikai no zōshin ni kansuru hōritsu\n^\nRōmaji\n:\nLGBT rikai zōshin hō\n^\nRōmaji:\nseidōitsusei shōgaisha no seibetsu no toriatsukai no tokurei ni kansuru hōritsu\n^\nArticle 24 of the\nJapanese Constitution\ndescribes marriage in heteronormative phrasing.\n^\n\"ILGA State sponsored homophobia 2008.doc\"\n(PDF)\n.\nIlga.org\n. Archived from\nthe original\n(PDF)\non 6 March 2009\n. Retrieved\n20 January\n2011\n.\n^\nLee, Michelle; Inuma, Julia.\n\"Japan is hostile for LGBTQ people, but attitudes are shifting. Slowly\"\n.\nThe Washington Post\n. Retrieved\n7 August\n2023\n.\n^\nMcCurry, Justin (8 June 2023).\n\"Japan court falls short of calling same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional\"\n.\nThe Guardian\n.\n^\nJoplin, Kat (10 December 2023).\n\"Politics and pageantry for Japan's LGBTQ community in 2023\"\n.\nThe Japan Times\n. Retrieved\n10 December\n2023\n.\n^\n\"H-Net Reviews\"\n. H-net.org. May 2000\n. Retrieved\n16 June\n2014\n.\n^\na\nb\nJustin McCurry (30 October 2020).\n\"Japan's 'love hotels' accused of anti-gay discrimination\"\n. The Guardian.\n^\na\nb\nKhalil, Shaimaa (2 October 2023).\n\"Marriage equality eludes Japan's same-sex couples\"\n.\nBBC\n. Retrieved\n3 October\n2023\n.\n^\n日本放送協会.\n\"同性婚認めないのは違憲の初判断 国への賠償は退ける 札幌地裁\"\n.\nNHK政治マガジン\n(in Japanese)\n. Retrieved\n27 February\n2023\n.\n^\n日本放送協会.\n\"同性婚認めないのは憲法違反 違憲判断は全国2件目 名古屋地裁\"\n.\nNHK NEWS WEB\n(in Japanese)\n. Retrieved\n16 October\n2023\n.\n{{\ncite web\n}}\n:  CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (\nlink\n)\n^\n日本放送協会.\n\"\n\"同性婚 認められないのは憲法に違反せず\" 大阪地裁 | NHK\"\n.\nNHKニュース\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 20 June 2022\n. Retrieved\n27 February\n2023\n.\n^\n日本放送協会.\n\"同性婚 法制度ないのは違憲状態も憲法には違反せず 東京地裁 | NHK\"\n.\nNHKニュース\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 30 November 2022\n. Retrieved\n27 February\n2023\n.\n^\n\"Japan court rules same-sex marriage ban constitutional, but advocates hold out hope\"\n. The Japan Times. 30 November 2022\n. Retrieved\n24 February\n2023\n.\n^\nLies, Elaine (8 June 2023).\n\"Japan ruling on same-sex marriage disappoints but 'a step forward'\n\"\n.\nReuters\n. Retrieved\n15 November\n2023\n.\nA Japanese court on Thursday said a ban on same-sex marriage was constitutional\n^\n\"\n\"Legislation of same-sex marriage is essential\" to promote understanding of LGBTQ people: Second lawsuit argument at Tokyo District Court\"\n.\n東京新聞 TOKYO Web\n. Retrieved\n28 September\n2023\n.\n^\nSam Shoushi (25 March 2008).\n\"Japan and Sexual Minorities | ヒューライツ大阪\"\n. Hurights.or.jp\n. Retrieved\n16 June\n2014\n.\n^\n\"The Global Divide on Homosexuality Persists\"\n. Pew Research Center. 25 June 2020\n. Retrieved\n18 April\n2021\n.\n^\nLies, Elaine; Pomfret, James (31 August 2023).\n\"More LGBTQ rights could help Asia financial hubs draw global talent\"\n.\nReuters\n. Retrieved\n31 August\n2023\n.\n^\nCondon, Ali (16 October 2023).\n\"Japan: Family court rules it's unconstitutional to require surgery for gender change\"\n.\nPinkNews\n. Retrieved\n16 October\n2023\n.\n^\n\"Japan's top court strikes down required sterilization surgery to officially change gender\"\n.\nAssociated Press News\n. 25 October 2023.\n^\n\"Archived copy\"\n(PDF)\n. Archived from\nthe original\n(PDF)\non 16 November 2013\n. Retrieved\n14 October\n2013\n.\n{{\ncite web\n}}\n:  CS1 maint: archived copy as title (\nlink\n)\n^\n\"12 pictures of Tokyo Pride which will make your day\"\n. 8 May 2017\n. Retrieved\n8 April\n2018\n.\n^\nChisaki Watanabe (29 November 2015).\n\"Majority of Japanese Support Same-Sex Marriage, Poll Shows - Bloomberg Business\"\n. Bloomberg.com\n. Retrieved\n27 December\n2015\n.\n^\n\"Survey: 78% of Japanese in 20s to 50s favor legal gay marriages\"\n. The Asahi Shimbun. 28 January 2019. Archived from\nthe original\non 11 June 2022\n. Retrieved\n27 April\n2022\n.\n^\na\nb\nGubbala, Sneha; Poushter, Jacob; Huang, Christine (27 November 2023).\n\"How people around the world view same-sex marriage\"\n.\nPew Research Center\n. Retrieved\n28 November\n2023\n.\n^\n\"38% of LGBT people in Japan sexually harassed or assaulted: survey\"\n. Kyodo News. 27 December 2020.\n^\n\"UN votes to renew LGBTQ+ expert's mandate just after the US withdrew from Human Rights Council\"\n.\nlgbtqnation.com\n. Retrieved\n8 July\n2025\n.\n^\nRoy, Deblina (June 2019).\n\"Homosexuality and Mythology\"\n.\nIndian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture\n.\n5\n(1): 60\n. Retrieved\n17 April\n2023\n.\n^\nChilds, Margaret (1980). \"Chigo Monogatari: Love Stories or Buddhist Sermons?\".\nMonumenta Nipponica\n. Sophia University.\n35\n: 127–51.\ndoi\n:\n10.2307\/2384336\n.\n^\nPflugfelder, Gregory M. (1997).\nCartographies of desire: male–male sexuality in Japanese discourse, 1600–1950\n. University of California Press. p. 26, 39–42, 75, 70-71, 252,\n^\na\nb\nFurukawa, Makoto. The Changing Nature of Sexuality: The Three Codes Framing Homosexuality in Modern Japan. pp. 99, 100, 108, 112.\n^\nLeupp, Gary (1997).\nMale Colors: The Construction of Homosexuality in Tokugawa Japan\n. University of California Press.\nISBN\n \n978-0-520-91919-8\n., p. 26, 32, 53, 69-78, 88, 90- 92, 95-97, 102, 132-135.\n^\nKinkade, Tyler; Endo, Shunpei (2021).\n\"LGBT who? Crosslinguistic influence in sociosexual and gender literacy\"\n(PDF)\n.\nGender Awareness in Language Education Journal\n.\n13\n: 9. Archived from\nthe original\n(PDF)\non 8 May 2021\n. Retrieved\n18 March\n2021\n.\n^\n\"Intersections: Male Homosexuality and Popular Culture in Modern Japan\"\n.\nintersections.anu.edu.au\n. Retrieved\n8 April\n2018\n.\n^\nFian, Andi (2 December 2022).\n\"BUDDHISM AND CONFUCIANISM ON HOMOSEXUALITY: THE ACCEPTANCE AND REJECTION BASED ON THE ARGUMENTS OF RELIGIOUS TEXTS\"\n.\nJournal of Religious Studies\n.\n3\n(2). Sekolah Pascasarjana, Universitas Gadjah Mada: Center for Religious and Cross-cultural Studies (CRCS):\n73–\n82 – via Phil.\n^\n\"H-Net Reviews\"\n. H-net.org. Archived from\nthe original\non 27 June 2007\n. Retrieved\n20 January\n2011\n.\n^\n\"Japan raises age of consent from 13 to 16 in reform of sex crimes law\"\n.\nThe Guardian\n. Agence France-Presse. 16 June 2023\n. Retrieved\n7 November\n2023\n.\n^\n\"The Violations of the Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Persons in Japan\"\n(PDF)\n.\nGlobal Rights\n. October 2008. Archived from\nthe original\n(PDF)\non 30 December 2010\n. Retrieved\n12 January\n2015\n.\n^\nMcCurry, Justin (2 April 2023).\n\"\n'It's like we don't exist': Japan faces pressure to allow same-sex marriage\"\n.\nThe Guardian\n. Retrieved\n6 December\n2023\n.\n^\n\"Japan to allow its citizens same-sex marriage - with foreign partners\"\n.\nwww.fridae.asia\n. Retrieved\n25 June\n2019\n.\n^\nMcCurry, Justin (5 November 2015).\n\"Same-sex couple receives Japan's first 'partnership' certificate\"\n.\nThe Guardian\n.\nISSN\n \n0261-3077\n. Retrieved\n12 November\n2019\n.\n^\nFackler, Martin (12 February 2015).\n\"District in Tokyo Plans to Extend Rights of Gay Couples\"\n.\nThe New York Times\n.\n^\n\"Tokyo's Setagaya Ward to begin legally recognizing same-sex partnerships\"\n.\nEn.riocketnews24.com\n. 30 July 2015\n. Retrieved\n21 July\n2017\n.\n^\n\"LGBTパートナー認定、群馬・大泉町が来月導入\"\n.\n日本経済新聞 電子版\n. 26 December 2018.\n^\nSteger, Isabella (24 June 2019).\n\"For the first time, same-sex couples will be recognized by a Japanese prefecture\"\n.\nQuartz\n.\n^\n\"「大阪府パートナーシップ宣誓証明制度」を開始します\"\n.\n大阪府\n(in Japanese). Archived from\nthe original\non 19 January 2020\n. Retrieved\n16 January\n2020\n.\n^\n\"Japan court finds same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional\"\n.\nBBC News\n. 17 March 2021\n. Retrieved\n18 March\n2021\n.\n^\n\"LGBT+ rights in Asia: Small steps forward and big steps back\"\n.\nNikkei Asia\n. Retrieved\n22 July\n2022\n.\n^\n\"Japanese court upholds ban on same-sex marriage\"\n.\nBBC News\n. 20 June 2022\n. Retrieved\n28 June\n2022\n.\n^\nBollinger, Alex (4 November 2022).\n\"Same-sex couples in Tokyo can now get domestic partnerships\"\n.\nLGBTQ Nation\n. Retrieved\n27 November\n2022\n.\n^\n\"Japan court says ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional\"\n.\nNPR\n. Associated Press. 20 June 2022\n. Retrieved\n1 July\n2022\n.\n^\n\"Wakayama Prefecture partnership system to be introduced within this fiscal year\"\n.\nNHK\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 29 August 2023\n. Retrieved\n29 August\n2023\n.\n^\n\"Nintendo Japan Recognizes Same-Sex Marriages, in Defiance of Country's Laws\"\n.\nVariety\n. 13 July 2022\n. Retrieved\n29 February\n2024\n.\n^\n\"Why Nintendo's support for same-sex marriage is a major level up\"\n.\nThe Japan Times\n. 6 August 2022\n. Retrieved\n29 February\n2024\n.\n^\n\"Ishiba expresses sympathy for same-sex couples but no legal step\"\n.\nreuters.com\n. Retrieved\n17 December\n2024\n.\n^\nYamaguchi, Mari (4 October 2025).\n\"Sanae Takaichi elected as new leader of Japan's ruling party, likely to become 1st female PM\"\n.\nPBS\n.\nAssociated Press\n. Retrieved\n4 October\n2025\n.\n^\nKhalil, Shaimaa (4 October 2025).\n\"Sanae Takaichi set to become Japan's first female prime minister\"\n.\nBBC News\n. Tokyo\n. Retrieved\n4 October\n2025\n.\n^\nMcCurry, Justin (4 October 2025).\n\"Sanae Takaichi: the new leader of Japan's Liberal Democratic party who cites Thatcher as an influence\"\n.\nThe Guardian\n. Tokyo\n. Retrieved\n4 October\n2025\n.\n^\n\"Japan's First Female Prime Minister: Gays Are \"Fine\" But No Same-Sex Marriage\"\n.\nthem.us\n. Retrieved\n21 October\n2025\n.\n^\n\"Making LGBT Families a Possibility in Japan\"\n. 7 March 2016\n. Retrieved\n8 April\n2018\n.\n^\na\nb\n\"Proposed Japanese Fertility Law Discriminates Against Lesbians, Single Women\"\n. 6 December 2022.\n^\n\"Osaka the first city in Japan to certify gay couple as foster parents\"\n. 6 April 2017. Archived from\nthe original\non 3 August 2019\n. Retrieved\n8 April\n2018\n– via Japan Times Online.\n^\na\nb\n\"リスト：同性パートナーシップ証明制度を導入している／導入予定の自治体\"\n.\noutjapan.co.jp\n(in Japanese).\n^\n\"パートナーシップ制度一覧 | みんなのパートナーシップ制度\"\n.\nみんなのパートナーシップ制度 | 日本全国の最新の普及率・制度内容が分かる\n(in Japanese)\n. Retrieved\n23 April\n2023\n.\n^\n\"Gay scene: Tolerance, legal limbo\". Jun Hongo. Japan Times. Tuesday, 23 Dec. 2000\n^\nFabre, Olivier (19 June 2019).\n\"Liberal Democratic Party and tradition may stymie push for same-sex marriage in Japan\"\n.\nThe Japan Times\n.\n^\n\"Japan: Governor Should Retract Homophobic Comments | Human Rights Watch\"\n. Hrw.org. 1 February 2011\n. Retrieved\n16 June\n2014\n.\n^\nPreston Phro (6 September 2013).\n\"Osaka ward first governmental body in Japan to officially declare support for LGBT community\"\n. RocketNews24. Archived from\nthe original\non 30 December 2017\n. Retrieved\n11 September\n2013\n.\n^\nNikkei (2 September 2013).\n\"大阪市淀川区がLGBT支援宣言 (Yodogawa-ku passes LGBT support declaration)\"\n. GladXX.\n^\nAndrew Potts (11 September 2013).\n\"Osaka district becomes first Japanese government area to support LGBT inclusion\"\n. Gay Star News. Archived from\nthe original\non 6 April 2019\n. Retrieved\n11 September\n2013\n.\n^\n\"Yodogawa ward office LGBT support declaration\"\n. Yodogawa-ku Municipal website. 1 September 2013.\n^\n\"Naha city makes LGBT City Support Declaration\"\n. Retrieved\n8 April\n2018\n.\n^\nTokyo: New Law Bars LGBT Discrimination\n.\nHuman Rights Watch\n, 5 October 2018\n^\nTokyo adopts ordinance banning discrimination against LGBT community\n.\nThe Japan Times\n, 5 October 2018\n^\na\nb\nc\nd\n\"Japan - Out Leadership\"\n. Retrieved\n8 April\n2018\n.\n^\na\nb\nc\nd\n\"2018 LGBT News in Japan Roundup\"\n. Nijiiro News. 3 January 2019. Archived from\nthe original\non 27 April 2019\n. Retrieved\n8 February\n2019\n.\n^\n\"野党５党1会派がLGBT差別解消法案を衆院に提出\"\n.\n立憲民主党\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 31 March 2019\n. Retrieved\n1 January\n2019\n.\n^\n\"●性的指向又は性自認を理由とする差別の解消等の推進に関する法律案\"\n.\nwww.shugiin.go.jp\n.\n^\nパートナーシップ導入へ条例改正案可決 茨城県議会\n.\nThe Sankei News\n(in Japanese). 25 March 2019. Archived from\nthe original\non 30 March 2019\n. Retrieved\n5 April\n2019\n.\n^\n茨城、ＬＧＢＴ差別禁止を明文化 男女参画条例を改正\n.\nHokkaido Shimbun\n(in Japanese). 25 March 2019.\n[\npermanent dead link\n]\n^\n\"Japan: Introduce LGBT Non-Discrimination Law\"\n.\nHuman Rights Watch\n. Retrieved\n14 May\n2020\n.\n^\n\"県の多様性条例施行 性的指向など差別禁止\"\n(in Japanese). 朝日新聞. 2 April 2022\n. Retrieved\n5 April\n2022\n.\n^\n\"Archived copy\"\n(PDF)\n. Archived from\nthe original\n(PDF)\non 19 March 2012\n. Retrieved\n13 November\n2010\n.\n{{\ncite web\n}}\n:  CS1 maint: archived copy as title (\nlink\n)\n^\n\"Rules of Employment (sample)\"\n(PDF)\n.\n^\n\"NPO法人アカー（OCCUR）\"\n.\nOccur.or.jp\n. Retrieved\n21 July\n2017\n.\n^\n\"Kampf um das soziale Ordnungsgefüge - Webcat Plus\"\n.\nWebcatplus.nii.ac.jp\n(in Japanese)\n. Retrieved\n21 July\n2017\n.\n^\n\"Japan: Anti-Bullying Policy to Protect LGBT Students\"\n. 24 March 2017\n. Retrieved\n8 April\n2018\n.\n^\n\"A Japanese region has made it illegal to out someone as LGBT+\"\n.\nGay Star News\n. 10 June 2020. Archived from\nthe original\non 18 August 2021\n. Retrieved\n10 June\n2020\n.\n^\n\"Japan's Mie Prefecture Enacts Ordinance Banning Outing\"\n.\nNippon.com\n. 23 March 2021. Archived from\nthe original\non 23 March 2021\n. Retrieved\n11 April\n2021\n.\n^\nGlauert, Rik (26 June 2019).\n\"Japan's ruling party reveals draft 'LGBT understanding' bill\"\n.\nGay Star News\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 15 August 2019\n. Retrieved\n16 August\n2019\n.\n^\n\"\n\"LGBT bill\" at the Liberal Democratic Party to be submitted to the next Diet session\"\n.\nTV Asahi\n. 25 June 2019.\n^\n\"Panel of Japan's ruling LDP to seek early passage of law on LGBT understanding\"\n.\nThe Japan Times\n. 9 April 2021. Archived from\nthe original\non 9 July 2021\n. Retrieved\n10 June\n2021\n.\n^\n\"Japan passes watered-down LGBT understanding bill\"\n.\nCNN\n. 16 June 2023\n. Retrieved\n12 October\n2023\n.\n^\n\"Japan's parliament passes watered-down LGBTQ understanding bill\"\n.\nThe Japan Times\n. 16 June 2023\n. Retrieved\n12 October\n2023\n.\n^\n\"Watered-down LGBTQ 'understanding' bill shows how far Japan's parliament is out of step with its society – and history\"\n.\nThe Conversation\n. 17 June 2023\n. Retrieved\n12 October\n2023\n.\n^\n\"Japan: Human Rights Violation against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Persons\"\n(PDF)\n.\nILGA\n. April 2012. Archived from\nthe original\n(PDF)\non 5 September 2021\n. Retrieved\n12 May\n2020\n.\n^\nJackman, Josh (24 January 2019).\n\"Japan's Supreme Court rules transgender people still have to get sterilised · PinkNews\"\n.\nwww.pinknews.co.uk\n. Retrieved\n12 June\n2019\n.\n^\n\"Sterilization rule for changing gender upheld in Japan\"\n.\nCNN\n. 25 January 2019.\n^\nKawasaka, Kazuyoshi; Würrer, Stefan, eds. (2024).\nBeyond Diversity: Queer Politics, Activism, and Representation in Contemporary Japan\n. Düsseldorf University Press. p. 5.\ndoi\n:\n10.1515\/9783110767995\n.\nISBN\n \n9783110767995\n.\n^\n\"Yale Professor Nakamura discusses Japanese transgender identity and disability\"\n.\nThe Georgetown Voice\n. 23 October 2015\n. Retrieved\n23 July\n2021\n.\n^\nNakamura, Karen (n.d.).\n\"Trans\/Disability: Disability, Queer Sexualities, and Transsexuality from a Comparative Ethnographic Perspective (トランス／ディサビリティー： 比較人類学視点から見る現代の障害者運動 、クイアーセクシュアリティ、と性同一性障害運動)\"\n(PDF)\n. Archived from\nthe original\n(PDF)\non 28 September 2020\n. Retrieved\n23 July\n2021\n.\n^\n\"After gender change, a bureaucratic brick wall in Japan\"\n.\nFrance 24\n. 19 February 2019\n. Retrieved\n11 January\n2022\n.\n^\nOsumi, Magdalena (21 June 2021).\n\"Couple sues Japanese government for not recognizing gender transition\"\n.\nThe Japan Times\n. Retrieved\n11 January\n2022\n.\n^\n\"Hygo\"\n. Retrieved\n8 April\n2018\n.\n^\n\"Japan's social security net for transgender people improving but obstacles loom for seniors\"\n. 14 June 2018. Archived from\nthe original\non 25 April 2019\n. Retrieved\n25 June\n2019\n– via Japan Times Online.\n^\nComing of age: Why adults in Japan are getting younger\n,\nBBC News\n, 13 June 2018\n^\n\"Human Rights Watch Letter to Japanese Authorities Re: Trans University Students\"\n.\nHuman Rights Watch\n. 20 October 2020.\n^\n\"Japan's Women's Universities start accepting transgender students\"\n. 7 July 2020.\n^\nBollinger, Alex.\n\"Police refer trans woman to prosecutors for using women's bathroom\"\n.\nLGBTQ Nation\n. Retrieved\n1 February\n2022\n.\n^\n\"Transgender woman referred to prosecutors for using women's washroom in Osaka\"\n.\nThe Japan Times\n. 7 January 2022\n. Retrieved\n11 January\n2022\n.\n^\n\"Supreme Court hands down landmark decision on transgender rights\"\n.\nThe Japan Times\n. 25 October 2023\n. Retrieved\n26 October\n2023\n.\n^\n\"Victory for Transgender Rights in Japan | Human Rights Watch\"\n. 25 October 2023\n. Retrieved\n26 October\n2023\n.\n^\na\nb\n\"性別不合に関する診断と治療のガイドライン｜公益社団法人 日本精神神経学会\"\n.\nwww.jspn.or.jp\n. Retrieved\n28 September\n2024\n.\n^\n\"性別不合に関する診断と治療のガイドライン (第 5 版)\"\n(PDF)\n.\nThe Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology\n. August 2024. pp. \n16–\n18.\n^\n\"性別不合に関する診断と治療のガイドライン (第 5 版)\"\n(PDF)\n.\nThe Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology\n. August 2024. pp. \n16–\n18.\n^\nエイズ、肝炎などのウイルス保有者、またはそれと疑われる方\n(in Japanese). Japanese Red Cross Society\n. Retrieved\n14 June\n2016\n.\n... 輸血を必要とする患者さんへの感染を防ぐため、過去6カ月間に下記に該当する方は、献血をご遠慮いただいています。... 男性どうしの性的接触があった。 (Translation: To prevent infecting patients requiring blood transfusion, those who match any of the following within the last six months should refrain from donating blood. ... Sexual contact between two males.)\n^\nエイズ、肝炎などのウイルス保有者、またはそれと疑われる方\n(in Japanese). Japanese Red Cross Society\n. Retrieved\n14 June\n2016\n.\n... 輸血を必要とする患者さんへの感染を防ぐため、過去6カ月間に下記に該当する方は、献血をご遠慮いただいています。... 不特定の異性または新たな異性との性的接触があった。 (Translation: To prevent infecting patients requiring blood transfusion, those who match any of the following within the last six months should refrain from donating blood. ... Sexual contact with an unspecified member of the opposite sex or a new member of the opposite sex.)\n^\n\"Archived copy\"\n(PDF)\n. Archived from\nthe original\n(PDF)\non 10 November 2013\n. Retrieved\n20 November\n2011\n.\n{{\ncite web\n}}\n:  CS1 maint: archived copy as title (\nlink\n)\n^\n\"20 Japanese Celebrities Who Have Shown Support for the LGBTQ Community\"\n. Arama! Japan. 2018\n. Retrieved\n7 January\n2020\n.\n^\nBradley Stern (7 May 2018).\n\"Ayumi Hamasaki, Gay Icon, Performs at 2018 Tokyo Rainbow Pride\"\n. Retrieved\n7 January\n2020\n.\n^\nDaw, Stephen (26 July 2023).\n\"J-Pop Star Shinjiro Atae Comes Out as Gay During Fan Event\"\n.\nBillboard\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 26 July 2023\n. Retrieved\n26 July\n2023\n.\n^\nAnonymous (21 April 2015).\n\"Sakurai Sho Reveals That He Wants to Get Married; Wotas Upset\"\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 21 January 2020\n. Retrieved\n7 January\n2020\n.\n^\nSekawa, Kaori (2 May 2016).\n\"尾木ママ「学校で必ずLGBTを教えています」 東京レインボープライド2016開幕\"\n.\nHuffpost Japan\n. Retrieved\n7 January\n2020\n.\n^\nSnow, Nancy (30 September 2017).\n\"Japan's race for the LGBT gold in Asia\"\n.\nJapan Today\n. Retrieved\n16 October\n2017\n.\n^\n\"日本維新の会の国会議員の皆さまと同性婚に関するオンラインでの意見交換勉強会を開催しました！\"\n.\n結婚の自由をすべての人に - Marriage for All Japan -\n(in Japanese). 9 February 2022\n. Retrieved\n11 March\n2022\n.\n^\nInada, Miho (20 September 2013).\n\"Same-Sex Marriage in Japan: A Long Way Away? - Japan Real Time - WSJ\"\n. Blogs.wsj.com\n. Retrieved\n16 June\n2014\n.\n^\n\"Setagaya OKs transsexual's election bid\"\n.\nThe Japan Times News\n. 21 April 2003.\n^\n\"Japan's Only Openly Gay Lawmaker Says Same-Sex Marriage Will Take Years\"\n.\nBloomberg\n. 8 December 2017.\n^\nKambayashi, Takehiko (26 July 2017).\n\"LGBT politicians in Japan seek to promote awareness, secure rights\"\n.\nDPA International\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 17 August 2019\n. Retrieved\n17 August\n2019\n.\n^\n\"Taiga Ishikawa is Japan's first openly gay elected official\"\n. Tokyomango.com. 9 May 2011. Archived from\nthe original\non 26 April 2012\n. Retrieved\n16 June\n2014\n.\n^\n\"Gay politician wins Upper House seat with LGBT support\"\n.\nThe Asahi Shimbun\n. 22 July 2019. Archived from\nthe original\non 14 February 2020\n. Retrieved\n25 July\n2019\n.\n^\nDaniel Reynolds (23 July 2019).\n\"Japan's First Out Gay Lawmaker Vows Same-Sex Marriage 'Will Happen'\n\"\n.\nThe Advocate\n.\n^\nDamshenas, Sam (25 July 2019).\n\"Japan's first openly gay male member of parliament vows to legalise same-sex marriage\"\n.\nGay Times\n.\n^\nNavlakha, Meera (24 July 2019).\n\"Japan's First Openly Gay Parliament Member Promises to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage\"\n.\nVice News\n.\n^\nWakefield, Lily (24 July 2019).\n\"Japan elects gay lawmaker who is 'sure' marriage equality will happen\"\n.\nPink News\n.\n^\nFabre, Olivier (19 June 2019).\n\"Liberal Democratic Party and tradition may stymie push for same-sex marriage in Japan\"\n. Retrieved\n25 June\n2019\n– via Japan Times Online.\n^\n\"Japan's conservative ruling party cites 'gay rights' in manifesto in bid to burnish image overseas\"\n.\nSouth China Morning Post\n. 7 July 2016\n. Retrieved\n7 October\n2017\n.\n^\n\"Tomomi Inada's uphill battle to 'promote understanding' of LGBT issues in Japan\"\n.\nThe Japan Times\n. 21 March 2019.\n^\n\"Japan becomes first country in the world to elect transgender man to a public office\"\n.\nIndependent.co.uk\n. 18 March 2017\n. Retrieved\n8 April\n2018\n.\n^\nReynolds, Isabel; Nobuhiro, Emi (6 October 2017).\n\"Japan's Opposition Unveils 'Yurinomics' Platform to Challenge Abe\"\n.\nBloomberg\n. Retrieved\n6 October\n2017\n.\n^\n坂田奈央 (11 February 2019).\n\"ＬＧＢＴ 気軽に言える環境づくりを 京都・亀岡市議選トップ当選 赤坂マリアさん\"\n.\nTokyo Shimbun\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 14 February 2019\n. Retrieved\n18 April\n2019\n.\n^\n\"Japan's first transgender prefectural assembly member elected in Hokkaido\"\n.\nMainichi Shimbun\n. 9 April 2019\n. Retrieved\n10 April\n2019\n.\n^\n\"Constitutional Democrats unveil campaign promises - NHK WORLD-JAPAN News\"\n.\nNHK WORLD\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 24 June 2019\n. Retrieved\n25 June\n2019\n.\n^\n\"Japan's ruling party accused of violating Olympic charter over LGBT rights\"\n.\nThe Guardian\n. 24 May 2021\n. Retrieved\n24 May\n2021\n.\n^\n\"LDP panel booklet calling homosexuality a 'mental disease' sparks backlash in Japan\"\n.\nMainichi Daily News\n. 7 July 2022.\n^\n\"Japan PM apologizes to LGBTQ activists over ex-aide's remark - The former aide told reporters this month that he wouldn't want to live next to LGBTQ people and claimed citizens would flee Japan if gays could marry\"\n.\nNBC News\n. 18 February 2023.\n^\n\"Japan's refusal to recognize same-sex marriage in law is unconstitutional, a court finds\"\n.\nAP News\n. 7 March 2025\n. Retrieved\n13 March\n2025\n.\n^\n\"Japan hospital denies LGBTQ woman support for IVF pregnancy\"\n.\nThe Japan Times\n. Retrieved\n7 November\n2023\n.\nLGBT Students Bullied in Japan\non\nYouTube\n.\nHuman Rights Watch\n(8 July 2016)\nNational Public Radio - Japan court says ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional","attrs_markdown":"[Jump to content](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#bodyContent)\n\nMain menu\n\nMain menu\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nNavigation\n\n- [Main page](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page \"Visit the main page [z]\")\n- [Contents](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contents \"Guides to browsing Wikipedia\")\n- [Current events](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portal:Current_events \"Articles related to current events\")\n- [Random article](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:Random \"Visit a randomly selected article [x]\")\n- [About Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:About \"Learn about Wikipedia and how it works\")\n- [Contact us](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contact_us \"How to contact Wikipedia\")\n\nContribute\n\n- [Help](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Contents \"Guidance on how to use and edit Wikipedia\")\n- [Learn to edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Introduction \"Learn how to edit Wikipedia\")\n- [Community portal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Community_portal \"The hub for editors\")\n- [Recent changes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:RecentChanges \"A list of recent changes to Wikipedia [r]\")\n- [Upload file](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:File_upload_wizard \"Add images or other media for use on Wikipedia\")\n- [Special pages](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:SpecialPages \"A list of all special pages [q]\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/icons\/enwiki-25.svg) ![Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/mobile\/copyright\/wikipedia-wordmark-en-25.svg) ![The Free Encyclopedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/mobile\/copyright\/wikipedia-tagline-en-25.svg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page)\n\n[Search](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:Search \"Search Wikipedia [f]\")\n\nAppearance\n\n- [Donate](https:\/\/donate.wikimedia.org\/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en)\n- [Create account](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=LGBTQ+rights+in+Japan \"You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory\")\n- [Log in](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=LGBTQ+rights+in+Japan \"You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. 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[o]\")\n\n## Contents\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\n- [(Top)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan)\n- [1 History](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#History)\n- [2 Terminology](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Terminology)\n- [3 Legality of same-sex sexual activity](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Legality_of_same-sex_sexual_activity)\n- [4 Recognition of same-sex relationships](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Recognition_of_same-sex_relationships)\n- [5 Adoption and parenting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Adoption_and_parenting)\n- [6 Discrimination protections](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Discrimination_protections)\n  Toggle Discrimination protections subsection\n  - [6\\.1 Employment discrimination](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Employment_discrimination)\n  - [6\\.2 Housing discrimination](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Housing_discrimination)\n  - [6\\.3 Bullying in schools](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Bullying_in_schools)\n  - [6\\.4 Others](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Others)\n  - [6\\.5 LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#LGBT_Understanding_and_Enhancement_Act)\n- [7 Transgender rights](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Transgender_rights)\n  Toggle Transgender rights subsection\n  - [7\\.1 Passage of the law on gender recognition](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Passage_of_the_law_on_gender_recognition)\n  - [7\\.2 Socio-cultural background](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Socio-cultural_background)\n  - [7\\.3 Conflict of private international law](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Conflict_of_private_international_law)\n  - [7\\.4 Other developments](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Other_developments)\n  - [7\\.5 2023 Supreme Court ruling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#2023_Supreme_Court_ruling)\n  - [7\\.6 Healthcare](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Healthcare)\n- [8 Blood donation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Blood_donation)\n- [9 Military service](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Military_service)\n- [10 Celebrities](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Celebrities)\n- [11 Political support](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Political_support)\n- [12 Summary table](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Summary_table)\n- [13 See also](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#See_also)\n- [14 Notes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Notes)\n- [15 References](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#References)\n- [16 External links](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#External_links)\n\nToggle the table of contents\n\n# LGBTQ rights in Japan\n19 languages\n\n- [العربية](https:\/\/ar.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84%D8%A9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AB%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%8A%D9%86_%D9%81%D9%8A_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%86 \"معاملة المثليين في اليابان – Arabic\")\n- [Català](https:\/\/ca.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Drets_del_col%C2%B7lectiu_LGBT_al_Jap%C3%B3 \"Drets del col·lectiu LGBT al Japó – Catalan\")\n- [Čeština](https:\/\/cs.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBT_pr%C3%A1va_v_Japonsku \"LGBT práva v Japonsku – Czech\")\n- [Ελληνικά](https:\/\/el.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%CE%94%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%B1%CE%B9%CF%8E%CE%BC%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B1_%CE%9B%CE%9F%CE%91%CE%A4_%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%BD_%CE%99%CE%B1%CF%80%CF%89%CE%BD%CE%AF%CE%B1 \"Δικαιώματα ΛΟΑΤ στην Ιαπωνία – Greek\")\n- [Español](https:\/\/es.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Derechos_LGBT_en_Jap%C3%B3n \"Derechos LGBT en Japón – Spanish\")\n- [Suomi](https:\/\/fi.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Seksuaali-_ja_sukupuoliv%C3%A4hemmist%C3%B6jen_oikeudet_Japanissa \"Seksuaali- ja sukupuolivähemmistöjen oikeudet Japanissa – Finnish\")\n- [Français](https:\/\/fr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Droits_LGBT_au_Japon \"Droits LGBT au Japon – French\")\n- [עברית](https:\/\/he.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D7%96%D7%9B%D7%95%D7%99%D7%95%D7%AA_%D7%9C%D7%94%D7%98%22%D7%91_%D7%91%D7%99%D7%A4%D7%9F \"זכויות להט\\\"ב ביפן – Hebrew\")\n- [Bahasa Indonesia](https:\/\/id.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hak_LGBT_di_Jepang \"Hak LGBT di Jepang – Indonesian\")\n- [Italiano](https:\/\/it.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Diritti_LGBT_in_Giappone \"Diritti LGBT in Giappone – Italian\")\n- [日本語](https:\/\/ja.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E3%81%AB%E3%81%8A%E3%81%91%E3%82%8BLGBT%E3%81%AE%E6%A8%A9%E5%88%A9 \"日本におけるLGBTの権利 – Japanese\")\n- [Português](https:\/\/pt.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Direitos_LGBT_no_Jap%C3%A3o \"Direitos LGBT no Japão – Portuguese\")\n- [Русский](https:\/\/ru.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0_%D0%9B%D0%93%D0%91%D0%A2_%D0%B2_%D0%AF%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B8 \"Права ЛГБТ в Японии – Russian\")\n- [Srpskohrvatski \/ српскохрватски](https:\/\/sh.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_prava_u_Japanu \"LGBTQ prava u Japanu – Serbo-Croatian\")\n- [Svenska](https:\/\/sv.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/HBTQ-r%C3%A4ttigheter_i_Japan \"HBTQ-rättigheter i Japan – Swedish\")\n- [ไทย](https:\/\/th.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B8%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A8%E0%B9%83%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A8%E0%B8%8D%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%B8%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%99 \"สิทธิของกลุ่มบุคคลที่มีความหลากหลายทางเพศในประเทศญี่ปุ่น – Thai\")\n- [Українська](https:\/\/uk.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0_%D0%9B%D0%93%D0%91%D0%A2_%D0%B2_%D0%AF%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%96%D1%97 \"Права ЛГБТ в Японії – Ukrainian\")\n- [Tiếng Việt](https:\/\/vi.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Quy%E1%BB%81n_LGBT_%E1%BB%9F_Nh%E1%BA%ADt_B%E1%BA%A3n \"Quyền LGBT ở Nhật Bản – Vietnamese\")\n- [中文](https:\/\/zh.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%ACLGBT%E6%9D%83%E7%9B%8A \"日本LGBT权益 – Chinese\")\n\n[Edit links](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Special:EntityPage\/Q1286841#sitelinks-wikipedia \"Edit interlanguage links\")\n\n- [Article](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan \"View the content page [c]\")\n- [Talk](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Talk:LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan \"Discuss improvements to the content page [t]\")\n\nEnglish\n\n- [Read](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan)\n- [Edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit \"Edit this page [e]\")\n- [View history](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=history \"Past revisions of this page [h]\")\n\nTools\n\nTools\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nActions\n\n- [Read](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan)\n- [Edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit \"Edit this page [e]\")\n- [View history](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=history)\n\nGeneral\n\n- [What links here](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:WhatLinksHere\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan \"List of all English Wikipedia pages containing links to this page [j]\")\n- [Related changes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:RecentChangesLinked\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan \"Recent changes in pages linked from this page [k]\")\n- [Upload file](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:File_Upload_Wizard \"Upload files [u]\")\n- [Permanent link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&oldid=1343994884 \"Permanent link to this revision of this page\")\n- [Page information](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=info \"More information about this page\")\n- [Cite this page](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:CiteThisPage&page=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&id=1343994884&wpFormIdentifier=titleform \"Information on how to cite this page\")\n- [Get shortened URL](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:UrlShortener&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FLGBTQ_rights_in_Japan)\n\nPrint\/export\n\n- [Download as PDF](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:DownloadAsPdf&page=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=show-download-screen \"Download this page as a PDF file\")\n- [Printable version](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&printable=yes \"Printable version of this page [p]\")\n\nIn other projects\n\n- [Wikidata item](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Special:EntityPage\/Q1286841 \"Structured data on this page hosted by Wikidata [g]\")\n\nAppearance\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia\n\nThis article is about LGBTQ legal rights in Japan. For a general overview, see [Homosexuality in Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Homosexuality_in_Japan \"Homosexuality in Japan\").\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| [![icon](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Translation_to_english_arrow.svg\/60px-Translation_to_english_arrow.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Translation_to_english_arrow.svg) | You can help **expand this article with text translated from [the corresponding article](https:\/\/ja.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E3%81%AB%E3%81%8A%E3%81%91%E3%82%8BLGBT%E3%81%AE%E6%A8%A9%E5%88%A9 \"ja:日本におけるLGBTの権利\") in Japanese**. *(September 2023)* Click \\[show\\] for important translation instructions. Machine translation, like [DeepL](https:\/\/deepl.com\/) or [Google Translate](https:\/\/translate.google.com\/), is a useful starting point for translations, but translators must revise errors as necessary and confirm that the translation is accurate, rather than simply copy-pasting machine-translated text into the English Wikipedia. Do not translate text that appears unreliable or low-quality. If possible, verify the text with references provided in the foreign-language article. You **must** provide [copyright attribution](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Copying_within_Wikipedia \"Wikipedia:Copying within Wikipedia\") in the [edit summary](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Edit_summary \"Help:Edit summary\") accompanying your translation by providing an [interlanguage link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Interlanguage_links \"Help:Interlanguage links\") to the source of your translation. A model attribution edit summary is `Content in this edit is translated from the existing Japanese Wikipedia article at [[:ja:日本におけるLGBTの権利]]; see its history for attribution.` You may also add the template `{{Translated|ja|日本におけるLGBTの権利}}` to the [talk page](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Talk:LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan \"Talk:LGBTQ rights in Japan\"). For more guidance, see [Wikipedia:Translation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Translation \"Wikipedia:Translation\"). |\n\n| LGBTQ rights in [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan \"Japan\") |   |\n|---|---|\n| [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/6\/62\/Japan_%28orthographic_projection%29.svg\/250px-Japan_%28orthographic_projection%29.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Japan_\\(orthographic_projection\\).svg)[Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan \"Japan\") |   |\n| [Legal status](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Criminalization_of_homosexuality \"Criminalization of homosexuality\") | Not criminalized since 1882 |\n| [Gender identity](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gender_identity \"Gender identity\") | Legal sex changes allowed since 2004, requiring [gender confirmation surgery](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gender_confirmation_surgery \"Gender confirmation surgery\") |\n| [Military](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBT_people_and_military_service \"LGBT people and military service\") | LGBT people allowed to serve openly |\n| [Discrimination protections](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Anti-discrimination_law \"Anti-discrimination law\") | Sexual orientation and gender identity protected in some cities and prefectures, though not nationally[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-1) |\n| Family rights |   |\n| [Recognition of relationships](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Same-sex_unions \"Template:Same-sex unions\") | [No national legal recognition of same-sex relationships, some localities offer partnership certificates](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Recognition_of_same-sex_unions_in_Japan \"Recognition of same-sex unions in Japan\") |\n| [Adoption](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Same-sex_adoption \"Same-sex adoption\") | [No recognition nationally, some localities provide accommodations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Adoption_and_parenting) |\n\n[Lesbian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lesbian \"Lesbian\"), [gay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gay \"Gay\"), [bisexual](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bisexual \"Bisexual\"), [transgender](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Transgender \"Transgender\"), and [queer](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Queer \"Queer\") ([LGBTQ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ \"LGBTQ\")) people in [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan \"Japan\") have fewer legal protections than in most other [developed countries](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Developed_countries \"Developed countries\"),[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-2)[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-3) although some developments towards stronger rights have been made in the 2020s.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-4) Same-sex sexual activity was criminalised only briefly in Japan's history between 1873 and 1881, after which a localised version of the [Napoleonic Penal Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_Penal_Code_of_1810 \"French Penal Code of 1810\") was adopted with an equal [age of consent](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Age_of_consent_in_Asia \"Age of consent in Asia\").[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-5) Same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are ineligible for the legal protections available to opposite-sex couples, although since 2015 some cities and [prefectures](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prefectures_of_Japan \"Prefectures of Japan\"), covering over 92% of the population by 2025, offer \"partnership certificates\" to recognise the relationships of same-sex couples and provide some legal benefits. Japan is the only country in the [G7](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/G7 \"G7\") that does not legally recognize same-sex unions nationally in any form.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-Justin_McCurry-6)[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-BBC-7) In March 2021 and May 2023, the [Sapporo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sapporo \"Sapporo\") and [Nagoya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nagoya \"Nagoya\") District Courts ruled that not recognising [same-sex marriage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Same-sex_marriage \"Same-sex marriage\") was a violation of the Constitution.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-8)[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-9) While in June 2022, the [Osaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Osaka \"Osaka\") District Court ruled that not recognising same-sex marriage was not a violation of the Constitution,[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-10) in November 2022, the [Tokyo District Court](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokyo_District_Court \"Tokyo District Court\") ruled that the absence of same-sex marriage legislation was an unconstitutional state of affairs but did not violate the Constitution,[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-11) though the court's ruling has no immediate legal effect.[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-12) In June 2023, the [Fukuoka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fukuoka \"Fukuoka\") District Court ruled that the ban on same-sex marriage was constitutional.[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-13) A second ruling in September 2023 concluded that same-sex relationships should not be excluded from Japan's marriage system.[\\[14\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-14)\n\nJapan's culture and major religions do not have a history of hostility towards homosexuality.[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-15) A 2019 poll indicated that 68 percent of the respondents agreed that homosexuality should be accepted by society, while 22 percent disagreed.[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-16) Although many political parties have not openly supported or opposed LGBTQ rights, there are several openly LGBTQ politicians in office. The conservative [Liberal Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\\(Japan\\) \"Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)\"), Japan's leading political party, remains opposed to same-sex marriage,[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-17) while two other major parties, the liberal [Constitutional Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Constitutional_Democratic_Party_of_Japan \"Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan\") and libertarian [Innovation Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nippon_Ishin_no_Kai \"Nippon Ishin no Kai\") both favor same-sex marriage. As of 2023, marriage equality movements have been gaining prominence within the nation.[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-PinkNews-18) A law allowing transgender individuals to change their legal gender post-[sex reassignment surgery](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sex_reassignment_surgery \"Sex reassignment surgery\") and sterilization was passed in 2003. The sterilization requirement was unanimously ruled by the [Japanese Supreme Court](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_Supreme_Court \"Japanese Supreme Court\") to be unconstitutional in October 2023, removing the requirement.[\\[19\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-apnews-19) Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is banned in some cities, including [Tokyo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokyo \"Tokyo\").[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-20)\n\nTokyo Rainbow Pride has been held annually since 2012, with attendance increasing every year.[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-21) A 2015 opinion poll reflected that the majority of its respondents supported the legalization of same-sex marriage.[\\[22\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-22) Further opinion polls conducted over the following years have found high levels of support for same-sex marriage among the Japanese public, most notably the younger generation.[\\[23\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-23)[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-PewResearch-24) However, a 2020 survey of over 10,000 LGBTQ people in Japan found that 38 percent of LGBTQ people had been harassed or assaulted.[\\[25\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-25)\n\nIn 2019, 2022 and 2025, Japan voted in favor of the United Nations [independent expert on sexual orientation and gender identity](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQI%2B_rights_at_the_United_Nations#Independent_Expert_on_Sexual_Orientation_and_Gender_Identity \"LGBTQI+ rights at the United Nations\") at the [United Nations Human Rights Council](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_Nations_Human_Rights_Council \"United Nations Human Rights Council\").[\\[26\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-26)\n\n## History\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=1 \"Edit section: History\")\\]\n\nMain article: [Homosexuality in Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Homosexuality_in_Japan \"Homosexuality in Japan\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Japanesepederasty18thcentury.jpg\/250px-Japanesepederasty18thcentury.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Japanesepederasty18thcentury.jpg)\n\nA [wakashū](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wakash%C5%AB \"Wakashū\") (wearing headscarf) sneaks a kiss from a female prostitute behind his patron's back. [Nishikawa Sukenobu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nishikawa_Sukenobu \"Nishikawa Sukenobu\") (1671–1750)\n\n[Homosexuality](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Homosexuality \"Homosexuality\") and same-sex relations have been documented in Japan since ancient times. One [Shinto](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shinto \"Shinto\") myth describes same-sex love as being introduced by the couple Shinu no Hafuri and Ama no Hafuri, servants of a \"primordial goddess\", presumably [Amaterasu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Amaterasu \"Amaterasu\"). Following Shinu's death, Ama killed himself, and the two were buried in the same grave.[\\[27\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-27)\n\nIn the pre-[Meiji era](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Meiji_era \"Meiji era\"), *nanshoku* (男色) relationships inside Buddhist monasteries were typically [pederastic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pederasty \"Pederasty\"). The older partner, or *nenja* (念者; \"lover\" or \"admirer\"), would be a monk, priest or abbot, while the younger partner was assumed to be an [acolyte](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Acolyte \"Acolyte\") (稚児, *chigo*), who would be a prepubescent or adolescent boy.[\\[28\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-28) The relationship would be dissolved once the boy reached adulthood (or left the monastery). Both parties were encouraged to treat the relationship seriously and conduct the affair honorably, and the *nenja* might be required to write a formal vow of fidelity.[\\[29\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:2-29) During the [Tokugawa period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Edo_period \"Edo period\"), some of the [Shinto](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shinto \"Shinto\") gods, especially [Hachiman](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hachiman \"Hachiman\"), Myoshin, Shinmei and [Tenjin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tenjin_\\(kami\\) \"Tenjin (kami)\"), \"came to be seen as guardian deities of *nanshoku*\" (male–male love).\n\nFrom religious circles, same-sex love spread to the warrior ([samurai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Samurai \"Samurai\")) class, where it was customary for a boy in the *[wakashū](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wakash%C5%AB \"Wakashū\")* age category to undergo training in the martial arts by apprenticing to a more experienced adult man. The relationship was based on the typical *nenja,* who loves, and the typically younger *chigo*, who is loved.[\\[30\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:0-30) The man was permitted, if the boy agreed, to take the boy as his lover until he came of age.[\\[31\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:1-31) These relationships were expected to be exclusive, with both partners swearing to take no other (male) lovers.\n\nAs Japan progressed into the Meiji era, same-sex practices continued; however, there was a growing animosity towards these practices. The practice of *nanshoku* began to die out after the [Russo-Japanese War](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Russo-Japanese_War \"Russo-Japanese War\"). Opposition to homosexuality did not become firmly established in Japan until the 19th and 20th centuries, although it was only criminalized between 1873 and 1880.[\\[30\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:0-30)\n\n## Terminology\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=2 \"Edit section: Terminology\")\\]\n\nModern [Japanese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_language \"Japanese language\") terms for LGBTQ people include *seitekishōsūsha* (性的少数者, \"[sexual minorities](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sexual_minority \"Sexual minority\")\").[\\[32\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-32)\n\n- *dōseiaisha* (同性愛者, literally \"same-sex-love person\")\n  - *homosekusharu* (ホモセクシャル, \"[homosexual](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Homosexuality \"Homosexuality\")\")\n  - *rezubian* (レズビアン, \"[lesbian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lesbian \"Lesbian\")\")\n  - *gei* (ゲイ, \"[gay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gay \"Gay\")\")\n- *ryōseiaisha* (両性愛者, literally \"both-sex-love person\")\n  - *baisekushuaru* (バイセクシュアル, \"[bisexual](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bisexuality \"Bisexuality\")\")\n- *toransujendā* (トランスジェンダー, \"[transgender](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Transgender \"Transgender\")\").[\\[33\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-33)\n\n## Legality of same-sex sexual activity\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=3 \"Edit section: Legality of same-sex sexual activity\")\\]\n\nSee also: [Age of consent in Asia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Age_of_consent_in_Asia \"Age of consent in Asia\")\n\nThere are no explicit religious prohibitions against homosexuality in the traditional [religion of Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Religion_in_Japan \"Religion in Japan\"), [Shinto](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shinto \"Shinto\"), or in the imported religions of [Buddhism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_Japan \"Buddhism in Japan\") (see \"[Buddhism and sexual orientation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_and_sexual_orientation \"Buddhism and sexual orientation\")\"); however Chinese [Confucianism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Confucianism \"Confucianism\") prohibited homosexual marriage which may have also influenced Chinese Buddhism.[\\[34\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-34)\n\n[Sodomy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sodomy \"Sodomy\") was first criminalized in Japan in 1872, in the early [Meiji era](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Meiji_era \"Meiji era\"). But this provision was repealed only seven years later by the Penal Code of 1880 (commenced in 1882) in accordance with the [Napoleonic Penal Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_Penal_Code_of_1810 \"French Penal Code of 1810\").[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-35) Since then, Japan has had no laws against homosexuality. Thus, sexual activity among [consenting adults](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ages_of_consent_in_Asia \"Ages of consent in Asia\"), in private, regardless of gender and\/or sexual orientation, is legal under Japanese law. Since June 2023, the age of consent has been set at 16 years.[\\[36\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-36)\n\n## Recognition of same-sex relationships\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=4 \"Edit section: Recognition of same-sex relationships\")\\]\n\nMain articles: [Recognition of same-sex unions in Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Recognition_of_same-sex_unions_in_Japan \"Recognition of same-sex unions in Japan\") and [Partnership oath in Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Partnership_oath_in_Japan \"Partnership oath in Japan\")\n\nArticle 24 of the [Japanese Constitution](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Constitution_of_Japan \"Constitution of Japan\") states that \"[Marriage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marriage \"Marriage\") shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes and it shall be maintained through mutual cooperation with the equal rights of husband and wife as a basis.\" Articles 731 to 737 of the [Japanese Civil Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Law_of_Japan \"Law of Japan\") limit marriage to heterosexual couples. Same-sex couples are not able to marry, and same-sex couples are not granted rights derived from marriage. Also, [same-sex marriages](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Same-sex_marriage \"Same-sex marriage\") performed abroad are not legally recognized in Japan and bi-national same-sex couples cannot obtain a visa for the foreign partner based on their relationship, though the Ministry of Justice does have a general rule of giving the discretionary \"designated activities\" visa to same-sex married spouses.[\\[37\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-37) Japan and [Italy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBT_rights_in_Italy \"LGBT rights in Italy\") are the only countries in the [G7](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/G7 \"G7\") where same-sex marriages are not performed.[\\[38\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-38)\n\nIn March 2009, Japan began allowing Japanese nationals to marry same-sex partners in countries where same-sex marriage is legal. The [Justice Ministry](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ministry_of_Justice_\\(Japan\\) \"Ministry of Justice (Japan)\") instructed local authorities to issue key certificates, which state that a person is single and of legal age, to individuals seeking to enter same-sex marriages in areas that legally allow it.[\\[39\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-39)\n\nIn February 2015, the ward of [Shibuya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shibuya \"Shibuya\") (in Tokyo) announced plans to establish a partnership system that would recognize same-sex couples for situations such as hospital visits and shared renting of apartments. This procedure allows couples to get a \"proof of partnership\" paper, which does not have any weight under Japanese law but can help in, for instance, getting access to a partner who is ill and in hospital but institutions are under no legal obligation to respect the certificates.[\\[40\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-40) The Shibuya system is considered a significant step towards lesbian and gay partnership rights in Japan.[\\[41\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-41) In July 2015, Tokyo's [Setagaya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Setagaya \"Setagaya\") ward announced that it would be joining Shibuya in recognizing same-sex partnerships from November of the same year.[\\[42\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-42) Since then, over 400 municipalities have begun issuing partnership certificates, including highly populated [Yokohama](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yokohama \"Yokohama\"), [Osaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Osaka \"Osaka\"), [Sapporo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sapporo \"Sapporo\"), [Fukuoka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fukuoka \"Fukuoka\"), [Kyoto](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kyoto \"Kyoto\"), [Kawasaki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kawasaki,_Kanagawa \"Kawasaki, Kanagawa\"), [Saitama](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Saitama_\\(city\\) \"Saitama (city)\") and [Hiroshima](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hiroshima \"Hiroshima\"),[\\[43\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-43) as well as 30 [prefectures](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prefectures_of_Japan \"Prefectures of Japan\"), including [Tokyo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokyo \"Tokyo\"), [Ibaraki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ibaraki_Prefecture \"Ibaraki Prefecture\"), [Osaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Osaka_Prefecture \"Osaka Prefecture\"), [Gunma](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gunma_Prefecture \"Gunma Prefecture\"),[\\[44\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-Ibaraki-44)[\\[45\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-45) [Saga](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Saga_Prefecture \"Saga Prefecture\") and [Mie](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mie_Prefecture \"Mie Prefecture\").\n\nOn 17 March 2021, a district court in Sapporo ruled that laws or regulations that deprive same-sex couples of the right to marry constitute unlawful discrimination and violate Article 14 of the [Constitution of Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Constitution_of_Japan \"Constitution of Japan\"). The court found that Article 24 does not prohibit the recognition of same-sex marriages. The ruling did not legalize same-sex marriage in Japan, but is likely to step up pressure on the [National Diet](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Diet \"National Diet\") to act.[\\[46\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-46)\n\nYasuhiko Watanabe, a law professor at Kyoto Sangyo University, stated that if Japan recognizes same-sex marriage, that would impact the whole of Asia, proving that it is allowed not only in Western societies.[\\[47\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-47)\n\nOn 26 June 2022, a district court in Osaka brought down a conflicting ruling to the ruling from the previous year out of Sapporo. It ruled that a ban on same-sex marriage is not unconstitutional. The ruling did not change the legal status of same-sex marriage in Japan as it did not occur at a court with the power to set binding legal precedent. The plaintiffs have indicated plans to appeal the decision. Other similar court cases in other district courts in Tokyo, Nagoya and Fukuoka remain ongoing.[\\[48\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-48) In addition, the Tokyo metropolitan government recently\\[*[when?](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style\/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_items \"Wikipedia:Manual of Style\/Dates and numbers\")*\\] announced a plan, set to take effect in October, to accept registrations from same-sex couples seeking certificates of their partnerships. On 1 November, Tokyo finally implemented a legally recognised relationship registration scheme for same-sex couples.[\\[49\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-49)[\\[50\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-50) In August 2023, [Wakayama Prefecture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wakayama_Prefecture \"Wakayama Prefecture\") proposed to locally introduce Japan's partnership system for same-sex couples.[\\[51\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-51)\n\nIn July 2022, Japanese video game company [Nintendo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nintendo \"Nintendo\") announced its support for same-sex marriage and that it would recognize employees in same-sex partnerships as identical to opposite-sex marriages, in defiance of Japanese law.[\\[52\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-52) The company's policy has been described as a major action in Japan's increasing discussion on its same-sex marriage ban.[\\[53\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-53)\n\nOn 17 December 2024, then Prime Minister [Shigeru Ishiba](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shigeru_Ishiba \"Shigeru Ishiba\") made the following statement about same-sex marriage during a parliamentary session: \"I have met concerned individuals, and I can see that being together is the most precious thing to them. While there is no 'scale' for measuring the national happiness, I believe that fulfilling these deepest wishes would have a positive and beneficial impact on the overall well-being of Japan\".[\\[54\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-54)\n\n[Sanae Takaichi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sanae_Takaichi \"Sanae Takaichi\"), the [Prime Minister of Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prime_Minister_of_Japan \"Prime Minister of Japan\") and the [President](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/President_of_the_Liberal_Democratic_Party_\\(Japan\\) \"President of the Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)\") of the [Liberal Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\\(Japan\\) \"Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)\") (LDP) since October 2025, opposes same-sex marriage.[\\[55\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-55)[\\[56\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-56)[\\[57\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-57) During a government budget committee meeting in 2023, she called legalizing same-sex marriage an \"extremely difficult issue,\" though she added that \"there should be no prejudice against sexual orientation and gender identity\". In a subsequent statement during a campaign debate in September 2025, she told the audience she opposed same-sex marriage, adding that having a same-sex partner was \"fine\".[\\[58\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-58)\n\n## Adoption and parenting\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=5 \"Edit section: Adoption and parenting\")\\]\n\nMain article: [Partnership oath in Japan § Family registration](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Partnership_oath_in_Japan#Family_registration \"Partnership oath in Japan\")\n\nSame-sex couples are generally not allowed to legally adopt in Japan, though in some regions it is legally complicated. Lesbian couples and single women are unable to access IVF and [artificial insemination](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Artificial_insemination \"Artificial insemination\").[\\[59\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-59) In December 2022, a \"very broad and comprehensive fertility bill\" was introduced in Japan - that explicitly and legally only allows heterosexual married women access to IVF treatment.[\\[60\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-hrw.org-60)\n\nIn April 2017, [Osaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Osaka \"Osaka\") officially recognised a same-sex couple as foster parents, making it the first such case in Japan.[\\[61\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-61)\n\n53 municipalities and Tokyo Metropolis have also established a \"partnership family system\" (パートナーシップ・ファミリーシップ制度, **pātonāshippu famirīshippu seido**) as of April 2023. This system, which allows registered partners to optionally designate children in the household through the partnership oath system in a limited form of [second-parent adoption](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Second-parent_adoption \"Second-parent adoption\"), also recognises the children of same-sex couples, and allows partners to make medical decisions for their child, and to pick up their children at schools and kindergartens (whereas previously only the biological parent was allowed to pick up the child). The first to establish this system was [Akashi, Hyōgo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Akashi,_Hy%C5%8Dgo \"Akashi, Hyōgo\") in January 2021 followed by [Tokushima](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokushima_\\(city\\) \"Tokushima (city)\") in February 2021 and [Adachi, Tokyo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Adachi,_Tokyo \"Adachi, Tokyo\") in April 2021.[\\[62\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-listcities-62)[\\[63\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-63)[\\[a\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-64)\n\n## Discrimination protections\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=6 \"Edit section: Discrimination protections\")\\]\n\nAs of 2021, [sexual orientation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sexual_orientation \"Sexual orientation\") and [gender identity](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gender_identity \"Gender identity\") are not protected by national civil rights laws, which means that LGBTQ Japanese have few legal recourses when faced with discrimination in such areas as employment, education, housing, health care and banking.[\\[64\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-65) According to a 2018 Dentsu Diversity Lab survey, more than 65% of questioned LGBTQ people said they had not come out to anyone at work or home.[\\[65\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-66)\n\nThe Japanese Constitution promises equal rights and is interpreted to prohibit discrimination on all grounds. However, homosexual and transgender persons can experience physical, sexual and psychological violence at the hands of their opposite-sex or same-sex partners, but receive limited protection from the law. Same-sex partners are excluded from the *[Act on the Prevention of Spousal Violence and the Protection of Victims](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Act_on_the_Prevention_of_Spousal_Violence_and_the_Protection_of_Victims \"Act on the Prevention of Spousal Violence and the Protection of Victims\")* ([Japanese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_language \"Japanese language\"): 配偶者からの暴力の防止及び被害者の保護等に関する法律)[\\[b\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-67) and generally lack safe places where they can seek help and support.[\\[66\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-68)\n\nIn 2013, [Yodogawa-ku, Osaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yodogawa-ku,_Osaka \"Yodogawa-ku, Osaka\"), became the first Japanese government area to pass a resolution officiating support for LGBTQ inclusion, including mandating LGBTQ sensitivity training for ward staff.[\\[67\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-69)[\\[68\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-70)[\\[69\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-71)[\\[70\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-72) [Naha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Naha \"Naha\") followed suit in July 2015.[\\[71\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-73)\n\nIn October 2018, the [Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokyo_Metropolitan_Assembly \"Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly\") passed a law prohibiting all discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The law, which took effect in April 2019, also commits the Metropolitan Government to raise awareness of LGBTQ people and \"conduct measures needed to make sure human rights values are rooted in all corners of the city\". The law outlaws expressing [hateful rhetoric](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hate_speech \"Hate speech\") in public.[\\[72\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-74)[\\[73\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-75) Prior to this, the wards of [Shibuya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shibuya \"Shibuya\") and [Setagaya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Setagaya \"Setagaya\") had already passed explicit protections for LGBTQ people.[\\[74\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-leadership-76)[\\[75\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-nijiiro-77)\n\nIn December 2018, four political parties, the [Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Constitutional_Democratic_Party_of_Japan \"Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan\"), the [Democratic Party for the People](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Democratic_Party_for_the_People \"Democratic Party for the People\"), the [Japanese Communist Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_Communist_Party \"Japanese Communist Party\"), and the [Liberal Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liberal_Party_\\(Japan,_2016\\) \"Liberal Party (Japan, 2016)\"), along with the support of several independents, introduced to the [House of Representatives](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/House_of_Representatives_\\(Japan\\) \"House of Representatives (Japan)\") a bill entitled the *Proposed Law on the Promotion of the Elimination of Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity* ([Japanese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_language \"Japanese language\"): 性的指向又は性自認を理由とする差別の解消等の推進に関する法律案)[\\[c\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-78) to prohibit discrimination, harassment and bullying at schools on the basis of sexual orientation.[\\[76\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-79)[\\[77\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-80)\n\nIn March 2019, legislation banning discrimination against \"sexual minorities\" was passed in [Ibaraki Prefecture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ibaraki_Prefecture \"Ibaraki Prefecture\").[\\[78\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-81)[\\[79\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-82)\n\n[Human Rights Watch](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Human_Rights_Watch \"Human Rights Watch\"), J-ALL (Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation) and [Athlete Ally](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Athlete_Ally \"Athlete Ally\") urged [Prime Minister](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prime_Minister_of_Japan \"Prime Minister of Japan\") [Shinzo Abe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shinzo_Abe \"Shinzo Abe\") to support legislation protecting [LGBTQ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ \"LGBTQ\") people against discrimination on the basis of gender and sexual orientation. On 17 April 2020, 96 human rights and LGBTQ organizations sent a letter to the Prime Minister calling for the passage of a non-discrimination law.[\\[80\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-83)\n\nIn April 2022, legislation prohibiting discrimination among others sexual orientation and gender identity came into operation in [Akita Prefecture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Akita_Prefecture \"Akita Prefecture\").[\\[81\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-84)\n\n### Employment discrimination\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=7 \"Edit section: Employment discrimination\")\\]\n\nWhile the *Equal Employment Opportunity Law* ([Japanese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_language \"Japanese language\"): 男女雇用機会均等法)[\\[d\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-85) has been revised several times over the years to address sex discrimination and harassment in the workplace, the government has refused to expand the law to address discrimination against gender or sexual identity.[\\[82\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-86) The [Tokyo Metropolitan Government](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokyo_Metropolitan_Government \"Tokyo Metropolitan Government\") has passed legislation banning discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.[\\[74\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-leadership-76)\n\nCompanies in Japan consisting of ten or more employees are required to establish work regulations. In January 2018, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare revised the Model Rules of Employment (モデル就業規則)[\\[e\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-87) which \"stands as the example framework for work regulations\", to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and \"gender identification\".[\\[75\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-nijiiro-77) Article 15 reads:[\\[83\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-88)\n\n> In addition to what are provided for from Article 12 to the preceding paragraph, employees are prohibited from any other forms of harassment at the workplace that are damaging to the work environment of other employees such as by way of speech or behaviour related to sexual orientation or gender identification.\n\n### Housing discrimination\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=8 \"Edit section: Housing discrimination\")\\]\n\nIn 1991, the group [OCCUR](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/OCCUR_\\(organization\\) \"OCCUR (organization)\") (Japan Association for the Lesbian and Gay Movement)[\\[84\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-89) filed a court case against the Tokyo government after being barred from using the \"Metropolitan House for Youth\" the previous year. OCCUR won the case in 1997. While the court ruling does not seem to have extended to other areas of government-sponsored discrimination, it is cited by the courts as a civil rights case.[\\[74\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-leadership-76)\n\nSince autumn 2003, the Urban Renaissance Agency, the government agency that operates government housing has allowed same-sex couples to rent units the same way as heterosexual couples at any one of the over 300 properties that it operates. This opened the way for more such action, as the Osaka Government in September 2005 opened the doors of its government housing to same-sex couples.[\\[85\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-90)\n\nIn February 2018, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare created provisions addressing discrimination in housing, stating that \"consideration must be taken to not deny lodging on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.\"[\\[75\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-nijiiro-77)\n\nIn October 2020, *[The Guardian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Guardian \"The Guardian\")* reported that several Japanese [love hotels](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Love_hotel \"Love hotel\") were denying entry to same-sex couples for the sole reason of their sexual orientation, despite it being illegal since 2018 as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-Justin_McCurry-6)\n\n### Bullying in schools\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=9 \"Edit section: Bullying in schools\")\\]\n\nIn 2017, the Education Ministry added sexual orientation and gender identity to its national bullying policy.[\\[74\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-leadership-76)[\\[86\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-91) The policy mandates that schools should prevent bullying of students based on their sexual orientation or gender identity by \"promoting proper understanding of teachers on … sexual orientation\/gender identity as well as making sure to inform on the school's necessary measures regarding this matter.\"\n\n### Others\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=10 \"Edit section: Others\")\\]\n\nIn January 2018, after a high-profile incident in 2015 in which a gay student at [Hitotsubashi University](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hitotsubashi_University \"Hitotsubashi University\") died by suicide after being outed against his will, the city of [Kunitachi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kunitachi,_Tokyo \"Kunitachi, Tokyo\") passed an \"anti-outing\" ordinance to promote understanding of LGBTQ people.[\\[75\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-nijiiro-77) [Mie Prefecture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mie_Prefecture \"Mie Prefecture\") passed a similar \"anti-outing\" law in March 2021.[\\[87\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-92)[\\[88\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-93)\n\n### LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=11 \"Edit section: LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act\")\\]\n\nMain article: [LGBT Understanding Promotion Act](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBT_Understanding_Promotion_Act \"LGBT Understanding Promotion Act\")\n\nIn June 2019, after three years of consultations, a special committee of the ruling [Liberal Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\\(Japan\\) \"Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)\") (LDP) announced the *LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Bill*, which aims to improve understanding of LGBTQ issues, would be introduced to the National Diet. However, LGBTQ rights activists criticized the bill for falling short by not mentioning [same-sex marriage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Same-sex_marriage \"Same-sex marriage\") or anti-discrimination protections.[\\[89\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-94)[\\[90\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-95)\n\nIn April 2021, the LDP announced it would pass the *LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Bill* during the 204th National Diet session, set to end in June for the [2020 Summer Olympics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2020_Summer_Olympics \"2020 Summer Olympics\") and [Paralympics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2020_Summer_Paralympics \"2020 Summer Paralympics\") in [Tokyo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokyo \"Tokyo\"). The bill only requires the government to \"promote understanding of LGBT people\" and does not actually ban discrimination.[\\[91\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-96) However, the bill was not enacted in 2021.\n\nOn 16 June 2023, the \"watered down\" [private member's bill](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Private_member%27s_bill \"Private member's bill\") on enhancement of LGBTQ understanding formally passed both houses of the [National Diet of Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Diet_of_Japan \"National Diet of Japan\") for the [49th G7 summit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/49th_G7_summit \"49th G7 summit\") in [Hiroshima](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hiroshima \"Hiroshima\"), with majority support from the [Liberal Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\\(Japan\\) \"Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)\"), [Komeito](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Komeito \"Komeito\"), [Nippon Ishin no Kai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nippon_Ishin_no_Kai \"Nippon Ishin no Kai\") and [Democratic Party for the People](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Democratic_Party_for_the_People \"Democratic Party for the People\").[\\[92\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-97)[\\[93\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-98)[\\[94\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-99)\n\n[The *Act on Enhancement of Public Understanding of Diversity in Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBT_Understanding_Promotion_Act \"LGBT Understanding Promotion Act\") ([Japanese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_language \"Japanese language\"): [性的指向及びジェンダーアイデンティティの多様性に関する国民の理解の増進に関する法律](https:\/\/ja.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E6%80%A7%E7%9A%84%E6%8C%87%E5%90%91%E5%8F%8A%E3%81%B3%E3%82%B8%E3%82%A7%E3%83%B3%E3%83%80%E3%83%BC%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%87%E3%83%B3%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3%E3%81%AE%E5%A4%9A%E6%A7%98%E6%80%A7%E3%81%AB%E9%96%A2%E3%81%99%E3%82%8B%E5%9B%BD%E6%B0%91%E3%81%AE%E7%90%86%E8%A7%A3%E3%81%AE%E5%A2%97%E9%80%B2%E3%81%AB%E9%96%A2%E3%81%99%E3%82%8B%E6%B3%95%E5%BE%8B \"ja:性的指向及びジェンダーアイデンティティの多様性に関する国民の理解の増進に関する法律\")),[\\[f\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-100) *LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act* ([Japanese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_language \"Japanese language\"): LGBT理解増進法)[\\[g\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-101) (in short title) came into effect on 23 June 2023.\n\n## Transgender rights\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=12 \"Edit section: Transgender rights\")\\]\n\n### Passage of the law on gender recognition\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=13 \"Edit section: Passage of the law on gender recognition\")\\]\n\nIn 2003, a law was passed allowing transgender people to change their gender marker on legal documents. Approval required being over 18 years old, unmarried, undergoing [sex reassignment surgery](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sex_reassignment_surgery \"Sex reassignment surgery\"), [sterilization](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sterilization_\\(medicine\\) \"Sterilization (medicine)\") (until 2023), and having no children under 18 (the majority age, which changed from 20 to 18 on 1 April 2022). The law, known as the *Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder* ([Japanese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_language \"Japanese language\"): 性同一性障害者の性別の取扱いの特例に関する法律)[\\[h\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-102) or simply *Law 111*, went into effect in July 2004,[\\[95\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-103) and was upheld by the [Supreme Court of Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Supreme_Court_of_Japan \"Supreme Court of Japan\") in January 2019.[\\[96\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-104) By that date, 7,000 persons had legally changed gender. The court wanted to prevent \"confusion\" within parent-child relations, as well as \"abrupt changes\" in Japanese society. Two of the [majority](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Majority_opinion \"Majority opinion\") judges still issued a call for society to \"embrace the diversity of sexual identity\", also adding that the requirements were invasive and encouraged the National Diet to review them.[\\[97\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-105)\n\nThe legislation has been the subject of criticism on the grounds that its pathologising terminology and restrictive conditions violate the human rights of transgender individuals.[\\[98\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-106)\n\n### Socio-cultural background\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=14 \"Edit section: Socio-cultural background\")\\]\n\nYale University professor Karen Nakamura notes in a discussion held October 2015 that \"Japanese transgender activists present their gender identity as a disability in order to achieve more social and legal change in Japanese society\", employing the medical diagnostic term of \"gender identity disability\" (性同一性障害, *seidoitsusei shougai*), instead of \"gender identity disorder\", which is more common in English-medium materials. This in part arises from what Nakamura calls a \"translation fluke\"; shougai can be fluidly interpreted as (among other things) either \"disability\" or \"disorder\". According to Nakamura, this is because there is a strong protection in Japanese society and laws for disabled persons; therefore, identifying more as members of the disability community rather than the queer community has allowed transgender Japanese to assert their rights in law and society more strongly without social ostracization, more so than cisgender LGB Japanese.[\\[99\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:3-107)[\\[100\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-108)\n\n### Conflict of private international law\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=15 \"Edit section: Conflict of private international law\")\\]\n\nEven though surgery is required as a condition to change one's registered gender in the Japanese courts, this only applies to Japanese nationals. Foreign nationals change their registered gender with the country of their nationality, then report the change to the Immigration Services Agency to be reflected on their residence card. This [conflict of laws](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Conflict_of_laws \"Conflict of laws\") can lead to bureaucratic breakdown.\n\nIn 2018, U.S. national and Aoyama Gakuin University lecturer [Elin McCready](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Elin_McCready \"Elin McCready\") changed her legal gender to female in the United States. After the change, municipal offices in the Meguro and Ota wards of Tokyo refused to recognize it, citing her subsisting marriage to Midori Morita-McCready, a Japanese national - which the legal gender recognition would make a same-sex marriage. This led them to pursue a lawsuit against the local and central governments. Their attorney, Toshimasa Yamashita, said that following the precedent set in the 2018 Sapporo court case on same-sex marriage, this refusal was unconstitutional.[\\[101\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-109)[\\[102\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-110)\n\n### Other developments\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=16 \"Edit section: Other developments\")\\]\n\nOn 24 February 2012, the Hyogo Lawyers' Association recommended that a transgender woman in a male prison be transferred to a female institution.[\\[103\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-111) According to this report, she had been placed in a male institution because of her legal sex, despite having undergone sex reassignment surgery prior to her detention, and was not treated as a woman in any way. She was subject to body checks by male staff, had her hair shaved, and was denied feminine clothing.\n\nSince April 2018, transgender people have been covered for sex reassignment surgery as long as they are not receiving hormone treatment.[\\[104\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-112) The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has also allowed transgender people to use their preferred names on their health insurance cards.\n\nIn June 2018, the Japanese Government enacted a new law lowering the age of majority in Japan from 20 to 18, which took effect on 1 April 2022. Among others, the new law sets the age of marriage at 18 for both men and women (previously women could marry at the age of 16) and allows 18-year-olds to obtain valid passports, credit cards, etc. The law also allowed people diagnosed with [gender dysphoria](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gender_dysphoria \"Gender dysphoria\") and who have undergone irreversible sterilization to legally change their sex at the age of 18.[\\[105\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-bbc-113)\n\nIn October 2020, [Human Rights Watch](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Human_Rights_Watch \"Human Rights Watch\") wrote a letter urging Japan officials to allow transgender women to enroll in public women's universities in the country.[\\[106\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-114) Ochanomizu University in Tokyo became the first public women's university in Japan to admit transgender women who had not changed their legal gender to 'female'.[\\[107\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-115)\n\nIn January 2022, a transgender individual was arrested for \"using the wrong bathroom\" in [Osaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Osaka,_Japan \"Osaka, Japan\"). The Osaka Prefectural Police has declined to pursue charges, instead leaving that decision up to state prosecutors. Mikiya Nakatsuka, professor of health sciences at Okayama University and president of the Japanese Society of Gender Identity Disorder, stated that most transgender persons in Japan \"paid attention when they used toilets at public facilities so they \\[could\\] stay out of trouble\", and expressed concern that this single case would be applied erroneously to the wider transgender community, creating unwarranted prejudice and discrimination.[\\[108\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-116)[\\[109\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-117)\n\n### 2023 Supreme Court ruling\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=17 \"Edit section: 2023 Supreme Court ruling\")\\]\n\nIn October 2023, the Japanese Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the part of the 2003 law that requires sterilization before a change of sex or gender on an individual's [family register](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Koseki \"Koseki\") can be legally made was unconstitutional.[\\[110\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-118) The Supreme Court has asked a lower court to review the requirement to have \"genitalia that closely resemble the physical form of an alternative gender\".[\\[111\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-119)\n\n### Healthcare\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=18 \"Edit section: Healthcare\")\\]\n\nGender reassignment surgery has been covered by insurance since 2018. However, hormone therapy is still not covered by insurance.[\\[112\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-jspn.or.jp-120)\n\nChildren aged 15 and over can receive hormone therapy in Japan with parental consent.[\\[113\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-121)\n\nThe Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology (JSPN) published its updated guidelines in August 2024 on the treatment of gender dysphoria. The guidelines continued to recommend puberty suppression in trans patients, noting that it \"is medically self-evident that bodily features of the undesired sex will become permanent if [AMAB](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Trans_woman \"Trans woman\") individuals who would require puberty suppression do not receive it\". However, they also asked doctors administering such treatment to report more detailed information on it going forward.[\\[114\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-122)[\\[112\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-jspn.or.jp-120)\n\n## Blood donation\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=19 \"Edit section: Blood donation\")\\]\n\nGay and bisexual men are allowed to donate blood in Japan following a six-month abstinence from sex[\\[115\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-123) while women and heterosexual men only need to wait six-months after being with a new partner of the opposite sex.[\\[116\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-124)\n\n## Military service\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=20 \"Edit section: Military service\")\\]\n\nMain article: [Sexual orientation and gender identity in military service](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sexual_orientation_and_gender_identity_in_military_service \"Sexual orientation and gender identity in military service\")\n\nThe [Japan Self-Defense Forces](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan_Self-Defense_Forces \"Japan Self-Defense Forces\"), when being asked about their policy toward people who are gay or lesbian following the U.S. debate during the [presidency of Bill Clinton](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Presidency_of_Bill_Clinton \"Presidency of Bill Clinton\"), answered that it was not an issue, and individuals within the forces indicated that as long as same-sex relations did not lead to fights or other trouble, there were few, if any, barriers to their inclusion in the armed services.[\\[117\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-125)\n\n## Celebrities\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=21 \"Edit section: Celebrities\")\\]\n\nWhile representations of homosexuals in the Japanese media tend towards caricature on the basis of stereotypes of sexual or behavioral deviance (e.g. the actually straight [Hard Gay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hard_Gay \"Hard Gay\")), there are several examples of transgender and non-binary celebrities in Japan such as [Haruna Ai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Haruna_Ai \"Haruna Ai\"), [Kayo Satoh](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kayo_Satoh \"Kayo Satoh\"), [Ataru Nakamura](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ataru_Nakamura \"Ataru Nakamura\"), [Kaba-chan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kaba-chan \"Kaba-chan\"), [Hikaru Utada](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hikaru_Utada \"Hikaru Utada\") and [Ikko](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ikko_\\(make-up_artist\\) \"Ikko (make-up artist)\"). Several prominent musicians including Yoshinori Kanemoto and [Ayumi Hamasaki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ayumi_Hamasaki \"Ayumi Hamasaki\") have large LGBTQ fanbases as a result of their support for the LGBTQ community; among other activities, Hikaru Utada featured a gay teddybear called Kuma who she introduced as far back as 2010,[\\[118\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-126) and Ayumi Hamasaki headlined at Tokyo's 2018 Pride festival (incidentally, Hamasaki starred in the LGBTQ-themed movie *Nagisa no Shindobaddo* in the 1990s).[\\[119\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-127) In 2023, [Shinjiro Atae](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shinjiro_Atae \"Shinjiro Atae\") came out as openly gay.[\\[120\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-128)\n\nVarious celebrities have dedicated airtime on radios and podcasts to LGBTQ topics and supporting LGBTQ issues. [Sho Sakurai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sho_Sakurai \"Sho Sakurai\") of [Arashi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arashi \"Arashi\") held an interview with drag queens in 2015 in [Shinjuku Ni-chōme](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shinjuku_Ni-ch%C5%8Dme \"Shinjuku Ni-chōme\") and was given the nickname \"Cherry Shoko in the Sky\".[\\[121\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-129) [Matsuko Deluxe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Matsuko_Deluxe \"Matsuko Deluxe\") is a famous and well-respected drag queen TV personality along the lines of Lily Savage (UK) and Dame Edna (Australia). The education specialist Naoki Ogi (more colloquially known by teachers across Japan by his nickname \"Ogimama\") has in past years given focus to LGBTQ issues in schools.[\\[122\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-130) Support for LGBTQ rights has been expressed by corporate executives and Olympic athlete [Dai Tamesue](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dai_Tamesue \"Dai Tamesue\").[\\[123\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-j-today-131) One of famous Japanese director [Hirokazu Kore-eda](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hirokazu_Kore-eda \"Hirokazu Kore-eda\")'s earliest movies, a documentary called \"August without Him\", released in 1994, follows Hirata Yutaka, the first openly gay [AIDS](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/AIDS \"AIDS\") sufferer in Japan. Filmed over a series of months, it contrasts his public life as an outspoken figure on the lecture circuit with his personal descent into illness and death.\n\n## Political support\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=22 \"Edit section: Political support\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/7\/7e\/TokyoRainbowPrideParade-maingate-side-sunny-may8-2016.jpg\/250px-TokyoRainbowPrideParade-maingate-side-sunny-may8-2016.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:TokyoRainbowPrideParade-maingate-side-sunny-may8-2016.jpg)\n\nTokyo Rainbow Pride in 2016\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Sapporo_Rainbow_Pride_2019%3B_September_2019.jpg\/250px-Sapporo_Rainbow_Pride_2019%3B_September_2019.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Sapporo_Rainbow_Pride_2019;_September_2019.jpg)\n\n[Sapporo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sapporo \"Sapporo\") Rainbow Pride in September 2019\n\nJapan's society and government are predominantly conservative.[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-BBC-7) Most political parties in Japan have formal positions in favor or against LGBTQ rights in their party's platform or manifesto. The [Liberal Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\\(Japan\\) \"Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)\") (LDP) has indicated opposition to legalizing [same-sex marriage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Same-sex_marriage \"Same-sex marriage\"), whereas the [Constitutional Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Constitutional_Democratic_Party_of_Japan \"Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan\") (CDP), the [Japanese Communist Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_Communist_Party \"Japanese Communist Party\") (JCP), the [Japan Innovation Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nippon_Ishin_no_Kai \"Nippon Ishin no Kai\"),[\\[124\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-132) and the [Social Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Social_Democratic_Party_\\(Japan\\) \"Social Democratic Party (Japan)\") have indicated support for legalization.[\\[125\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-133) In a 2023 survey, [Pew Research Center](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pew_Research_Center \"Pew Research Center\") estimated that nearly 70% of Japanese people support same-sex marriage, the highest percentage of acceptance out of the Asian countries surveyed.[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-PewResearch-24)\n\nIn 2001, the Council for Human Rights Promotion, under the Ministry of Justice, recommended that [sexual orientation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sexual_orientation \"Sexual orientation\") be included in the nation's civil rights code, but the National Diet refused to adopt the recommendation.\n\nIn 2003, [Aya Kamikawa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Aya_Kamikawa \"Aya Kamikawa\") became the first openly [transgender](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Transgender \"Transgender\") politician to be elected to public office in Japan, winning a seat on the Setagaya Ward Assembly. She initially ran as an independent but expressed support for the now-defunct [Rainbow and Greens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rainbow_and_Greens \"Rainbow and Greens\").[\\[126\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-134)\n\nIn 2005, [Kanako Otsuji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kanako_Otsuji \"Kanako Otsuji\"), from the [Osaka Prefectural Assembly](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Osaka_Prefectural_Assembly \"Osaka Prefectural Assembly\") (2003–2007), became the first openly gay politician in Japan, when she formally came out at the Tokyo Gay Pride Festival. She later briefly served on the [House of Councillors](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/House_of_Councillors_\\(Japan\\) \"House of Councillors (Japan)\") in 2013. Following the [2017 general election](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2017_Japanese_general_election \"2017 Japanese general election\"), Otsuji became the first openly lesbian member of the [House of Representatives](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/House_of_Representatives_\\(Japan\\) \"House of Representatives (Japan)\").[\\[127\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-135)\n\nIn 2010, [Tokyo Governor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Governor_of_Tokyo \"Governor of Tokyo\") [Shintaro Ishihara](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shintaro_Ishihara \"Shintaro Ishihara\") faced international criticism for controversial comments he made, in which he said that gays and lesbians were \"deficient somehow. It may be attributed to something genetic. I feel sorry for them being a minority.\"[\\[128\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-136)\n\nIn 2011, [Taiga Ishikawa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taiga_Ishikawa \"Taiga Ishikawa\") became the first openly gay man elected to office in Japan, winning a seat in the local assembly of [Toshima](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Toshima \"Toshima\") Ward.[\\[129\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-137) He came out publicly in his book *Where Is My Boyfriend* (2002), and started a non-profit organization that sponsors social events for gay men in Japan. At the [2019 House of Councillors election](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Japanese_House_of_Councillors_election \"2019 Japanese House of Councillors election\"), Ishikawa won a seat in the House of Councillors as a member of the CDP, the first openly gay man to do so.[\\[130\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-138)[\\[131\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-139) After his election, he vowed to legalize same-sex marriage and enact anti-discrimination laws within the six years of his term.[\\[132\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-140)[\\[133\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-141)[\\[134\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-142)\n\nAt the [2016 House of Councillors election](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2016_Japanese_House_of_Councillors_election \"2016 Japanese House of Councillors election\"), the conservative governing LDP included in its manifesto, that \"same-sex marriage is incompatible with the Constitution\".[\\[135\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-143) However, it also included \"promoting understanding of sexual diversity\" in its platform, a move that would have been \"unthinkable\" in earlier times and that lawmaker [Gaku Hashimoto](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gaku_Hashimoto \"Gaku Hashimoto\") attributed in part to burnishing the country's international image in advance of the [2020 Summer Olympics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2020_Summer_Olympics \"2020 Summer Olympics\") in Tokyo.[\\[136\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-scmp-2016-144) In 2019, former Defense Minister [Tomomi Inada](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tomomi_Inada \"Tomomi Inada\") said she was unsure whether she would be able to introduce new legislation seeking greater tolerance of same-sex relationships amid opposition from her LDP colleagues. While Inada announced she wishes to \"promote understanding\" of LGBTQ people, she stated she is not trying to get Japan to legalize same-sex marriage or ban discrimination against LGBTQ citizens. Some LDP members have made controversial statements, such as [Katsuei Hirasawa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Katsuei_Hirasawa \"Katsuei Hirasawa\") who argued in a speech in February 2019 that the \"nation would collapse\" if everyone were gay. Another ruling party lawmaker, [Mio Sugita](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mio_Sugita \"Mio Sugita\"), published a magazine article in 2018 describing same-sex couples as \"unproductive\" because they do not have children.[\\[137\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-145)\n\nIn March 2017, [Tomoya Hosoda](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tomoya_Hosoda \"Tomoya Hosoda\") was elected to the [Iruma](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Iruma,_Saitama \"Iruma, Saitama\") Assembly, in the prefecture of [Saitama](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Saitama_Prefecture \"Saitama Prefecture\"). Hosoda is believed to be the first openly transgender man elected to public office in the world.[\\[138\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-146)\n\nDuring the country's [2017 general election](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2017_Japanese_general_election \"2017 Japanese general election\"), Tokyo Governor [Yuriko Koike](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yuriko_Koike \"Yuriko Koike\")'s newly launched [Party of Hope](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kib%C5%8D_no_T%C5%8D \"Kibō no Tō\") pledged the elimination of LGBTQ discrimination in its manifesto.[\\[139\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-147)\n\nIn January 2019, trans woman Maria Akasaka became a member of the [Kameoka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kameoka,_Kyoto \"Kameoka, Kyoto\") City Assembly, in [Kyoto Prefecture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kyoto_Prefecture \"Kyoto Prefecture\").[\\[140\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-148) In April 2019, another trans woman, [Ayako Fuchigami](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ayako_Fuchigami \"Ayako Fuchigami\"), won a seat on the Hokkaido Prefectural Assembly representing [Sapporo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sapporo \"Sapporo\")'s [Higashi-ku](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Higashi-ku,_Sapporo \"Higashi-ku, Sapporo\") ward. She became the first openly transgender person to hold a prefectural assembly position in Japan.[\\[141\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-149)\n\nIn June 2019, the CDP added introducing legislation aimed at ending discrimination against the LGBTQ community and legalising same-sex marriage to its party platform ahead of the [2019 Japanese House of Councillors election](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Japanese_House_of_Councillors_election \"2019 Japanese House of Councillors election\").[\\[142\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-150)\n\nIn May 2021, Japan's conservative governing LDP has been accused of violating the Olympic charter after it failed to approve a bill to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community, during discussions marred by homophobic outbursts from conservative MPs. Closed meetings held in May to discuss a bill, proposed by opposition parties, ended without agreement after some LDP MPs said the rights of sexual minorities had \"gone too far\". An unnamed lawmaker described LGBTQ people as \"morally unacceptable\", while another MP, Kazuo Yana, said sexual minorities were \"resisting the preservation of the species that occurs naturally in biological terms\", media reports said. The failure to back a proposed law to protect LGBTQ rights was condemned by human rights groups, which said the party deserved a \"gold medal for homophobia\".[\\[143\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-151)\n\nIn July 2022, LGBTQ rights activists and supporters protested in front of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's headquarters after an intra-party panel meeting circulated a booklet claiming that \"homosexuality is a mental disease or addiction.\" The text was packed with false information, including \"It's not the case that high suicide rates among LGBTQ people can be attributed to discrimination within society,\" and, \"We should not legitimatize the sexual lifestyles of sexual minorities as it will become a social problem which will destroy families and society.\"[\\[144\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-152)\n\nIn 2023, [Prime Minister](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prime_Minister_of_Japan \"Prime Minister of Japan\") [Fumio Kishida](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fumio_Kishida \"Fumio Kishida\") of the [Liberal Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\\(Japan\\) \"Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)\") met with LGBTQ groups in the [Prime Minister's Official Residence](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prime_Minister%27s_Official_Residence_\\(Japan\\) \"Prime Minister's Official Residence (Japan)\") and apologized for comments made by his former aide, Masayoshi Arai, based on [homophobia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Homophobia \"Homophobia\") and anti-[same-sex marriage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Same-sex_marriage \"Same-sex marriage\").[\\[145\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-153)\n\n## Summary table\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=23 \"Edit section: Summary table\")\\]\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| Same-sex sexual activity legal | [![Never criminalized](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Never criminalized\") (Since 1882) |\n| Equal age of consent (16) | [![Yes](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Yes\") (Since 1882) |\n| Anti-discrimination laws in employment | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\")\/[![Yes](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Yes\") (In [Tokyo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokyo \"Tokyo\"), [Ibaraki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ibaraki_Prefecture \"Ibaraki Prefecture\") and [Akita](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Akita_Prefecture \"Akita Prefecture\")) |\n| Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\")\/[![Yes](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Yes\") (In Tokyo and Ibaraki) |\n| Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech) | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") |\n| [Civil unions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Civil_union \"Civil union\") | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") |\n| Same-sex marriage | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") (Ban declared unconstitutional in some lower courts)[\\[i\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-154)[\\[146\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-155) |\n| Recognition of same-sex couples | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\")\/[![Yes](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Yes\") (Several jurisdictions offer partnership certificates) |\n| Stepchild adoption by same-sex couples | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\")\/[![Yes](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Yes\") (Some jurisdictions offer partnership certificates including identifying biological children of one partner) |\n| Joint adoption by same-sex couples | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") |\n| [Legal recognition of intersex people](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Legal_recognition_of_intersex_people \"Legal recognition of intersex people\") | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg) |\n| [Intersex human rights](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Intersex_human_rights \"Intersex human rights\") | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg) |\n| Lesbian, gay and bisexual people allowed to serve in the military | [![Yes](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Yes\") |\n| Transgender people allowed to serve openly in the military | [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/4\/48\/Emblem-question.svg\/20px-Emblem-question.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Emblem-question.svg) |\n| Right to change legal gender | [![Yes](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Yes\") (Since 2004; under certain restrictions: must undergo [surgery](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sex_reassignment_surgery \"Sex reassignment surgery\"), be unmarried, and have no children under 18) |\n| [Gender self-identification](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gender_self-identification \"Gender self-identification\") | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") |\n| [Legal recognition of non-binary gender](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Legal_recognition_of_non-binary_gender \"Legal recognition of non-binary gender\") | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") |\n| Conversion therapy on minors banned | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") |\n| Access to IVF for lesbian couples | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\")[\\[60\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-hrw.org-60)[\\[147\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-156) |\n| Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") (Banned regardless of sexual orientation) |\n| [MSM](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Men_who_have_sex_with_men \"Men who have sex with men\") allowed to [donate blood](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MSM_blood_donor_controversy \"MSM blood donor controversy\") | [![Yes](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Yes\")\/[![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") (6-month deferral period) |\n\n## See also\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=24 \"Edit section: See also\")\\]\n\n- ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Nuvola_LGBT_flag.svg\/40px-Nuvola_LGBT_flag.svg.png)[LGBTQ portal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portal:LGBTQ \"Portal:LGBTQ\")\n- ![flag](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Flag_of_Japan.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png)[Japan portal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portal:Japan \"Portal:Japan\")\n\n- [LGBTQ rights in Tokyo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBT_rights_in_Tokyo \"LGBT rights in Tokyo\")\n- [Human rights in Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Human_rights_in_Japan \"Human rights in Japan\")\n- [Situation of homosexuals in the Japanese military (JSDF)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sexual_orientation_and_military_service_by_country#Japan \"Sexual orientation and military service by country\")\n- [LGBTQ rights in Asia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBT_rights_in_Asia \"LGBT rights in Asia\")\n- [LGBT and politics in Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBT_and_politics_in_Japan&action=edit&redlink=1 \"LGBT and politics in Japan (page does not exist)\") \\[[ja](https:\/\/ja.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E3%81%AB%E3%81%8A%E3%81%91%E3%82%8BLGBT%E3%81%A8%E6%94%BF%E6%B2%BB \"ja:日本におけるLGBTと政治\")\\]\n\n## Notes\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=25 \"Edit section: Notes\")\\]\n\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-64)** The 50 other municipalities are [Koga](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Koga,_Fukuoka \"Koga, Fukuoka\") (July 2021), [Toyota](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Toyota,_Aichi \"Toyota, Aichi\") (July 2021), [Iruma](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Iruma,_Saitama \"Iruma, Saitama\") (September 2021), [Miyoshi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Miyoshi,_Tokushima \"Miyoshi, Tokushima\") (September 2021), [Kawajima](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kawajima,_Saitama \"Kawajima, Saitama\") (October 2021), [Kōnosu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/K%C5%8Dnosu \"Kōnosu\") (December 2021), [Sōja](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/S%C5%8Dja \"Sōja\") (December 2021), [Hannō](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hann%C5%8D \"Hannō\") (January 2022), [Hidaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hidaka,_Saitama \"Hidaka, Saitama\") (January 2022), [Tokorozawa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokorozawa,_Saitama \"Tokorozawa, Saitama\") (January 2022), [Mitoyo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mitoyo,_Kagawa \"Mitoyo, Kagawa\") (January 2022), [Ichikawa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ichikawa,_Chiba \"Ichikawa, Chiba\") (February 2022), [Anan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Anan,_Tokushima \"Anan, Tokushima\") (April 2022), [Bungo-Ōno](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bungo-%C5%8Cno \"Bungo-Ōno\") (April 2022), [Kan'onji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kan%27onji,_Kagawa \"Kan'onji, Kagawa\") (April 2022), [Kanuma](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kanuma,_Tochigi \"Kanuma, Tochigi\") (April 2022), [Kasaoka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kasaoka \"Kasaoka\") (April 2022), [Kasuya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kasuya,_Fukuoka \"Kasuya, Fukuoka\") (April 2022), [Kosai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kosai,_Shizuoka \"Kosai, Shizuoka\") (April 2022), [Miyashiro](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Miyashiro,_Saitama \"Miyashiro, Saitama\") (April 2022), [Okazaki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Okazaki,_Aichi \"Okazaki, Aichi\") (April 2022), [Yoshimi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yoshimi,_Saitama \"Yoshimi, Saitama\") (April 2022), [Tosashimizu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tosashimizu,_K%C5%8Dchi \"Tosashimizu, Kōchi\") (June 2022), [Tondabayashi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tondabayashi \"Tondabayashi\") (July 2022), [Osaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Osaka \"Osaka\") (August 2022), [Ichinomiya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ichinomiya,_Aichi \"Ichinomiya, Aichi\") (September 2022), [Toyoyama](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Toyoyama \"Toyoyama\") (September 2022), [Naha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Naha \"Naha\") (October 2022), [Toda](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Toda,_Saitama \"Toda, Saitama\") (October 2022), [Ikeda](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ikeda,_Osaka \"Ikeda, Osaka\") (October 2022), [Setagaya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Setagaya \"Setagaya\") (November 2022), [Nagoya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nagoya \"Nagoya\") (December 2022), [Ichinoseki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ichinoseki,_Iwate \"Ichinoseki, Iwate\") (December 2022), [Wako](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wako,_Saitama \"Wako, Saitama\") (January 2023), [Komaki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Komaki \"Komaki\") (February 2023), [Nagaoka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nagaoka,_Niigata \"Nagaoka, Niigata\") (February 2023), [Ranzan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ranzan,_Saitama \"Ranzan, Saitama\") (March 2023), [Kashiwa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kashiwa \"Kashiwa\") (March 2023), [Takasago](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Takasago,_Hy%C5%8Dgo \"Takasago, Hyōgo\") (April 2023), [Namegawa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Namegawa,_Saitama \"Namegawa, Saitama\") (April 2023), [Asaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asaka,_Saitama \"Asaka, Saitama\") (April 2023), [Kasukabe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kasukabe,_Saitama \"Kasukabe, Saitama\") (April 2023), [Niiza](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Niiza,_Saitama \"Niiza, Saitama\") (April 2023), [Shiki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shiki,_Saitama \"Shiki, Saitama\") (April 2023), [Nachikatsuura](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nachikatsuura \"Nachikatsuura\") (April 2023), [Maibara](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maibara,_Shiga \"Maibara, Shiga\") (April 2023), [Kaizu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kaizu,_Gifu \"Kaizu, Gifu\") (April 2023), [Matsudo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Matsudo,_Chiba \"Matsudo, Chiba\") (April 2023), [Chiba](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chiba,_Chiba \"Chiba, Chiba\") (April 2023), [Sapporo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sapporo \"Sapporo\") (April 2023) and [Morioka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Morioka \"Morioka\") (May 2023).[\\[62\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-listcities-62)\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-67)** [Rōmaji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Romanization_of_Japanese \"Romanization of Japanese\"): **haigūsha kara no bōryoku no bōshi oyobi higaisha no hogo tō ni kansuru hōritsu**\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-78)** [Rōmaji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Romanization_of_Japanese \"Romanization of Japanese\"): **seiteki shikō mata wa sei jinin o riyū to suru sabetsu no kaishō tō no suishin ni kansuru houritsu an**\n4. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-85)** Rōmaji: **danjo koyō kikai kintō hō**\n5. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-87)** Rōmaji: **moderu shūgyō kisoku**\n6. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-100)** [Rōmaji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Romanization_of_Japanese \"Romanization of Japanese\"): **seiteki shikō oyobi gender identity no tayōsei ni kansuru kokumin no rikai no zōshin ni kansuru hōritsu**\n7. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-101)** [Rōmaji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Romanization_of_Japanese \"Romanization of Japanese\"): **LGBT rikai zōshin hō**\n8. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-102)** Rōmaji: **seidōitsusei shōgaisha no seibetsu no toriatsukai no tokurei ni kansuru hōritsu**\n9. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-154)** Article 24 of the [Japanese Constitution](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_Constitution \"Japanese Constitution\") describes marriage in heteronormative phrasing.\n\n## References\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=26 \"Edit section: References\")\\]\n\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-1)**\n   [\"ILGA State sponsored homophobia 2008.doc\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20090306021141\/http:\/\/www.ilga.org\/statehomophobia\/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2008.pdf) (PDF). *Ilga.org*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.ilga.org\/statehomophobia\/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2008.pdf) (PDF) on 6 March 2009. Retrieved 20 January 2011.\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-2)**\n   Lee, Michelle; Inuma, Julia. [\"Japan is hostile for LGBTQ people, but attitudes are shifting. Slowly\"](https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/world\/2023\/04\/12\/japan-lgbt-rights-same-sex-marriage\/). *The Washington Post*. Retrieved 7 August 2023.\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-3)**\n   McCurry, Justin (8 June 2023). [\"Japan court falls short of calling same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional\"](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2023\/jun\/08\/japan-court-falls-short-of-calling-same-sex-marriage-ban-unconstitutional). *The Guardian*.\n4. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-4)**\n   Joplin, Kat (10 December 2023). [\"Politics and pageantry for Japan's LGBTQ community in 2023\"](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/life\/2023\/12\/10\/lifestyle\/2023-gender-japan-drag-culture\/). *The Japan Times*. Retrieved 10 December 2023.\n5. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-5)**\n   [\"H-Net Reviews\"](http:\/\/www.h-net.org\/reviews\/showrev.php?id=4126). H-net.org. May 2000. Retrieved 16 June 2014.\n6. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-Justin_McCurry_6-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-Justin_McCurry_6-1)\n   Justin McCurry (30 October 2020). [\"Japan's 'love hotels' accused of anti-gay discrimination\"](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2020\/oct\/30\/japans-love-hotels-accused-of-anti-gay-discrimination). The Guardian.\n7. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-BBC_7-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-BBC_7-1)\n   Khalil, Shaimaa (2 October 2023). [\"Marriage equality eludes Japan's same-sex couples\"](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-66173433). *[BBC](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/BBC \"BBC\")*. Retrieved 3 October 2023.\n8. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-8)**\n   日本放送協会. [\"同性婚認めないのは違憲の初判断 国への賠償は退ける 札幌地裁\"](https:\/\/www.nhk.or.jp\/politics\/articles\/statement\/55909.html). *NHK政治マガジン* (in Japanese). Retrieved 27 February 2023.\n9. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-9)**\n   日本放送協会. [\"同性婚認めないのは憲法違反 違憲判断は全国2件目 名古屋地裁\"](https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20230530\/k10014082521000.html). *NHK NEWS WEB* (in Japanese). Retrieved 16 October 2023.\n   \n   `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service \"Category:CS1 maint: deprecated archival service\"))\n10. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-10)**\n    日本放送協会. [\"\"同性婚 認められないのは憲法に違反せず\" 大阪地裁 \\| NHK\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20220620053223\/https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20220620\/k10013679951000.html). *NHKニュース*. Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20220620\/k10013679951000.html) on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2023.\n11. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-11)**\n    日本放送協会. [\"同性婚 法制度ないのは違憲状態も憲法には違反せず 東京地裁 \\| NHK\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20221130060822\/https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20221130\/k10013908001000.html). *NHKニュース*. Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20221130\/k10013908001000.html) on 30 November 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2023.\n12. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-12)**\n    [\"Japan court rules same-sex marriage ban constitutional, but advocates hold out hope\"](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2022\/11\/30\/national\/crime-legal\/court-same-sex-marriage-ruling\/). The Japan Times. 30 November 2022. Retrieved 24 February 2023.\n13. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-13)**\n    Lies, Elaine (8 June 2023). [\"Japan ruling on same-sex marriage disappoints but 'a step forward'\"](https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/japan-court-rules-that-not-allowing-same-sex-marriage-is-state-2023-06-08\/). *Reuters*. Retrieved 15 November 2023. \"A Japanese court on Thursday said a ban on same-sex marriage was constitutional\"\n14. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-14)**\n    [\"\"Legislation of same-sex marriage is essential\" to promote understanding of LGBTQ people: Second lawsuit argument at Tokyo District Court\"](https:\/\/www.tokyo-np.co.jp\/article\/280381). *東京新聞 TOKYO Web*. Retrieved 28 September 2023.\n15. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-15)**\n    Sam Shoushi (25 March 2008). [\"Japan and Sexual Minorities \\| ヒューライツ大阪\"](http:\/\/www.hurights.or.jp\/archives\/focus\/section2\/2008\/06\/japan-and-sexual-minorities.html). Hurights.or.jp. Retrieved 16 June 2014.\n16. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-16)**\n    [\"The Global Divide on Homosexuality Persists\"](https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/global\/2020\/06\/25\/global-divide-on-homosexuality-persists\/). Pew Research Center. 25 June 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2021.\n17. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-17)**\n    Lies, Elaine; Pomfret, James (31 August 2023). [\"More LGBTQ rights could help Asia financial hubs draw global talent\"](https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/sustainability\/society-equity\/more-lgbtq-rights-could-help-asia-financial-hubs-draw-global-talent-2023-08-31\/). *Reuters*. Retrieved 31 August 2023.\n18. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-PinkNews_18-0)**\n    Condon, Ali (16 October 2023). [\"Japan: Family court rules it's unconstitutional to require surgery for gender change\"](https:\/\/www.thepinknews.com\/2023\/10\/16\/japan-surgery-gender-change-unconstitutional\/). *PinkNews*. Retrieved 16 October 2023.\n19. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-apnews_19-0)**\n    [\"Japan's top court strikes down required sterilization surgery to officially change gender\"](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-lgbtq-transgender-ruling-gender-change-decdbdca9c8dd3658ae86b63ec40c53d). *[Associated Press News](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Associated_Press_News \"Associated Press News\")*. 25 October 2023.\n20. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-20)**\n    [\"Archived copy\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20131116211018\/http:\/\/ilga.org\/historic\/Statehomophobia\/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2008.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http:\/\/ilga.org\/historic\/Statehomophobia\/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2008.pdf) (PDF) on 16 November 2013. Retrieved 14 October 2013.\n    \n    `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title ([link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CS1_maint:_archived_copy_as_title \"Category:CS1 maint: archived copy as title\"))\n21. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-21)**\n    [\"12 pictures of Tokyo Pride which will make your day\"](http:\/\/www.pinknews.co.uk\/2017\/05\/08\/here-are-12-pictures-of-tokyo-pride-which-will-make-your-day\/). 8 May 2017. Retrieved 8 April 2018.\n22. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-22)**\n    Chisaki Watanabe (29 November 2015). [\"Majority of Japanese Support Same-Sex Marriage, Poll Shows - Bloomberg Business\"](https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2015-11-29\/majority-of-japanese-support-same-sex-marriage-poll-shows). Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 27 December 2015.\n23. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-23)**\n    [\"Survey: 78% of Japanese in 20s to 50s favor legal gay marriages\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20220611002001\/https:\/\/www.asahi.com\/ajw\/articles\/13053805). The Asahi Shimbun. 28 January 2019. Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www.asahi.com\/ajw\/articles\/13053805) on 11 June 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2022.\n24. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-PewResearch_24-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-PewResearch_24-1)\n    Gubbala, Sneha; Poushter, Jacob; Huang, Christine (27 November 2023). [\"How people around the world view same-sex marriage\"](https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/short-reads\/2023\/11\/27\/how-people-around-the-world-view-same-sex-marriage\/). *Pew Research Center*. Retrieved 28 November 2023.\n25. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-25)**\n    [\"38% of LGBT people in Japan sexually harassed or assaulted: survey\"](https:\/\/english.kyodonews.net\/news\/2020\/12\/2cfe9ff21ca8-38-of-lgbt-people-sexually-harassed-or-assaulted-survey.html). Kyodo News. 27 December 2020.\n26. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-26)**\n    [\"UN votes to renew LGBTQ+ expert's mandate just after the US withdrew from Human Rights Council\"](https:\/\/www.lgbtqnation.com\/2025\/07\/un-votes-to-renew-lgbtq-experts-mandate-just-after-the-us-withdrew-from-human-rights-council\/). *lgbtqnation.com*. Retrieved 8 July 2025.\n27. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-27)**\n    Roy, Deblina (June 2019). [\"Homosexuality and Mythology\"](https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/338402252). *Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture*. **5** (1): 60. 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Retrieved 5 April 2019.\n79. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-82)**\n    [茨城、ＬＧＢＴ差別禁止を明文化 男女参画条例を改正](https:\/\/www.hokkaido-np.co.jp\/article\/289767)\n    \n    . *[Hokkaido Shimbun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hokkaido_Shimbun \"Hokkaido Shimbun\")* (in Japanese). 25 March 2019.\n    \n    \\[*[permanent dead link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Link_rot \"Wikipedia:Link rot\")*\\]\n80. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-83)**\n    [\"Japan: Introduce LGBT Non-Discrimination Law\"](https:\/\/www.hrw.org\/news\/2020\/05\/14\/japan-introduce-lgbt-non-discrimination-law). *Human Rights Watch*. Retrieved 14 May 2020.\n81. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-84)**\n    [\"県の多様性条例施行 性的指向など差別禁止\"](https:\/\/www.asahi.com\/articles\/ASQ416Q71Q30ULUC00D.html) (in Japanese). 朝日新聞. 2 April 2022. 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Retrieved 12 October 2023.\n94. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-99)**\n    [\"Watered-down LGBTQ 'understanding' bill shows how far Japan's parliament is out of step with its society – and history\"](https:\/\/theconversation.com\/watered-down-lgbtq-understanding-bill-shows-how-far-japans-parliament-is-out-of-step-with-its-society-and-history-206908). [The Conversation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Conversation_\\(website\\) \"The Conversation (website)\"). 17 June 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.\n95. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-103)**\n    [\"Japan: Human Rights Violation against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Persons\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20210905192337\/https:\/\/ilga.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Shadow-Report-.pdf) (PDF). *ILGA*. April 2012. 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Düsseldorf University Press. p. 5. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.1515\/9783110767995](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1515%2F9783110767995). [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9783110767995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9783110767995 \"Special:BookSources\/9783110767995\")\n    \n    .\n99. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-:3_107-0)**\n    [\"Yale Professor Nakamura discusses Japanese transgender identity and disability\"](https:\/\/georgetownvoice.com\/2015\/10\/23\/yale-professor-nakamura-discusses-japanese-transgender-identity-and-disability\/). *The Georgetown Voice*. 23 October 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2021.\n100. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-108)**\n     Nakamura, Karen (n.d.). [\"Trans\/Disability: Disability, Queer Sexualities, and Transsexuality from a Comparative Ethnographic Perspective (トランス／ディサビリティー： 比較人類学視点から見る現代の障害者運動 、クイアーセクシュアリティ、と性同一性障害運動)\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20200928183410\/https:\/\/www.p.u-tokyo.ac.jp\/cbfe\/activity\/doc\/05_doc1_20120119.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www.p.u-tokyo.ac.jp\/cbfe\/activity\/doc\/05_doc1_20120119.pdf) (PDF) on 28 September 2020. Retrieved 23 July 2021.\n101. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-109)**\n     [\"After gender change, a bureaucratic brick wall in Japan\"](https:\/\/www.france24.com\/en\/20190219-after-gender-change-bureaucratic-brick-wall-japan). *France 24*. 19 February 2019. Retrieved 11 January 2022.\n102. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-110)**\n     Osumi, Magdalena (21 June 2021). 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Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2018\/06\/14\/national\/social-issues\/japans-social-security-net-transgender-people-improving-obstacles-loom-seniors\/) on 25 April 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2019 – via Japan Times Online.\n105. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-bbc_113-0)** [Coming of age: Why adults in Japan are getting younger](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-44465196), *BBC News*, 13 June 2018\n106. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-114)**\n     [\"Human Rights Watch Letter to Japanese Authorities Re: Trans University Students\"](https:\/\/www.hrw.org\/news\/2020\/10\/20\/human-rights-watch-letter-japanese-authorities-re-trans-university-students). *Human Rights Watch*. 20 October 2020.\n107. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-115)**\n     [\"Japan's Women's Universities start accepting transgender students\"](https:\/\/zenbird.media\/japans-womens-universities-start-accepting-transgender-students\/). 7 July 2020.\n108. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-116)**\n     Bollinger, Alex. [\"Police refer trans woman to prosecutors for using women's bathroom\"](https:\/\/www.lgbtqnation.com\/2022\/01\/police-refer-trans-woman-prosecutors-using-womens-bathroom\/). *LGBTQ Nation*. Retrieved 1 February 2022.\n109. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-117)**\n     [\"Transgender woman referred to prosecutors for using women's washroom in Osaka\"](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2022\/01\/07\/national\/crime-legal\/transgender-woman-osaka-washroom\/). *The Japan Times*. 7 January 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2022.\n110. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-118)**\n     [\"Supreme Court hands down landmark decision on transgender rights\"](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2023\/10\/25\/japan\/crime-legal\/transgender-supreme-court-ruling\/). *The Japan Times*. 25 October 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.\n111. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-119)**\n     [\"Victory for Transgender Rights in Japan \\| Human Rights Watch\"](https:\/\/www.hrw.org\/news\/2023\/10\/25\/victory-transgender-rights-japan). 25 October 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.\n112. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-jspn.or.jp_120-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-jspn.or.jp_120-1)\n     [\"性別不合に関する診断と治療のガイドライン｜公益社団法人 日本精神神経学会\"](https:\/\/www.jspn.or.jp\/modules\/advocacy\/index.php?content_id=23). *www.jspn.or.jp*. Retrieved 28 September 2024.\n113. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-121)**\n     [\"性別不合に関する診断と治療のガイドライン (第 5 版)\"](https:\/\/www.jspn.or.jp\/uploads\/uploads\/files\/activity\/gid_guideline_no5.pdf) (PDF). *The Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology*. August 2024. pp. 16–18\\.\n114. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-122)**\n     [\"性別不合に関する診断と治療のガイドライン (第 5 版)\"](https:\/\/www.jspn.or.jp\/uploads\/uploads\/files\/activity\/gid_guideline_no5.pdf) (PDF). *The Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology*. August 2024. pp. 16–18\\.\n115. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-123)**\n     [エイズ、肝炎などのウイルス保有者、またはそれと疑われる方](http:\/\/www.jrc.or.jp\/donation\/about\/refrain\/detail_04\/)\n     \n     (in Japanese). Japanese Red Cross Society. Retrieved 14 June 2016. \"... 輸血を必要とする患者さんへの感染を防ぐため、過去6カ月間に下記に該当する方は、献血をご遠慮いただいています。... 男性どうしの性的接触があった。 (Translation: To prevent infecting patients requiring blood transfusion, those who match any of the following within the last six months should refrain from donating blood. ... Sexual contact between two males.)\"\n116. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-124)**\n     [エイズ、肝炎などのウイルス保有者、またはそれと疑われる方](http:\/\/www.jrc.or.jp\/donation\/about\/refrain\/detail_04\/)\n     \n     (in Japanese). Japanese Red Cross Society. Retrieved 14 June 2016. \"... 輸血を必要とする患者さんへの感染を防ぐため、過去6カ月間に下記に該当する方は、献血をご遠慮いただいています。... 不特定の異性または新たな異性との性的接触があった。 (Translation: To prevent infecting patients requiring blood transfusion, those who match any of the following within the last six months should refrain from donating blood. ... Sexual contact with an unspecified member of the opposite sex or a new member of the opposite sex.)\"\n117. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-125)**\n     [\"Archived copy\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20131110095918\/http:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/hivandaids\/LGBT_Rights_in_Japan.pdf) (PDF). 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Retrieved 7 January 2020.\n120. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-128)**\n     Daw, Stephen (26 July 2023). [\"J-Pop Star Shinjiro Atae Comes Out as Gay During Fan Event\"](https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/culture\/pride\/shinjiro-atae-comes-out-gay-1235379652\/). *[Billboard](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Billboard_\\(magazine\\) \"Billboard (magazine)\")*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230726212811\/https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/culture\/pride\/shinjiro-atae-comes-out-gay-1235379652\/) from the original on 26 July 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2023.\n121. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-129)**\n     Anonymous (21 April 2015). [\"Sakurai Sho Reveals That He Wants to Get Married; Wotas Upset\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20200121142929\/http:\/\/minuskakugo.blogspot.com\/2015\/04\/sakurai-sho-reveals-that-he-wants-to.html). 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Retrieved 16 October 2017.\n124. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-132)**\n     [\"日本維新の会の国会議員の皆さまと同性婚に関するオンラインでの意見交換勉強会を開催しました！\"](https:\/\/www.marriageforall.jp\/blog\/20220209\/). *結婚の自由をすべての人に - Marriage for All Japan -* (in Japanese). 9 February 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.\n125. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-133)**\n     Inada, Miho (20 September 2013). [\"Same-Sex Marriage in Japan: A Long Way Away? - Japan Real Time - WSJ\"](https:\/\/blogs.wsj.com\/japanrealtime\/2013\/09\/20\/same-sex-marriage-in-japan-a-long-way-away\/). Blogs.wsj.com. Retrieved 16 June 2014.\n126. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-134)**\n     [\"Setagaya OKs transsexual's election bid\"](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2003\/04\/21\/national\/setagaya-oks-transsexuals-election-bid\/). *The Japan Times News*. 21 April 2003.\n127. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-135)**\n     [\"Japan's Only Openly Gay Lawmaker Says Same-Sex Marriage Will Take Years\"](https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2017-12-08\/japan-s-lone-gay-lawmaker-says-same-sex-marriage-will-take-years). *Bloomberg*. 8 December 2017.\n128. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-136)**\n     Kambayashi, Takehiko (26 July 2017). [\"LGBT politicians in Japan seek to promote awareness, secure rights\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190817232912\/https:\/\/www.dpa-international.com\/topic\/lgbt-politicians-japan-seek-promote-awareness-secure-rights-urn:newsml:dpa.com:20090101:170726-99-391692). *DPA International*. Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www.dpa-international.com\/topic\/lgbt-politicians-japan-seek-promote-awareness-secure-rights-urn%3Anewsml%3Adpa.com%3A20090101%3A170726-99-391692) on 17 August 2019. Retrieved 17 August 2019.\n129. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-137)**\n     [\"Taiga Ishikawa is Japan's first openly gay elected official\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20120426062420\/http:\/\/www.tokyomango.com\/tokyo_mango\/2011\/05\/taiga-ishikawa-is-japans-first-openly-gay-elected-official.html). Tokyomango.com. 9 May 2011. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.tokyomango.com\/tokyo_mango\/2011\/05\/taiga-ishikawa-is-japans-first-openly-gay-elected-official.html) on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 16 June 2014.\n130. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-138)**\n     [\"Gay politician wins Upper House seat with LGBT support\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20200214180807\/http:\/\/www.asahi.com\/ajw\/articles\/AJ201907220044.html). *The Asahi Shimbun*. 22 July 2019. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.asahi.com\/ajw\/articles\/AJ201907220044.html) on 14 February 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2019.\n131. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-139)**\n     Daniel Reynolds (23 July 2019). [\"Japan's First Out Gay Lawmaker Vows Same-Sex Marriage 'Will Happen'\"](https:\/\/www.advocate.com\/politics\/2019\/7\/23\/japans-first-out-gay-lawmaker-vows-same-sex-marriage-will-happen). *The Advocate*.\n132. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-140)**\n     Damshenas, Sam (25 July 2019). [\"Japan's first openly gay male member of parliament vows to legalise same-sex marriage\"](https:\/\/www.gaytimes.co.uk\/community\/125045\/japans-first-openly-gay-member-of-parliament-vows-to-legalise-same-sex-marriage\/). *Gay Times*.\n133. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-141)**\n     Navlakha, Meera (24 July 2019). [\"Japan's First Openly Gay Parliament Member Promises to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage\"](https:\/\/www.vice.com\/en\/article\/japans-first-openly-gay-parliament-member-promises-to-legalize-same-sex-marriage\/). *Vice News*.\n134. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-142)**\n     Wakefield, Lily (24 July 2019). [\"Japan elects gay lawmaker who is 'sure' marriage equality will happen\"](https:\/\/www.pinknews.co.uk\/2019\/07\/24\/japan-elects-gay-lawmaker-taiga-ishikawa-sure-marriage-equality\/). *Pink News*.\n135. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-143)**\n     Fabre, Olivier (19 June 2019). [\"Liberal Democratic Party and tradition may stymie push for same-sex marriage in Japan\"](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2019\/06\/19\/national\/social-issues\/liberal-democratic-party-tradition-may-stymie-push-sex-marriage-japan\/). Retrieved 25 June 2019 – via Japan Times Online.\n136. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-scmp-2016_144-0)**\n     [\"Japan's conservative ruling party cites 'gay rights' in manifesto in bid to burnish image overseas\"](https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/news\/asia\/east-asia\/article\/1986665\/japans-conservative-ruling-party-cites-gay-rights-manifesto-bid). *South China Morning Post*. 7 July 2016. Retrieved 7 October 2017.\n137. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-145)**\n     [\"Tomomi Inada's uphill battle to 'promote understanding' of LGBT issues in Japan\"](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2019\/03\/21\/national\/politics-diplomacy\/uphill-battle-ldp-lawmaker-fights-lgbt-rights-japan\/). *The Japan Times*. 21 March 2019.\n138. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-146)**\n     [\"Japan becomes first country in the world to elect transgender man to a public office\"](https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/news\/world\/asia\/japan-first-world-transgender-man-public-office-councillor-iruma-saitama-kanto-a7636641.html). *[Independent.co.uk](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Independent.co.uk \"Independent.co.uk\")*. 18 March 2017. Retrieved 8 April 2018.\n139. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-147)**\n     Reynolds, Isabel; Nobuhiro, Emi (6 October 2017). [\"Japan's Opposition Unveils 'Yurinomics' Platform to Challenge Abe\"](https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2017-10-06\/japan-s-koike-says-she-may-tax-cash-reserves-of-large-companies). *Bloomberg*. Retrieved 6 October 2017.\n140. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-148)**\n     坂田奈央 (11 February 2019). [\"ＬＧＢＴ 気軽に言える環境づくりを 京都・亀岡市議選トップ当選 赤坂マリアさん\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190214121343\/http:\/\/www.tokyo-np.co.jp\/article\/politics\/list\/201902\/CK2019021102000132.html). *[Tokyo Shimbun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokyo_Shimbun \"Tokyo Shimbun\")*. Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www.tokyo-np.co.jp\/article\/politics\/list\/201902\/CK2019021102000132.html) on 14 February 2019. Retrieved 18 April 2019.\n141. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-149)**\n     [\"Japan's first transgender prefectural assembly member elected in Hokkaido\"](https:\/\/mainichi.jp\/english\/articles\/20190409\/p2a\/00m\/0na\/015000c). *[Mainichi Shimbun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mainichi_Shimbun \"Mainichi Shimbun\")*. 9 April 2019. Retrieved 10 April 2019.\n142. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-150)**\n     [\"Constitutional Democrats unveil campaign promises - NHK WORLD-JAPAN News\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190624152343\/https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20190624_32\/). *NHK WORLD*. Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20190624_32\/) on 24 June 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2019.\n143. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-151)**\n     [\"Japan's ruling party accused of violating Olympic charter over LGBT rights\"](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2021\/may\/24\/japan-ruling-party-accused-of-violating-olympic-charter-over-lgbt-rights). *The Guardian*. 24 May 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.\n144. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-152)**\n     [\"LDP panel booklet calling homosexuality a 'mental disease' sparks backlash in Japan\"](https:\/\/mainichi.jp\/english\/articles\/20220707\/p2a\/00m\/0na\/019000c). *Mainichi Daily News*. 7 July 2022.\n145. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-153)**\n     [\"Japan PM apologizes to LGBTQ activists over ex-aide's remark - The former aide told reporters this month that he wouldn't want to live next to LGBTQ people and claimed citizens would flee Japan if gays could marry\"](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/nbc-out\/out-news\/japan-pm-apologizes-lgbtq-activists-ex-aides-remark-rcna71196). *[NBC News](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/NBC_News \"NBC News\")*. 18 February 2023.\n146. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-155)**\n     [\"Japan's refusal to recognize same-sex marriage in law is unconstitutional, a court finds\"](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-ruling-nagoya-court-32d9b9ef069afae58e33b643a6ac497d). *AP News*. 7 March 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2025.\n147. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-156)**\n     [\"Japan hospital denies LGBTQ woman support for IVF pregnancy\"](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2023\/11\/07\/japan\/science-health\/japan-same-sex-couple-pregnancy\/). *The Japan Times*. Retrieved 7 November 2023.\n\n## External links\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=27 \"Edit section: External links\")\\]\n\n- [LGBT Students Bullied in Japan](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kVUyw8Pob68) on [YouTube](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/YouTube_video_\\(identifier\\) \"YouTube video (identifier)\"). [Human Rights Watch](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Human_Rights_Watch \"Human Rights Watch\") (8 July 2016)\n- [National Public Radio - Japan court says ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional](https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2022\/06\/20\/1106313824\/japan-court-ban-on-same-sex-marriage-constitutional)\n\n[![logo](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Commons-logo.svg\/40px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Commons-logo.svg)\n\nWikimedia Commons has media related to [LGBT in Japan](https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Category:LGBT_in_Japan \"commons:Category:LGBT in Japan\").\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:LGBTQ_in_Japan \"Template:LGBTQ in Japan\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:LGBTQ_in_Japan \"Template talk:LGBTQ in Japan\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:LGBTQ_in_Japan \"Special:EditPage\/Template:LGBTQ in Japan\")[![LGBT flag](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/4\/48\/Gay_Pride_Flag.svg\/40px-Gay_Pride_Flag.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Gay_Pride_Flag.svg \"LGBT flag\") [![Flag of Japan](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Flag_of_Japan.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Flag_of_Japan.svg \"Flag of Japan\") [Lesbian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lesbian \"Lesbian\"), [gay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gay \"Gay\"), [bisexual](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bisexual \"Bisexual\"), and [transgender](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Transgender \"Transgender\") topics in Japan |   |\n|---|---|\n| *Main article: [Sexual minorities in Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sexual_minorities_in_Japan \"Sexual minorities in Japan\")* |   |\n| Law | [LGBTQ rights]() [Akita](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Akita_Prefecture \"LGBTQ rights in Akita Prefecture\") [Ibaraki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Ibaraki_Prefecture \"LGBTQ rights in Ibaraki Prefecture\") [Tokyo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Tokyo \"LGBTQ rights in Tokyo\") [LGBT Understanding Promotion Act](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBT_Understanding_Promotion_Act \"LGBT Understanding Promotion Act\") [Recognition of same-sex unions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Recognition_of_same-sex_unions_in_Japan \"Recognition of same-sex unions in Japan\") [Partnership oath](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Partnership_oath_in_Japan \"Partnership oath in Japan\") [Blue boy trial](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Blue_boy_trial \"Blue boy trial\") |\n| History |   |\n|   |   |\n| General | [Homosexuality in Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Homosexuality_in_Japan \"Homosexuality in Japan\") *[Shudō](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shud%C5%8D \"Shudō\")* *[Onnagata](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Onnagata \"Onnagata\")* *[Otokonoko](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Otokonoko \"Otokonoko\")* *[Kagema](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kagema \"Kagema\")* *[Wakashū](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wakash%C5%AB \"Wakashū\")* [X-gender](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/X-gender \"X-gender\") |\n| Mythology | *[Amaterasu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_themes_in_mythology#Amaterasu's_queerness \"LGBTQ themes in mythology\")* *[Sōsei Genri](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_themes_in_mythology#Cross-dressing_in_Japanese_Mythology \"LGBTQ themes in mythology\")* *[Empress Jingū](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Empress_Jing%C5%AB \"Empress Jingū\")* *[Yamato Takeru](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yamato_Takeru \"Yamato Takeru\")* [transgender shamans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Transgender_people_and_religion#Japanese-Ryukyuan_religions \"Transgender people and religion\") *[Oyamakui no Kami](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Oyamakui_no_Kami \"Oyamakui no Kami\")* |\n| Literature |   |\n|   |   |\n| [Heian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Heian_literature \"Heian literature\") | *[Tosa Nikki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tosa_Nikki \"Tosa Nikki\")* *[The Tale of Genji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Tale_of_Genji \"The Tale of Genji\")* *[The Pillow Book](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Pillow_Book \"The Pillow Book\")* *[Torikaebaya Monogatari](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Torikaebaya_Monogatari \"Torikaebaya Monogatari\")* *[Ima Torikaebaya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Torikaebaya_Monogatari \"Torikaebaya Monogatari\")* *[Ariake no Wakare](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ariake_no_Wakare \"Ariake no Wakare\")* *[The Lady who Loved Insects](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Lady_who_Loved_Insects \"The Lady who Loved Insects\")* |\n| [Medieval](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Medieval_Japanese_literature \"Medieval Japanese literature\") | *[Chigo Monogatari](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chigo_Monogatari \"Chigo Monogatari\")* |\n| Edo | *[The Life of an Amorous Woman](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Life_of_an_Amorous_Woman \"The Life of an Amorous Woman\")* |\n| Culture |   |\n|   |   |\n| General | [LGBTQ culture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_culture_in_Japan \"LGBTQ culture in Japan\") [Tokyo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_culture_in_Tokyo \"LGBTQ culture in Tokyo\") [Genderless fashion in Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Genderless_fashion_in_Japan \"Genderless fashion in Japan\") |\n| Media | *[Badi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Badi_\\(magazine\\) \"Badi (magazine)\")* *[Barazoku](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Barazoku \"Barazoku\")* *[Dōkō](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/D%C5%8Dk%C5%8D \"Dōkō\")* *[Gay Japan News](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gay_Japan_News \"Gay Japan News\")* *[G-men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/G-men_\\(magazine\\) \"G-men (magazine)\")* *[Otoko-machi Map](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Otoko-machi_Map \"Otoko-machi Map\")* *[Samson](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Samson_\\(magazine\\) \"Samson (magazine)\")* |\n| Events | [Aomori International LGBT Film Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Aomori_International_LGBT_Film_Festival \"Aomori International LGBT Film Festival\") [Asian Queer Film Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asian_Queer_Film_Festival \"Asian Queer Film Festival\") [Rainbow March](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rainbow_March \"Rainbow March\") [Rainbow Reel Tokyo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rainbow_Reel_Tokyo \"Rainbow Reel Tokyo\") |\n| Gay villages | **Tokyo –** [Shinjuku Ni-chōme](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shinjuku_Ni-ch%C5%8Dme \"Shinjuku Ni-chōme\") Nana-chome & Higashi-Ueno ([Ueno](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ueno \"Ueno\")) Taito Ward ([Asakusa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asakusa \"Asakusa\")) Minato Ward ([Shinbashi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shinbashi \"Shinbashi\")) Toshima Ward ([Ikebukuro](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ikebukuro \"Ikebukuro\")) **Hokkaido –** [Susukino](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Susukino \"Susukino\") **Kanagawa –** Nogecho ([Yokohama](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yokohama \"Yokohama\")) **Aichi –** [Sakae, Nagoya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sakae,_Nagoya \"Sakae, Nagoya\") **Osaka –** [Doyama](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/D%C5%8Dyamach%C5%8D \"Dōyamachō\") [Namba](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Namba \"Namba\") [Shinsekai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shinsekai \"Shinsekai\") **Hiroshima –** Nagarekawa ([Hiroshima City](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hiroshima \"Hiroshima\")) **Fukuoka –** Haruyoshi ([Fukuoka City](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fukuoka \"Fukuoka\")) **Okinawa –** Sakurazaka ([Naha City](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Naha \"Naha\")) |\n| Related | [LGBTQ themes in anime and manga](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_themes_in_anime_and_manga \"LGBTQ themes in anime and manga\") [Gay manga](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bara_\\(genre\\) \"Bara (genre)\") *[Yaoi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Boys%27_love \"Boys' love\")* *[Yuri](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yuri_\\(genre\\) \"Yuri (genre)\")* [Class S](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Class_S_\\(culture\\) \"Class S (culture)\") *[Futanari](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Futanari \"Futanari\")* [OCCUR (organization)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/OCCUR_\\(organization\\) \"OCCUR (organization)\") |\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Japan_topics \"Template:Japan topics\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Japan_topics \"Template talk:Japan topics\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Japan_topics \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Japan topics\")[Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan \"Japan\") [articles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Index_of_Japan-related_articles \"Index of Japan-related articles\") |   |\n|---|---|\n| [Index](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Index_of_Japan-related_articles \"Index of Japan-related articles\") [Outline](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Outline_of_Japan \"Outline of Japan\") |   |\n| [History](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/History_of_Japan \"History of Japan\") |   |\n|   |   |\n| Overviews | Lists [Eras](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_era_name \"Japanese era name\") [Clans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_clans \"Japanese clans\") [Shoguns](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_shoguns \"List of shoguns\") [Wars](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_wars_involving_Japan \"List of wars involving Japan\") [Economic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Economic_history_of_Japan \"Economic history of Japan\") [Education](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/History_of_education_in_Japan \"History of education in Japan\") [Foreign relations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/History_of_Japanese_foreign_relations \"History of Japanese foreign relations\") [Military](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Military_history_of_Japan \"Military history of Japan\") [Naval](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Naval_history_of_Japan \"Naval history of Japan\") [Imperial Army](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Imperial_Japanese_Army \"Imperial Japanese Army\") [Imperial Navy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Imperial_Japanese_Navy \"Imperial Japanese Navy\") |\n| Ancient | [Paleolithic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_Paleolithic \"Japanese Paleolithic\") [Jōmon period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/J%C5%8Dmon_period \"Jōmon period\") [Yayoi period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yayoi_period \"Yayoi period\") [Kofun period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kofun_period \"Kofun period\") [Asuka period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asuka_period \"Asuka period\") [Taihō Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taih%C5%8D_Code \"Taihō Code\") [Asuka Kiyomihara Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asuka_Kiyomihara_Code \"Asuka Kiyomihara Code\") [Hakuhō period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hakuh%C5%8D_period \"Hakuhō period\") [Taika Reform](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taika_Reform \"Taika Reform\") [Monmu period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Monmu_period \"Monmu period\") [Nara period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nara_period \"Nara period\") [Heian period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Heian_period \"Heian period\") |\n| Post-Classical | [Genpei War](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Genpei_War \"Genpei War\") [Kamakura period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kamakura_period \"Kamakura period\") [Kamakura shogunate](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kamakura_shogunate \"Kamakura shogunate\") [Mongol invasions of Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mongol_invasions_of_Japan \"Mongol invasions of Japan\") [Genkō War](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Genk%C5%8D_War \"Genkō War\") [Kenmu Restoration](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kenmu_Restoration \"Kenmu Restoration\") [Muromachi period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Muromachi_period \"Muromachi period\") [Ashikaga shogunate](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ashikaga_shogunate \"Ashikaga shogunate\") [Nanboku-chō period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nanboku-ch%C5%8D_period \"Nanboku-chō period\") [Ōnin War](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%C5%8Cnin_War \"Ōnin War\") [Sengoku period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sengoku_period \"Sengoku period\") [Azuchi–Momoyama period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Azuchi%E2%80%93Momoyama_period \"Azuchi–Momoyama period\") [Council of Five Elders](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Council_of_Five_Elders \"Council of Five Elders\") [Imjin War](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Imjin_War \"Imjin War\") |\n| Early Modern | [Edo period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Edo_period \"Edo period\") [Tokugawa shogunate](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokugawa_shogunate \"Tokugawa shogunate\") [Bakumatsu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bakumatsu \"Bakumatsu\") [Empire of Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Empire_of_Japan \"Empire of Japan\") [Meiji era](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Meiji_era \"Meiji era\") [Imperial Constitution (1890–1947)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Meiji_Constitution \"Meiji Constitution\") [Government](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Government_of_Meiji_Japan \"Government of Meiji Japan\") [Meiji oligarchy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Meiji_oligarchy \"Meiji oligarchy\") [Meiji Restoration](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Meiji_Restoration \"Meiji Restoration\") [Abolition of the han system](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Abolition_of_the_han_system \"Abolition of the han system\") [Boshin War](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Boshin_War \"Boshin War\") [Satsuma Rebellion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Satsuma_Rebellion \"Satsuma Rebellion\") [Kazoku](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kazoku \"Kazoku\") (noble) [First Sino-Japanese War](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/First_Sino-Japanese_War \"First Sino-Japanese War\") [Russo-Japanese War](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Russo-Japanese_War \"Russo-Japanese War\") |\n| Late Modern | [Taishō era](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taish%C5%8D_era \"Taishō era\") [Japan during World War I](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan_during_World_War_I \"Japan during World War I\") [1923 Great Kantō earthquake](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1923_Great_Kant%C5%8D_earthquake \"1923 Great Kantō earthquake\") [Shōwa era](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sh%C5%8Dwa_era \"Shōwa era\") [Japan during World War II](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan_during_World_War_II \"Japan during World War II\") [Mukden Incident](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mukden_Incident \"Mukden Incident\") [Second Sino-Japanese War](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Second_Sino-Japanese_War \"Second Sino-Japanese War\") [Pacific War](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pacific_War \"Pacific War\") [Occupation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Occupation_of_Japan \"Occupation of Japan\") [Postwar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Postwar_Japan \"Postwar Japan\") [Economic miracle](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_economic_miracle \"Japanese economic miracle\") [Heisei era](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Heisei_era \"Heisei era\") [Great Hanshin earthquake](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Great_Hanshin_earthquake \"Great Hanshin earthquake\") [2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_T%C5%8Dhoku_earthquake_and_tsunami \"2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami\") |\n| Contemporary | [Reiwa era](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Reiwa_era \"Reiwa era\") [2019 imperial transition](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Japanese_imperial_transition \"2019 Japanese imperial transition\") [COVID-19 pandemic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/COVID-19_pandemic_in_Japan \"COVID-19 pandemic in Japan\") |\n| [Geography](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Geography_of_Japan \"Geography of Japan\") |   |\n|   |   |\n| [Addresses](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_addressing_system \"Japanese addressing system\") [Archipelago](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_archipelago \"Japanese archipelago\") [Cities](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cities_of_Japan \"Cities of Japan\") [Districts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Districts_of_Japan \"Districts of Japan\") [Earthquakes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_earthquakes_in_Japan \"List of earthquakes in Japan\") [Environment](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Environmental_issues_in_Japan \"Environmental issues in Japan\") [Extreme points](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_extreme_points_of_Japan \"List of extreme points of Japan\") [Islands](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_islands_of_Japan \"List of islands of Japan\") [Lakes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_lakes_of_Japan \"List of lakes of Japan\") [Prefectures](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prefectures_of_Japan \"Prefectures of Japan\") [Regions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_regions_of_Japan \"List of regions of Japan\") [Rivers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_rivers_of_Japan \"List of rivers of Japan\") [Towns](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_towns_in_Japan \"List of towns in Japan\") [Villages](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_villages_in_Japan \"List of villages in Japan\") [World Heritage Sites](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_World_Heritage_Sites_in_Japan \"List of World Heritage Sites in Japan\") |   |\n| [Politics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Politics_of_Japan \"Politics of Japan\") |   |\n|   |   |\n|   |   |\n| [Constitution](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Constitution_of_Japan \"Constitution of Japan\") [Elections](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Elections_in_Japan \"Elections in Japan\") [Emperor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Emperor_of_Japan \"Emperor of Japan\") [list](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_emperors_of_Japan \"List of emperors of Japan\") [Imperial House](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Imperial_House_of_Japan \"Imperial House of Japan\") [Foreign relations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Foreign_relations_of_Japan \"Foreign relations of Japan\") [Human rights](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Human_rights_in_Japan \"Human rights in Japan\") [LGBTQ]() [Judiciary](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Judicial_system_of_Japan \"Judicial system of Japan\") [Supreme Court](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Supreme_Court_of_Japan \"Supreme Court of Japan\") [Law](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Law_of_Japan \"Law of Japan\") [Law enforcement](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Law_enforcement_in_Japan \"Law enforcement in Japan\") [National Diet](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Diet \"National Diet\") [House of Representatives](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/House_of_Representatives_\\(Japan\\) \"House of Representatives (Japan)\") [House of Councillors](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/House_of_Councillors \"House of Councillors\") [List of members](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_members_of_the_Diet_of_Japan \"List of members of the Diet of Japan\") [Political parties](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_political_parties_in_Japan \"List of political parties in Japan\") [Self-Defense Forces](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan_Self-Defense_Forces \"Japan Self-Defense Forces\") [Ground](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan_Ground_Self-Defense_Force \"Japan Ground Self-Defense Force\") [Maritime](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan_Maritime_Self-Defense_Force \"Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force\") [Air](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan_Air_Self-Defense_Force \"Japan Air Self-Defense Force\") |   |\n| [Government](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Government_of_Japan \"Government of Japan\") | [Cabinet](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cabinet_of_Japan \"Cabinet of Japan\") [list](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Japanese_cabinets \"List of Japanese cabinets\") [Fiscal policy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Monetary_and_fiscal_policy_of_Japan \"Monetary and fiscal policy of Japan\") [Foreign policy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Foreign_policy_of_Japan \"Foreign policy of Japan\") [Ministries](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ministries_of_Japan \"Ministries of Japan\") [Prime Minister](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prime_Minister_of_Japan \"Prime Minister of Japan\") [list](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_prime_ministers_of_Japan \"List of prime ministers of Japan\") [Deputy Prime Minister](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Deputy_Prime_Minister_of_Japan \"Deputy Prime Minister of Japan\") |\n| [Economy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Economy_of_Japan \"Economy of Japan\") |   |\n|   |   |\n| [Agriculture, forestry, fishing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Agriculture,_forestry,_and_fishing_in_Japan \"Agriculture, forestry, and fishing in Japan\") [Central bank](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bank_of_Japan \"Bank of Japan\") [Labor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Labor_market_of_Japan \"Labor market of Japan\") [Manufacturing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Manufacturing_in_Japan \"Manufacturing in Japan\") [Energy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Energy_in_Japan \"Energy in Japan\") [Science and technology](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Science_and_technology_in_Japan \"Science and technology in Japan\") [Telecommunications](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Communications_in_Japan \"Communications in Japan\") [Transport](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Transport_in_Japan \"Transport in Japan\") [Yen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_yen \"Japanese yen\") |   |\n| [Society](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Society_of_Japan \"Category:Society of Japan\") |   |\n|   |   |\n| [Anti-monarchism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Anti-monarchism_in_Japan \"Anti-monarchism in Japan\") [Censorship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Censorship_in_Japan \"Censorship in Japan\") [Crime](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Crime_in_Japan \"Crime in Japan\") [Demographics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Demographics_of_Japan \"Demographics of Japan\") [Education](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Education_in_Japan \"Education in Japan\") [Etiquette](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Etiquette_in_Japan \"Etiquette in Japan\") [Gambling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gambling_in_Japan \"Gambling in Japan\") [Health](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Health_in_Japan \"Health in Japan\") [Kanpu masatsu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kanpu_masatsu \"Kanpu masatsu\") [Housing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Housing_in_Japan \"Housing in Japan\") [Homelessness](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Homelessness_in_Japan \"Homelessness in Japan\") [Languages](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Languages_of_Japan \"Languages of Japan\") [Japanese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_language \"Japanese language\") [Life expectancy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Japanese_prefectures_by_life_expectancy \"List of Japanese prefectures by life expectancy\") [People](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_people \"Japanese people\") [Pornography](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pornography_in_Japan \"Pornography in Japan\") [Prostitution](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prostitution_in_Japan \"Prostitution in Japan\") [Religion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Religion_in_Japan \"Religion in Japan\") [Sex trafficking](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sex_trafficking_in_Japan \"Sex trafficking in Japan\") [Sexual minorities](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sexual_minorities_in_Japan \"Sexual minorities in Japan\") [Sexuality](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sexuality_in_Japan \"Sexuality in Japan\") [Smoking](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Smoking_in_Japan \"Smoking in Japan\") [Women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women_in_Japan \"Women in Japan\") |   |\n| [Culture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Culture_of_Japan \"Culture of Japan\") | [Aesthetics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_aesthetics \"Japanese aesthetics\") [Anime](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Anime \"Anime\") \/ [Manga](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Manga \"Manga\") [Architecture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_architecture \"Japanese architecture\") [Art](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_art \"Japanese art\") [Bonsai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bonsai \"Bonsai\") [Cinema](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cinema_of_Japan \"Cinema of Japan\") [Class S (genre)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Class_S_\\(genre\\) \"Class S (genre)\") [Cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_cuisine \"Japanese cuisine\") ([wine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_wine \"Japanese wine\")) [Festivals](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_festivals \"Japanese festivals\") [Flag](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Flag_of_Japan \"Flag of Japan\") [Folklore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_folklore \"Japanese folklore\") [Games](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_traditional_Japanese_games \"List of traditional Japanese games\") [Gardens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_garden \"Japanese garden\") [Geisha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Geisha \"Geisha\") [Genderless fashion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Genderless_fashion_in_Japan \"Genderless fashion in Japan\") [Hikikomori](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hikikomori \"Hikikomori\") [Hanami](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hanami \"Hanami\") [Henohenomoheji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Henohenomoheji \"Henohenomoheji\") Icons [Ikebana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ikebana \"Ikebana\") [Irezumi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Irezumi \"Irezumi\") [Kawaii](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kawaii \"Kawaii\") [LGBTQ culture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_culture_in_Japan \"LGBTQ culture in Japan\") [Literature](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_literature \"Japanese literature\") [Martial arts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_martial_arts \"Japanese martial arts\") [Media](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mass_media_in_Japan \"Mass media in Japan\") [Music](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Music_of_Japan \"Music of Japan\") [Mythology](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_mythology \"Japanese mythology\") [Names](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_name \"Japanese name\") [National symbols](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_symbols_of_Japan \"National symbols of Japan\") *[No-pan kissa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/No-pan_kissa \"No-pan kissa\")* [Onsen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Onsen \"Onsen\") \/ [Sentō](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sent%C5%8D \"Sentō\") *[Otokonoko](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Otokonoko \"Otokonoko\")* [Origami](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Origami \"Origami\") [Popular culture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_popular_culture \"Japanese popular culture\") [Sport](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sport_in_Japan \"Sport in Japan\") [Shinto](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shinto \"Shinto\") [Tea ceremony](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_tea_ceremony \"Japanese tea ceremony\") [Television](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Television_in_Japan \"Television in Japan\") [Theatre](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Theatre_of_Japan \"Theatre of Japan\") [Video games](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Video_games_in_Japan \"Video games in Japan\") [Zen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_Zen \"Japanese Zen\") |\n| ![flag](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Flag_of_Japan.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png) [Japan portal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portal:Japan \"Portal:Japan\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/96\/Symbol_category_class.svg\/20px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png) [Category](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Japan \"Category:Japan\") |   |\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Asia_topic \"Template:Asia topic\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Asia_topic \"Template talk:Asia topic\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Asia_topic \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Asia topic\")[LGBTQ rights in Asia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Asia \"LGBTQ rights in Asia\") |   |\n|---|---|\n| [Sovereign states](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_sovereign_states \"List of sovereign states\") | [Afghanistan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Afghanistan \"LGBTQ rights in Afghanistan\") [Armenia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Armenia \"LGBTQ rights in Armenia\") [Azerbaijan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Azerbaijan \"LGBTQ rights in Azerbaijan\") [Bahrain](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Bahrain \"LGBTQ rights in Bahrain\") [Bangladesh](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Bangladesh \"LGBTQ rights in Bangladesh\") [Bhutan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Bhutan \"LGBTQ rights in Bhutan\") [Brunei](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Brunei \"LGBTQ rights in Brunei\") [Cambodia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Cambodia \"LGBTQ rights in Cambodia\") [China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_China \"LGBTQ rights in China\") [Cyprus](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Cyprus \"LGBTQ rights in Cyprus\") [Egypt](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Egypt \"LGBTQ rights in Egypt\") [Georgia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Georgia_\\(country\\) \"LGBTQ rights in Georgia (country)\") [India](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_India \"LGBTQ rights in India\") [Indonesia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Indonesia \"LGBTQ rights in Indonesia\") [Iran](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Iran \"LGBTQ rights in Iran\") [Iraq](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Iraq \"LGBTQ rights in Iraq\") [Israel](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Israel \"LGBTQ rights in Israel\") [Japan]() [Jordan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Jordan \"LGBTQ rights in Jordan\") [Kazakhstan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Kazakhstan \"LGBTQ rights in Kazakhstan\") [North Korea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_North_Korea \"LGBTQ rights in North Korea\") [South Korea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_South_Korea \"LGBTQ rights in South Korea\") [Kuwait](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Kuwait \"LGBTQ rights in Kuwait\") [Kyrgyzstan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Kyrgyzstan \"LGBTQ rights in Kyrgyzstan\") [Laos](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Laos \"LGBTQ rights in Laos\") [Lebanon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Lebanon \"LGBTQ rights in Lebanon\") [Malaysia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Malaysia \"LGBTQ rights in Malaysia\") [Maldives](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_the_Maldives \"LGBTQ rights in the Maldives\") [Mongolia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Mongolia \"LGBTQ rights in Mongolia\") [Myanmar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Myanmar \"LGBTQ rights in Myanmar\") [Nepal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Nepal \"LGBTQ rights in Nepal\") [Oman](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Oman \"LGBTQ rights in Oman\") [Palestine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Palestine \"LGBTQ rights in Palestine\") [Pakistan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Pakistan \"LGBTQ rights in Pakistan\") [Philippines](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_the_Philippines \"LGBTQ rights in the Philippines\") [Qatar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Qatar \"LGBTQ rights in Qatar\") [Russia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Russia \"LGBTQ rights in Russia\") [Saudi Arabia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Saudi_Arabia \"LGBTQ rights in Saudi Arabia\") [Singapore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Singapore \"LGBTQ rights in Singapore\") [Sri Lanka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Sri_Lanka \"LGBTQ rights in Sri Lanka\") [Syria](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Syria \"LGBTQ rights in Syria\") [Tajikistan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Tajikistan \"LGBTQ rights in Tajikistan\") [Thailand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Thailand \"LGBTQ rights in Thailand\") [Timor-Leste (East Timor)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Timor-Leste \"LGBTQ rights in Timor-Leste\") [Turkey](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Turkey \"LGBTQ rights in Turkey\") [Turkmenistan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Turkmenistan \"LGBTQ rights in Turkmenistan\") [United Arab Emirates](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_the_United_Arab_Emirates \"LGBTQ rights in the United Arab Emirates\") [Uzbekistan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Uzbekistan \"LGBTQ rights in Uzbekistan\") 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Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the [Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.](https:\/\/wikimediafoundation.org\/), a non-profit organization.\n\n- [Privacy policy](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Privacy_policy)\n- [About Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:About)\n- [Disclaimers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:General_disclaimer)\n- [Contact Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contact_us)\n- [Legal & safety contacts](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Legal:Wikimedia_Foundation_Legal_and_Safety_Contact_Information)\n- [Code of Conduct](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Universal_Code_of_Conduct)\n- [Developers](https:\/\/developer.wikimedia.org\/)\n- [Statistics](https:\/\/stats.wikimedia.org\/#\/en.wikipedia.org)\n- [Cookie statement](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Cookie_statement)\n- [Mobile view](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&mobileaction=toggle_view_mobile)\n\n- [![Wikimedia Foundation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/footer\/wikimedia.svg)](https:\/\/www.wikimedia.org\/)\n- [![Powered by MediaWiki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/resources\/assets\/mediawiki_compact.svg)](https:\/\/www.mediawiki.org\/)\n\nSearch\n\nToggle the table of contents\n\nLGBTQ rights in Japan\n\n19 languages\n\n[Add topic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan)","attrs_readable_markdown":"This article is about LGBTQ legal rights in Japan. For a general overview, see [Homosexuality in Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Homosexuality_in_Japan \"Homosexuality in Japan\").\n\n| LGBTQ rights in [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan \"Japan\") |   |\n|---|---|\n| [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/6\/62\/Japan_%28orthographic_projection%29.svg\/250px-Japan_%28orthographic_projection%29.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Japan_\\(orthographic_projection\\).svg)[Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan \"Japan\") |   |\n| [Legal status](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Criminalization_of_homosexuality \"Criminalization of homosexuality\") | Not criminalized since 1882 |\n| [Gender identity](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gender_identity \"Gender identity\") | Legal sex changes allowed since 2004, requiring [gender confirmation surgery](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gender_confirmation_surgery \"Gender confirmation surgery\") |\n| [Military](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBT_people_and_military_service \"LGBT people and military service\") | LGBT people allowed to serve openly |\n| [Discrimination protections](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Anti-discrimination_law \"Anti-discrimination law\") | Sexual orientation and gender identity protected in some cities and prefectures, though not nationally[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-1) |\n| Family rights |   |\n| [Recognition of relationships](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Same-sex_unions \"Template:Same-sex unions\") | [No national legal recognition of same-sex relationships, some localities offer partnership certificates](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Recognition_of_same-sex_unions_in_Japan \"Recognition of same-sex unions in Japan\") |\n| [Adoption](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Same-sex_adoption \"Same-sex adoption\") | [No recognition nationally, some localities provide accommodations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Adoption_and_parenting) |\n\n[Lesbian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lesbian \"Lesbian\"), [gay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gay \"Gay\"), [bisexual](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bisexual \"Bisexual\"), [transgender](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Transgender \"Transgender\"), and [queer](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Queer \"Queer\") ([LGBTQ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ \"LGBTQ\")) people in [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan \"Japan\") have fewer legal protections than in most other [developed countries](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Developed_countries \"Developed countries\"),[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-2)[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-3) although some developments towards stronger rights have been made in the 2020s.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-4) Same-sex sexual activity was criminalised only briefly in Japan's history between 1873 and 1881, after which a localised version of the [Napoleonic Penal Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_Penal_Code_of_1810 \"French Penal Code of 1810\") was adopted with an equal [age of consent](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Age_of_consent_in_Asia \"Age of consent in Asia\").[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-5) Same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are ineligible for the legal protections available to opposite-sex couples, although since 2015 some cities and [prefectures](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prefectures_of_Japan \"Prefectures of Japan\"), covering over 92% of the population by 2025, offer \"partnership certificates\" to recognise the relationships of same-sex couples and provide some legal benefits. Japan is the only country in the [G7](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/G7 \"G7\") that does not legally recognize same-sex unions nationally in any form.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-Justin_McCurry-6)[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-BBC-7) In March 2021 and May 2023, the [Sapporo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sapporo \"Sapporo\") and [Nagoya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nagoya \"Nagoya\") District Courts ruled that not recognising [same-sex marriage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Same-sex_marriage \"Same-sex marriage\") was a violation of the Constitution.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-8)[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-9) While in June 2022, the [Osaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Osaka \"Osaka\") District Court ruled that not recognising same-sex marriage was not a violation of the Constitution,[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-10) in November 2022, the [Tokyo District Court](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokyo_District_Court \"Tokyo District Court\") ruled that the absence of same-sex marriage legislation was an unconstitutional state of affairs but did not violate the Constitution,[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-11) though the court's ruling has no immediate legal effect.[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-12) In June 2023, the [Fukuoka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fukuoka \"Fukuoka\") District Court ruled that the ban on same-sex marriage was constitutional.[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-13) A second ruling in September 2023 concluded that same-sex relationships should not be excluded from Japan's marriage system.[\\[14\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-14)\n\nJapan's culture and major religions do not have a history of hostility towards homosexuality.[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-15) A 2019 poll indicated that 68 percent of the respondents agreed that homosexuality should be accepted by society, while 22 percent disagreed.[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-16) Although many political parties have not openly supported or opposed LGBTQ rights, there are several openly LGBTQ politicians in office. The conservative [Liberal Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\\(Japan\\) \"Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)\"), Japan's leading political party, remains opposed to same-sex marriage,[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-17) while two other major parties, the liberal [Constitutional Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Constitutional_Democratic_Party_of_Japan \"Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan\") and libertarian [Innovation Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nippon_Ishin_no_Kai \"Nippon Ishin no Kai\") both favor same-sex marriage. As of 2023, marriage equality movements have been gaining prominence within the nation.[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-PinkNews-18) A law allowing transgender individuals to change their legal gender post-[sex reassignment surgery](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sex_reassignment_surgery \"Sex reassignment surgery\") and sterilization was passed in 2003. The sterilization requirement was unanimously ruled by the [Japanese Supreme Court](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_Supreme_Court \"Japanese Supreme Court\") to be unconstitutional in October 2023, removing the requirement.[\\[19\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-apnews-19) Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is banned in some cities, including [Tokyo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokyo \"Tokyo\").[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-20)\n\nTokyo Rainbow Pride has been held annually since 2012, with attendance increasing every year.[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-21) A 2015 opinion poll reflected that the majority of its respondents supported the legalization of same-sex marriage.[\\[22\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-22) Further opinion polls conducted over the following years have found high levels of support for same-sex marriage among the Japanese public, most notably the younger generation.[\\[23\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-23)[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-PewResearch-24) However, a 2020 survey of over 10,000 LGBTQ people in Japan found that 38 percent of LGBTQ people had been harassed or assaulted.[\\[25\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-25)\n\nIn 2019, 2022 and 2025, Japan voted in favor of the United Nations [independent expert on sexual orientation and gender identity](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQI%2B_rights_at_the_United_Nations#Independent_Expert_on_Sexual_Orientation_and_Gender_Identity \"LGBTQI+ rights at the United Nations\") at the [United Nations Human Rights Council](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_Nations_Human_Rights_Council \"United Nations Human Rights Council\").[\\[26\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-26)\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Japanesepederasty18thcentury.jpg\/250px-Japanesepederasty18thcentury.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Japanesepederasty18thcentury.jpg)\n\nA [wakashū](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wakash%C5%AB \"Wakashū\") (wearing headscarf) sneaks a kiss from a female prostitute behind his patron's back. [Nishikawa Sukenobu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nishikawa_Sukenobu \"Nishikawa Sukenobu\") (1671–1750)\n\n[Homosexuality](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Homosexuality \"Homosexuality\") and same-sex relations have been documented in Japan since ancient times. One [Shinto](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shinto \"Shinto\") myth describes same-sex love as being introduced by the couple Shinu no Hafuri and Ama no Hafuri, servants of a \"primordial goddess\", presumably [Amaterasu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Amaterasu \"Amaterasu\"). Following Shinu's death, Ama killed himself, and the two were buried in the same grave.[\\[27\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-27)\n\nIn the pre-[Meiji era](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Meiji_era \"Meiji era\"), *nanshoku* (男色) relationships inside Buddhist monasteries were typically [pederastic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pederasty \"Pederasty\"). The older partner, or *nenja* (念者; \"lover\" or \"admirer\"), would be a monk, priest or abbot, while the younger partner was assumed to be an [acolyte](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Acolyte \"Acolyte\") (稚児, *chigo*), who would be a prepubescent or adolescent boy.[\\[28\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-28) The relationship would be dissolved once the boy reached adulthood (or left the monastery). Both parties were encouraged to treat the relationship seriously and conduct the affair honorably, and the *nenja* might be required to write a formal vow of fidelity.[\\[29\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:2-29) During the [Tokugawa period](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Edo_period \"Edo period\"), some of the [Shinto](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shinto \"Shinto\") gods, especially [Hachiman](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hachiman \"Hachiman\"), Myoshin, Shinmei and [Tenjin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tenjin_\\(kami\\) \"Tenjin (kami)\"), \"came to be seen as guardian deities of *nanshoku*\" (male–male love).\n\nFrom religious circles, same-sex love spread to the warrior ([samurai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Samurai \"Samurai\")) class, where it was customary for a boy in the *[wakashū](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wakash%C5%AB \"Wakashū\")* age category to undergo training in the martial arts by apprenticing to a more experienced adult man. The relationship was based on the typical *nenja,* who loves, and the typically younger *chigo*, who is loved.[\\[30\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:0-30) The man was permitted, if the boy agreed, to take the boy as his lover until he came of age.[\\[31\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:1-31) These relationships were expected to be exclusive, with both partners swearing to take no other (male) lovers.\n\nAs Japan progressed into the Meiji era, same-sex practices continued; however, there was a growing animosity towards these practices. The practice of *nanshoku* began to die out after the [Russo-Japanese War](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Russo-Japanese_War \"Russo-Japanese War\"). Opposition to homosexuality did not become firmly established in Japan until the 19th and 20th centuries, although it was only criminalized between 1873 and 1880.[\\[30\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:0-30)\n\nModern [Japanese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_language \"Japanese language\") terms for LGBTQ people include *seitekishōsūsha* (性的少数者, \"[sexual minorities](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sexual_minority \"Sexual minority\")\").[\\[32\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-32)\n\n- *dōseiaisha* (同性愛者, literally \"same-sex-love person\")\n  - *homosekusharu* (ホモセクシャル, \"[homosexual](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Homosexuality \"Homosexuality\")\")\n  - *rezubian* (レズビアン, \"[lesbian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lesbian \"Lesbian\")\")\n  - *gei* (ゲイ, \"[gay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gay \"Gay\")\")\n- *ryōseiaisha* (両性愛者, literally \"both-sex-love person\")\n  - *baisekushuaru* (バイセクシュアル, \"[bisexual](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bisexuality \"Bisexuality\")\")\n- *toransujendā* (トランスジェンダー, \"[transgender](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Transgender \"Transgender\")\").[\\[33\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-33)\n\n## Legality of same-sex sexual activity\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=3 \"Edit section: Legality of same-sex sexual activity\")\\]\n\nThere are no explicit religious prohibitions against homosexuality in the traditional [religion of Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Religion_in_Japan \"Religion in Japan\"), [Shinto](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shinto \"Shinto\"), or in the imported religions of [Buddhism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_in_Japan \"Buddhism in Japan\") (see \"[Buddhism and sexual orientation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhism_and_sexual_orientation \"Buddhism and sexual orientation\")\"); however Chinese [Confucianism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Confucianism \"Confucianism\") prohibited homosexual marriage which may have also influenced Chinese Buddhism.[\\[34\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-34)\n\n[Sodomy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sodomy \"Sodomy\") was first criminalized in Japan in 1872, in the early [Meiji era](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Meiji_era \"Meiji era\"). But this provision was repealed only seven years later by the Penal Code of 1880 (commenced in 1882) in accordance with the [Napoleonic Penal Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/French_Penal_Code_of_1810 \"French Penal Code of 1810\").[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-35) Since then, Japan has had no laws against homosexuality. Thus, sexual activity among [consenting adults](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ages_of_consent_in_Asia \"Ages of consent in Asia\"), in private, regardless of gender and\/or sexual orientation, is legal under Japanese law. Since June 2023, the age of consent has been set at 16 years.[\\[36\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-36)\n\n## Recognition of same-sex relationships\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=4 \"Edit section: Recognition of same-sex relationships\")\\]\n\nArticle 24 of the [Japanese Constitution](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Constitution_of_Japan \"Constitution of Japan\") states that \"[Marriage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marriage \"Marriage\") shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes and it shall be maintained through mutual cooperation with the equal rights of husband and wife as a basis.\" Articles 731 to 737 of the [Japanese Civil Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Law_of_Japan \"Law of Japan\") limit marriage to heterosexual couples. Same-sex couples are not able to marry, and same-sex couples are not granted rights derived from marriage. Also, [same-sex marriages](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Same-sex_marriage \"Same-sex marriage\") performed abroad are not legally recognized in Japan and bi-national same-sex couples cannot obtain a visa for the foreign partner based on their relationship, though the Ministry of Justice does have a general rule of giving the discretionary \"designated activities\" visa to same-sex married spouses.[\\[37\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-37) Japan and [Italy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBT_rights_in_Italy \"LGBT rights in Italy\") are the only countries in the [G7](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/G7 \"G7\") where same-sex marriages are not performed.[\\[38\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-38)\n\nIn March 2009, Japan began allowing Japanese nationals to marry same-sex partners in countries where same-sex marriage is legal. The [Justice Ministry](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ministry_of_Justice_\\(Japan\\) \"Ministry of Justice (Japan)\") instructed local authorities to issue key certificates, which state that a person is single and of legal age, to individuals seeking to enter same-sex marriages in areas that legally allow it.[\\[39\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-39)\n\nIn February 2015, the ward of [Shibuya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shibuya \"Shibuya\") (in Tokyo) announced plans to establish a partnership system that would recognize same-sex couples for situations such as hospital visits and shared renting of apartments. This procedure allows couples to get a \"proof of partnership\" paper, which does not have any weight under Japanese law but can help in, for instance, getting access to a partner who is ill and in hospital but institutions are under no legal obligation to respect the certificates.[\\[40\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-40) The Shibuya system is considered a significant step towards lesbian and gay partnership rights in Japan.[\\[41\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-41) In July 2015, Tokyo's [Setagaya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Setagaya \"Setagaya\") ward announced that it would be joining Shibuya in recognizing same-sex partnerships from November of the same year.[\\[42\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-42) Since then, over 400 municipalities have begun issuing partnership certificates, including highly populated [Yokohama](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yokohama \"Yokohama\"), [Osaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Osaka \"Osaka\"), [Sapporo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sapporo \"Sapporo\"), [Fukuoka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fukuoka \"Fukuoka\"), [Kyoto](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kyoto \"Kyoto\"), [Kawasaki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kawasaki,_Kanagawa \"Kawasaki, Kanagawa\"), [Saitama](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Saitama_\\(city\\) \"Saitama (city)\") and [Hiroshima](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hiroshima \"Hiroshima\"),[\\[43\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-43) as well as 30 [prefectures](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prefectures_of_Japan \"Prefectures of Japan\"), including [Tokyo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokyo \"Tokyo\"), [Ibaraki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ibaraki_Prefecture \"Ibaraki Prefecture\"), [Osaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Osaka_Prefecture \"Osaka Prefecture\"), [Gunma](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gunma_Prefecture \"Gunma Prefecture\"),[\\[44\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-Ibaraki-44)[\\[45\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-45) [Saga](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Saga_Prefecture \"Saga Prefecture\") and [Mie](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mie_Prefecture \"Mie Prefecture\").\n\nOn 17 March 2021, a district court in Sapporo ruled that laws or regulations that deprive same-sex couples of the right to marry constitute unlawful discrimination and violate Article 14 of the [Constitution of Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Constitution_of_Japan \"Constitution of Japan\"). The court found that Article 24 does not prohibit the recognition of same-sex marriages. The ruling did not legalize same-sex marriage in Japan, but is likely to step up pressure on the [National Diet](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Diet \"National Diet\") to act.[\\[46\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-46)\n\nYasuhiko Watanabe, a law professor at Kyoto Sangyo University, stated that if Japan recognizes same-sex marriage, that would impact the whole of Asia, proving that it is allowed not only in Western societies.[\\[47\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-47)\n\nOn 26 June 2022, a district court in Osaka brought down a conflicting ruling to the ruling from the previous year out of Sapporo. It ruled that a ban on same-sex marriage is not unconstitutional. The ruling did not change the legal status of same-sex marriage in Japan as it did not occur at a court with the power to set binding legal precedent. The plaintiffs have indicated plans to appeal the decision. Other similar court cases in other district courts in Tokyo, Nagoya and Fukuoka remain ongoing.[\\[48\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-48) In addition, the Tokyo metropolitan government recently\\[*[when?](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style\/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_items \"Wikipedia:Manual of Style\/Dates and numbers\")*\\] announced a plan, set to take effect in October, to accept registrations from same-sex couples seeking certificates of their partnerships. On 1 November, Tokyo finally implemented a legally recognised relationship registration scheme for same-sex couples.[\\[49\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-49)[\\[50\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-50) In August 2023, [Wakayama Prefecture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wakayama_Prefecture \"Wakayama Prefecture\") proposed to locally introduce Japan's partnership system for same-sex couples.[\\[51\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-51)\n\nIn July 2022, Japanese video game company [Nintendo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nintendo \"Nintendo\") announced its support for same-sex marriage and that it would recognize employees in same-sex partnerships as identical to opposite-sex marriages, in defiance of Japanese law.[\\[52\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-52) The company's policy has been described as a major action in Japan's increasing discussion on its same-sex marriage ban.[\\[53\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-53)\n\nOn 17 December 2024, then Prime Minister [Shigeru Ishiba](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shigeru_Ishiba \"Shigeru Ishiba\") made the following statement about same-sex marriage during a parliamentary session: \"I have met concerned individuals, and I can see that being together is the most precious thing to them. While there is no 'scale' for measuring the national happiness, I believe that fulfilling these deepest wishes would have a positive and beneficial impact on the overall well-being of Japan\".[\\[54\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-54)\n\n[Sanae Takaichi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sanae_Takaichi \"Sanae Takaichi\"), the [Prime Minister of Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prime_Minister_of_Japan \"Prime Minister of Japan\") and the [President](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/President_of_the_Liberal_Democratic_Party_\\(Japan\\) \"President of the Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)\") of the [Liberal Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\\(Japan\\) \"Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)\") (LDP) since October 2025, opposes same-sex marriage.[\\[55\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-55)[\\[56\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-56)[\\[57\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-57) During a government budget committee meeting in 2023, she called legalizing same-sex marriage an \"extremely difficult issue,\" though she added that \"there should be no prejudice against sexual orientation and gender identity\". In a subsequent statement during a campaign debate in September 2025, she told the audience she opposed same-sex marriage, adding that having a same-sex partner was \"fine\".[\\[58\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-58)\n\n## Adoption and parenting\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=5 \"Edit section: Adoption and parenting\")\\]\n\nSame-sex couples are generally not allowed to legally adopt in Japan, though in some regions it is legally complicated. Lesbian couples and single women are unable to access IVF and [artificial insemination](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Artificial_insemination \"Artificial insemination\").[\\[59\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-59) In December 2022, a \"very broad and comprehensive fertility bill\" was introduced in Japan - that explicitly and legally only allows heterosexual married women access to IVF treatment.[\\[60\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-hrw.org-60)\n\nIn April 2017, [Osaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Osaka \"Osaka\") officially recognised a same-sex couple as foster parents, making it the first such case in Japan.[\\[61\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-61)\n\n53 municipalities and Tokyo Metropolis have also established a \"partnership family system\" (パートナーシップ・ファミリーシップ制度, **pātonāshippu famirīshippu seido**) as of April 2023. This system, which allows registered partners to optionally designate children in the household through the partnership oath system in a limited form of [second-parent adoption](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Second-parent_adoption \"Second-parent adoption\"), also recognises the children of same-sex couples, and allows partners to make medical decisions for their child, and to pick up their children at schools and kindergartens (whereas previously only the biological parent was allowed to pick up the child). The first to establish this system was [Akashi, Hyōgo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Akashi,_Hy%C5%8Dgo \"Akashi, Hyōgo\") in January 2021 followed by [Tokushima](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokushima_\\(city\\) \"Tokushima (city)\") in February 2021 and [Adachi, Tokyo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Adachi,_Tokyo \"Adachi, Tokyo\") in April 2021.[\\[62\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-listcities-62)[\\[63\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-63)[\\[a\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-64)\n\n## Discrimination protections\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=6 \"Edit section: Discrimination protections\")\\]\n\nAs of 2021, [sexual orientation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sexual_orientation \"Sexual orientation\") and [gender identity](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gender_identity \"Gender identity\") are not protected by national civil rights laws, which means that LGBTQ Japanese have few legal recourses when faced with discrimination in such areas as employment, education, housing, health care and banking.[\\[64\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-65) According to a 2018 Dentsu Diversity Lab survey, more than 65% of questioned LGBTQ people said they had not come out to anyone at work or home.[\\[65\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-66)\n\nThe Japanese Constitution promises equal rights and is interpreted to prohibit discrimination on all grounds. However, homosexual and transgender persons can experience physical, sexual and psychological violence at the hands of their opposite-sex or same-sex partners, but receive limited protection from the law. Same-sex partners are excluded from the *[Act on the Prevention of Spousal Violence and the Protection of Victims](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Act_on_the_Prevention_of_Spousal_Violence_and_the_Protection_of_Victims \"Act on the Prevention of Spousal Violence and the Protection of Victims\")* ([Japanese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_language \"Japanese language\"): 配偶者からの暴力の防止及び被害者の保護等に関する法律)[\\[b\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-67) and generally lack safe places where they can seek help and support.[\\[66\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-68)\n\nIn 2013, [Yodogawa-ku, Osaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yodogawa-ku,_Osaka \"Yodogawa-ku, Osaka\"), became the first Japanese government area to pass a resolution officiating support for LGBTQ inclusion, including mandating LGBTQ sensitivity training for ward staff.[\\[67\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-69)[\\[68\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-70)[\\[69\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-71)[\\[70\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-72) [Naha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Naha \"Naha\") followed suit in July 2015.[\\[71\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-73)\n\nIn October 2018, the [Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokyo_Metropolitan_Assembly \"Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly\") passed a law prohibiting all discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The law, which took effect in April 2019, also commits the Metropolitan Government to raise awareness of LGBTQ people and \"conduct measures needed to make sure human rights values are rooted in all corners of the city\". The law outlaws expressing [hateful rhetoric](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hate_speech \"Hate speech\") in public.[\\[72\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-74)[\\[73\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-75) Prior to this, the wards of [Shibuya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shibuya \"Shibuya\") and [Setagaya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Setagaya \"Setagaya\") had already passed explicit protections for LGBTQ people.[\\[74\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-leadership-76)[\\[75\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-nijiiro-77)\n\nIn December 2018, four political parties, the [Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Constitutional_Democratic_Party_of_Japan \"Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan\"), the [Democratic Party for the People](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Democratic_Party_for_the_People \"Democratic Party for the People\"), the [Japanese Communist Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_Communist_Party \"Japanese Communist Party\"), and the [Liberal Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liberal_Party_\\(Japan,_2016\\) \"Liberal Party (Japan, 2016)\"), along with the support of several independents, introduced to the [House of Representatives](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/House_of_Representatives_\\(Japan\\) \"House of Representatives (Japan)\") a bill entitled the *Proposed Law on the Promotion of the Elimination of Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity* ([Japanese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_language \"Japanese language\"): 性的指向又は性自認を理由とする差別の解消等の推進に関する法律案)[\\[c\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-78) to prohibit discrimination, harassment and bullying at schools on the basis of sexual orientation.[\\[76\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-79)[\\[77\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-80)\n\nIn March 2019, legislation banning discrimination against \"sexual minorities\" was passed in [Ibaraki Prefecture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ibaraki_Prefecture \"Ibaraki Prefecture\").[\\[78\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-81)[\\[79\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-82)\n\n[Human Rights Watch](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Human_Rights_Watch \"Human Rights Watch\"), J-ALL (Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation) and [Athlete Ally](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Athlete_Ally \"Athlete Ally\") urged [Prime Minister](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prime_Minister_of_Japan \"Prime Minister of Japan\") [Shinzo Abe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shinzo_Abe \"Shinzo Abe\") to support legislation protecting [LGBTQ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ \"LGBTQ\") people against discrimination on the basis of gender and sexual orientation. On 17 April 2020, 96 human rights and LGBTQ organizations sent a letter to the Prime Minister calling for the passage of a non-discrimination law.[\\[80\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-83)\n\nIn April 2022, legislation prohibiting discrimination among others sexual orientation and gender identity came into operation in [Akita Prefecture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Akita_Prefecture \"Akita Prefecture\").[\\[81\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-84)\n\n### Employment discrimination\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=7 \"Edit section: Employment discrimination\")\\]\n\nWhile the *Equal Employment Opportunity Law* ([Japanese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_language \"Japanese language\"): 男女雇用機会均等法)[\\[d\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-85) has been revised several times over the years to address sex discrimination and harassment in the workplace, the government has refused to expand the law to address discrimination against gender or sexual identity.[\\[82\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-86) The [Tokyo Metropolitan Government](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokyo_Metropolitan_Government \"Tokyo Metropolitan Government\") has passed legislation banning discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.[\\[74\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-leadership-76)\n\nCompanies in Japan consisting of ten or more employees are required to establish work regulations. In January 2018, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare revised the Model Rules of Employment (モデル就業規則)[\\[e\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-87) which \"stands as the example framework for work regulations\", to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and \"gender identification\".[\\[75\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-nijiiro-77) Article 15 reads:[\\[83\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-88)\n\n> In addition to what are provided for from Article 12 to the preceding paragraph, employees are prohibited from any other forms of harassment at the workplace that are damaging to the work environment of other employees such as by way of speech or behaviour related to sexual orientation or gender identification.\n\n### Housing discrimination\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=8 \"Edit section: Housing discrimination\")\\]\n\nIn 1991, the group [OCCUR](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/OCCUR_\\(organization\\) \"OCCUR (organization)\") (Japan Association for the Lesbian and Gay Movement)[\\[84\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-89) filed a court case against the Tokyo government after being barred from using the \"Metropolitan House for Youth\" the previous year. OCCUR won the case in 1997. While the court ruling does not seem to have extended to other areas of government-sponsored discrimination, it is cited by the courts as a civil rights case.[\\[74\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-leadership-76)\n\nSince autumn 2003, the Urban Renaissance Agency, the government agency that operates government housing has allowed same-sex couples to rent units the same way as heterosexual couples at any one of the over 300 properties that it operates. This opened the way for more such action, as the Osaka Government in September 2005 opened the doors of its government housing to same-sex couples.[\\[85\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-90)\n\nIn February 2018, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare created provisions addressing discrimination in housing, stating that \"consideration must be taken to not deny lodging on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.\"[\\[75\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-nijiiro-77)\n\nIn October 2020, *[The Guardian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Guardian \"The Guardian\")* reported that several Japanese [love hotels](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Love_hotel \"Love hotel\") were denying entry to same-sex couples for the sole reason of their sexual orientation, despite it being illegal since 2018 as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-Justin_McCurry-6)\n\n### Bullying in schools\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=9 \"Edit section: Bullying in schools\")\\]\n\nIn 2017, the Education Ministry added sexual orientation and gender identity to its national bullying policy.[\\[74\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-leadership-76)[\\[86\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-91) The policy mandates that schools should prevent bullying of students based on their sexual orientation or gender identity by \"promoting proper understanding of teachers on … sexual orientation\/gender identity as well as making sure to inform on the school's necessary measures regarding this matter.\"\n\nIn January 2018, after a high-profile incident in 2015 in which a gay student at [Hitotsubashi University](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hitotsubashi_University \"Hitotsubashi University\") died by suicide after being outed against his will, the city of [Kunitachi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kunitachi,_Tokyo \"Kunitachi, Tokyo\") passed an \"anti-outing\" ordinance to promote understanding of LGBTQ people.[\\[75\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-nijiiro-77) [Mie Prefecture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mie_Prefecture \"Mie Prefecture\") passed a similar \"anti-outing\" law in March 2021.[\\[87\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-92)[\\[88\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-93)\n\n### LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=11 \"Edit section: LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act\")\\]\n\nIn June 2019, after three years of consultations, a special committee of the ruling [Liberal Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\\(Japan\\) \"Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)\") (LDP) announced the *LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Bill*, which aims to improve understanding of LGBTQ issues, would be introduced to the National Diet. However, LGBTQ rights activists criticized the bill for falling short by not mentioning [same-sex marriage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Same-sex_marriage \"Same-sex marriage\") or anti-discrimination protections.[\\[89\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-94)[\\[90\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-95)\n\nIn April 2021, the LDP announced it would pass the *LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Bill* during the 204th National Diet session, set to end in June for the [2020 Summer Olympics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2020_Summer_Olympics \"2020 Summer Olympics\") and [Paralympics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2020_Summer_Paralympics \"2020 Summer Paralympics\") in [Tokyo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokyo \"Tokyo\"). The bill only requires the government to \"promote understanding of LGBT people\" and does not actually ban discrimination.[\\[91\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-96) However, the bill was not enacted in 2021.\n\nOn 16 June 2023, the \"watered down\" [private member's bill](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Private_member%27s_bill \"Private member's bill\") on enhancement of LGBTQ understanding formally passed both houses of the [National Diet of Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Diet_of_Japan \"National Diet of Japan\") for the [49th G7 summit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/49th_G7_summit \"49th G7 summit\") in [Hiroshima](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hiroshima \"Hiroshima\"), with majority support from the [Liberal Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\\(Japan\\) \"Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)\"), [Komeito](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Komeito \"Komeito\"), [Nippon Ishin no Kai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nippon_Ishin_no_Kai \"Nippon Ishin no Kai\") and [Democratic Party for the People](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Democratic_Party_for_the_People \"Democratic Party for the People\").[\\[92\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-97)[\\[93\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-98)[\\[94\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-99)\n\n[The *Act on Enhancement of Public Understanding of Diversity in Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBT_Understanding_Promotion_Act \"LGBT Understanding Promotion Act\") ([Japanese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_language \"Japanese language\"): [性的指向及びジェンダーアイデンティティの多様性に関する国民の理解の増進に関する法律](https:\/\/ja.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E6%80%A7%E7%9A%84%E6%8C%87%E5%90%91%E5%8F%8A%E3%81%B3%E3%82%B8%E3%82%A7%E3%83%B3%E3%83%80%E3%83%BC%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%87%E3%83%B3%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3%E3%81%AE%E5%A4%9A%E6%A7%98%E6%80%A7%E3%81%AB%E9%96%A2%E3%81%99%E3%82%8B%E5%9B%BD%E6%B0%91%E3%81%AE%E7%90%86%E8%A7%A3%E3%81%AE%E5%A2%97%E9%80%B2%E3%81%AB%E9%96%A2%E3%81%99%E3%82%8B%E6%B3%95%E5%BE%8B \"ja:性的指向及びジェンダーアイデンティティの多様性に関する国民の理解の増進に関する法律\")),[\\[f\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-100) *LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act* ([Japanese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_language \"Japanese language\"): LGBT理解増進法)[\\[g\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-101) (in short title) came into effect on 23 June 2023.\n\n### Passage of the law on gender recognition\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=13 \"Edit section: Passage of the law on gender recognition\")\\]\n\nIn 2003, a law was passed allowing transgender people to change their gender marker on legal documents. Approval required being over 18 years old, unmarried, undergoing [sex reassignment surgery](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sex_reassignment_surgery \"Sex reassignment surgery\"), [sterilization](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sterilization_\\(medicine\\) \"Sterilization (medicine)\") (until 2023), and having no children under 18 (the majority age, which changed from 20 to 18 on 1 April 2022). The law, known as the *Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder* ([Japanese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_language \"Japanese language\"): 性同一性障害者の性別の取扱いの特例に関する法律)[\\[h\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-102) or simply *Law 111*, went into effect in July 2004,[\\[95\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-103) and was upheld by the [Supreme Court of Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Supreme_Court_of_Japan \"Supreme Court of Japan\") in January 2019.[\\[96\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-104) By that date, 7,000 persons had legally changed gender. The court wanted to prevent \"confusion\" within parent-child relations, as well as \"abrupt changes\" in Japanese society. Two of the [majority](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Majority_opinion \"Majority opinion\") judges still issued a call for society to \"embrace the diversity of sexual identity\", also adding that the requirements were invasive and encouraged the National Diet to review them.[\\[97\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-105)\n\nThe legislation has been the subject of criticism on the grounds that its pathologising terminology and restrictive conditions violate the human rights of transgender individuals.[\\[98\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-106)\n\n### Socio-cultural background\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=14 \"Edit section: Socio-cultural background\")\\]\n\nYale University professor Karen Nakamura notes in a discussion held October 2015 that \"Japanese transgender activists present their gender identity as a disability in order to achieve more social and legal change in Japanese society\", employing the medical diagnostic term of \"gender identity disability\" (性同一性障害, *seidoitsusei shougai*), instead of \"gender identity disorder\", which is more common in English-medium materials. This in part arises from what Nakamura calls a \"translation fluke\"; shougai can be fluidly interpreted as (among other things) either \"disability\" or \"disorder\". According to Nakamura, this is because there is a strong protection in Japanese society and laws for disabled persons; therefore, identifying more as members of the disability community rather than the queer community has allowed transgender Japanese to assert their rights in law and society more strongly without social ostracization, more so than cisgender LGB Japanese.[\\[99\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:3-107)[\\[100\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-108)\n\n### Conflict of private international law\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=15 \"Edit section: Conflict of private international law\")\\]\n\nEven though surgery is required as a condition to change one's registered gender in the Japanese courts, this only applies to Japanese nationals. Foreign nationals change their registered gender with the country of their nationality, then report the change to the Immigration Services Agency to be reflected on their residence card. This [conflict of laws](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Conflict_of_laws \"Conflict of laws\") can lead to bureaucratic breakdown.\n\nIn 2018, U.S. national and Aoyama Gakuin University lecturer [Elin McCready](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Elin_McCready \"Elin McCready\") changed her legal gender to female in the United States. After the change, municipal offices in the Meguro and Ota wards of Tokyo refused to recognize it, citing her subsisting marriage to Midori Morita-McCready, a Japanese national - which the legal gender recognition would make a same-sex marriage. This led them to pursue a lawsuit against the local and central governments. Their attorney, Toshimasa Yamashita, said that following the precedent set in the 2018 Sapporo court case on same-sex marriage, this refusal was unconstitutional.[\\[101\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-109)[\\[102\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-110)\n\nOn 24 February 2012, the Hyogo Lawyers' Association recommended that a transgender woman in a male prison be transferred to a female institution.[\\[103\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-111) According to this report, she had been placed in a male institution because of her legal sex, despite having undergone sex reassignment surgery prior to her detention, and was not treated as a woman in any way. She was subject to body checks by male staff, had her hair shaved, and was denied feminine clothing.\n\nSince April 2018, transgender people have been covered for sex reassignment surgery as long as they are not receiving hormone treatment.[\\[104\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-112) The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has also allowed transgender people to use their preferred names on their health insurance cards.\n\nIn June 2018, the Japanese Government enacted a new law lowering the age of majority in Japan from 20 to 18, which took effect on 1 April 2022. Among others, the new law sets the age of marriage at 18 for both men and women (previously women could marry at the age of 16) and allows 18-year-olds to obtain valid passports, credit cards, etc. The law also allowed people diagnosed with [gender dysphoria](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gender_dysphoria \"Gender dysphoria\") and who have undergone irreversible sterilization to legally change their sex at the age of 18.[\\[105\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-bbc-113)\n\nIn October 2020, [Human Rights Watch](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Human_Rights_Watch \"Human Rights Watch\") wrote a letter urging Japan officials to allow transgender women to enroll in public women's universities in the country.[\\[106\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-114) Ochanomizu University in Tokyo became the first public women's university in Japan to admit transgender women who had not changed their legal gender to 'female'.[\\[107\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-115)\n\nIn January 2022, a transgender individual was arrested for \"using the wrong bathroom\" in [Osaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Osaka,_Japan \"Osaka, Japan\"). The Osaka Prefectural Police has declined to pursue charges, instead leaving that decision up to state prosecutors. Mikiya Nakatsuka, professor of health sciences at Okayama University and president of the Japanese Society of Gender Identity Disorder, stated that most transgender persons in Japan \"paid attention when they used toilets at public facilities so they \\[could\\] stay out of trouble\", and expressed concern that this single case would be applied erroneously to the wider transgender community, creating unwarranted prejudice and discrimination.[\\[108\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-116)[\\[109\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-117)\n\n### 2023 Supreme Court ruling\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=17 \"Edit section: 2023 Supreme Court ruling\")\\]\n\nIn October 2023, the Japanese Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the part of the 2003 law that requires sterilization before a change of sex or gender on an individual's [family register](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Koseki \"Koseki\") can be legally made was unconstitutional.[\\[110\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-118) The Supreme Court has asked a lower court to review the requirement to have \"genitalia that closely resemble the physical form of an alternative gender\".[\\[111\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-119)\n\nGender reassignment surgery has been covered by insurance since 2018. However, hormone therapy is still not covered by insurance.[\\[112\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-jspn.or.jp-120)\n\nChildren aged 15 and over can receive hormone therapy in Japan with parental consent.[\\[113\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-121)\n\nThe Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology (JSPN) published its updated guidelines in August 2024 on the treatment of gender dysphoria. The guidelines continued to recommend puberty suppression in trans patients, noting that it \"is medically self-evident that bodily features of the undesired sex will become permanent if [AMAB](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Trans_woman \"Trans woman\") individuals who would require puberty suppression do not receive it\". However, they also asked doctors administering such treatment to report more detailed information on it going forward.[\\[114\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-122)[\\[112\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-jspn.or.jp-120)\n\nGay and bisexual men are allowed to donate blood in Japan following a six-month abstinence from sex[\\[115\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-123) while women and heterosexual men only need to wait six-months after being with a new partner of the opposite sex.[\\[116\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-124)\n\nThe [Japan Self-Defense Forces](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan_Self-Defense_Forces \"Japan Self-Defense Forces\"), when being asked about their policy toward people who are gay or lesbian following the U.S. debate during the [presidency of Bill Clinton](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Presidency_of_Bill_Clinton \"Presidency of Bill Clinton\"), answered that it was not an issue, and individuals within the forces indicated that as long as same-sex relations did not lead to fights or other trouble, there were few, if any, barriers to their inclusion in the armed services.[\\[117\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-125)\n\nWhile representations of homosexuals in the Japanese media tend towards caricature on the basis of stereotypes of sexual or behavioral deviance (e.g. the actually straight [Hard Gay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hard_Gay \"Hard Gay\")), there are several examples of transgender and non-binary celebrities in Japan such as [Haruna Ai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Haruna_Ai \"Haruna Ai\"), [Kayo Satoh](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kayo_Satoh \"Kayo Satoh\"), [Ataru Nakamura](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ataru_Nakamura \"Ataru Nakamura\"), [Kaba-chan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kaba-chan \"Kaba-chan\"), [Hikaru Utada](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hikaru_Utada \"Hikaru Utada\") and [Ikko](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ikko_\\(make-up_artist\\) \"Ikko (make-up artist)\"). Several prominent musicians including Yoshinori Kanemoto and [Ayumi Hamasaki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ayumi_Hamasaki \"Ayumi Hamasaki\") have large LGBTQ fanbases as a result of their support for the LGBTQ community; among other activities, Hikaru Utada featured a gay teddybear called Kuma who she introduced as far back as 2010,[\\[118\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-126) and Ayumi Hamasaki headlined at Tokyo's 2018 Pride festival (incidentally, Hamasaki starred in the LGBTQ-themed movie *Nagisa no Shindobaddo* in the 1990s).[\\[119\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-127) In 2023, [Shinjiro Atae](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shinjiro_Atae \"Shinjiro Atae\") came out as openly gay.[\\[120\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-128)\n\nVarious celebrities have dedicated airtime on radios and podcasts to LGBTQ topics and supporting LGBTQ issues. [Sho Sakurai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sho_Sakurai \"Sho Sakurai\") of [Arashi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arashi \"Arashi\") held an interview with drag queens in 2015 in [Shinjuku Ni-chōme](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shinjuku_Ni-ch%C5%8Dme \"Shinjuku Ni-chōme\") and was given the nickname \"Cherry Shoko in the Sky\".[\\[121\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-129) [Matsuko Deluxe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Matsuko_Deluxe \"Matsuko Deluxe\") is a famous and well-respected drag queen TV personality along the lines of Lily Savage (UK) and Dame Edna (Australia). The education specialist Naoki Ogi (more colloquially known by teachers across Japan by his nickname \"Ogimama\") has in past years given focus to LGBTQ issues in schools.[\\[122\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-130) Support for LGBTQ rights has been expressed by corporate executives and Olympic athlete [Dai Tamesue](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dai_Tamesue \"Dai Tamesue\").[\\[123\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-j-today-131) One of famous Japanese director [Hirokazu Kore-eda](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hirokazu_Kore-eda \"Hirokazu Kore-eda\")'s earliest movies, a documentary called \"August without Him\", released in 1994, follows Hirata Yutaka, the first openly gay [AIDS](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/AIDS \"AIDS\") sufferer in Japan. Filmed over a series of months, it contrasts his public life as an outspoken figure on the lecture circuit with his personal descent into illness and death.\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/7\/7e\/TokyoRainbowPrideParade-maingate-side-sunny-may8-2016.jpg\/250px-TokyoRainbowPrideParade-maingate-side-sunny-may8-2016.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:TokyoRainbowPrideParade-maingate-side-sunny-may8-2016.jpg)\n\nTokyo Rainbow Pride in 2016\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Sapporo_Rainbow_Pride_2019%3B_September_2019.jpg\/250px-Sapporo_Rainbow_Pride_2019%3B_September_2019.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Sapporo_Rainbow_Pride_2019;_September_2019.jpg)\n\n[Sapporo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sapporo \"Sapporo\") Rainbow Pride in September 2019\n\nJapan's society and government are predominantly conservative.[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-BBC-7) Most political parties in Japan have formal positions in favor or against LGBTQ rights in their party's platform or manifesto. The [Liberal Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\\(Japan\\) \"Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)\") (LDP) has indicated opposition to legalizing [same-sex marriage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Same-sex_marriage \"Same-sex marriage\"), whereas the [Constitutional Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Constitutional_Democratic_Party_of_Japan \"Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan\") (CDP), the [Japanese Communist Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_Communist_Party \"Japanese Communist Party\") (JCP), the [Japan Innovation Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nippon_Ishin_no_Kai \"Nippon Ishin no Kai\"),[\\[124\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-132) and the [Social Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Social_Democratic_Party_\\(Japan\\) \"Social Democratic Party (Japan)\") have indicated support for legalization.[\\[125\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-133) In a 2023 survey, [Pew Research Center](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pew_Research_Center \"Pew Research Center\") estimated that nearly 70% of Japanese people support same-sex marriage, the highest percentage of acceptance out of the Asian countries surveyed.[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-PewResearch-24)\n\nIn 2001, the Council for Human Rights Promotion, under the Ministry of Justice, recommended that [sexual orientation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sexual_orientation \"Sexual orientation\") be included in the nation's civil rights code, but the National Diet refused to adopt the recommendation.\n\nIn 2003, [Aya Kamikawa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Aya_Kamikawa \"Aya Kamikawa\") became the first openly [transgender](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Transgender \"Transgender\") politician to be elected to public office in Japan, winning a seat on the Setagaya Ward Assembly. She initially ran as an independent but expressed support for the now-defunct [Rainbow and Greens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rainbow_and_Greens \"Rainbow and Greens\").[\\[126\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-134)\n\nIn 2005, [Kanako Otsuji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kanako_Otsuji \"Kanako Otsuji\"), from the [Osaka Prefectural Assembly](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Osaka_Prefectural_Assembly \"Osaka Prefectural Assembly\") (2003–2007), became the first openly gay politician in Japan, when she formally came out at the Tokyo Gay Pride Festival. She later briefly served on the [House of Councillors](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/House_of_Councillors_\\(Japan\\) \"House of Councillors (Japan)\") in 2013. Following the [2017 general election](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2017_Japanese_general_election \"2017 Japanese general election\"), Otsuji became the first openly lesbian member of the [House of Representatives](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/House_of_Representatives_\\(Japan\\) \"House of Representatives (Japan)\").[\\[127\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-135)\n\nIn 2010, [Tokyo Governor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Governor_of_Tokyo \"Governor of Tokyo\") [Shintaro Ishihara](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shintaro_Ishihara \"Shintaro Ishihara\") faced international criticism for controversial comments he made, in which he said that gays and lesbians were \"deficient somehow. It may be attributed to something genetic. I feel sorry for them being a minority.\"[\\[128\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-136)\n\nIn 2011, [Taiga Ishikawa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taiga_Ishikawa \"Taiga Ishikawa\") became the first openly gay man elected to office in Japan, winning a seat in the local assembly of [Toshima](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Toshima \"Toshima\") Ward.[\\[129\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-137) He came out publicly in his book *Where Is My Boyfriend* (2002), and started a non-profit organization that sponsors social events for gay men in Japan. At the [2019 House of Councillors election](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Japanese_House_of_Councillors_election \"2019 Japanese House of Councillors election\"), Ishikawa won a seat in the House of Councillors as a member of the CDP, the first openly gay man to do so.[\\[130\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-138)[\\[131\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-139) After his election, he vowed to legalize same-sex marriage and enact anti-discrimination laws within the six years of his term.[\\[132\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-140)[\\[133\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-141)[\\[134\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-142)\n\nAt the [2016 House of Councillors election](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2016_Japanese_House_of_Councillors_election \"2016 Japanese House of Councillors election\"), the conservative governing LDP included in its manifesto, that \"same-sex marriage is incompatible with the Constitution\".[\\[135\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-143) However, it also included \"promoting understanding of sexual diversity\" in its platform, a move that would have been \"unthinkable\" in earlier times and that lawmaker [Gaku Hashimoto](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gaku_Hashimoto \"Gaku Hashimoto\") attributed in part to burnishing the country's international image in advance of the [2020 Summer Olympics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2020_Summer_Olympics \"2020 Summer Olympics\") in Tokyo.[\\[136\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-scmp-2016-144) In 2019, former Defense Minister [Tomomi Inada](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tomomi_Inada \"Tomomi Inada\") said she was unsure whether she would be able to introduce new legislation seeking greater tolerance of same-sex relationships amid opposition from her LDP colleagues. While Inada announced she wishes to \"promote understanding\" of LGBTQ people, she stated she is not trying to get Japan to legalize same-sex marriage or ban discrimination against LGBTQ citizens. Some LDP members have made controversial statements, such as [Katsuei Hirasawa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Katsuei_Hirasawa \"Katsuei Hirasawa\") who argued in a speech in February 2019 that the \"nation would collapse\" if everyone were gay. Another ruling party lawmaker, [Mio Sugita](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mio_Sugita \"Mio Sugita\"), published a magazine article in 2018 describing same-sex couples as \"unproductive\" because they do not have children.[\\[137\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-145)\n\nIn March 2017, [Tomoya Hosoda](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tomoya_Hosoda \"Tomoya Hosoda\") was elected to the [Iruma](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Iruma,_Saitama \"Iruma, Saitama\") Assembly, in the prefecture of [Saitama](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Saitama_Prefecture \"Saitama Prefecture\"). Hosoda is believed to be the first openly transgender man elected to public office in the world.[\\[138\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-146)\n\nDuring the country's [2017 general election](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2017_Japanese_general_election \"2017 Japanese general election\"), Tokyo Governor [Yuriko Koike](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yuriko_Koike \"Yuriko Koike\")'s newly launched [Party of Hope](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kib%C5%8D_no_T%C5%8D \"Kibō no Tō\") pledged the elimination of LGBTQ discrimination in its manifesto.[\\[139\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-147)\n\nIn January 2019, trans woman Maria Akasaka became a member of the [Kameoka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kameoka,_Kyoto \"Kameoka, Kyoto\") City Assembly, in [Kyoto Prefecture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kyoto_Prefecture \"Kyoto Prefecture\").[\\[140\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-148) In April 2019, another trans woman, [Ayako Fuchigami](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ayako_Fuchigami \"Ayako Fuchigami\"), won a seat on the Hokkaido Prefectural Assembly representing [Sapporo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sapporo \"Sapporo\")'s [Higashi-ku](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Higashi-ku,_Sapporo \"Higashi-ku, Sapporo\") ward. She became the first openly transgender person to hold a prefectural assembly position in Japan.[\\[141\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-149)\n\nIn June 2019, the CDP added introducing legislation aimed at ending discrimination against the LGBTQ community and legalising same-sex marriage to its party platform ahead of the [2019 Japanese House of Councillors election](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Japanese_House_of_Councillors_election \"2019 Japanese House of Councillors election\").[\\[142\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-150)\n\nIn May 2021, Japan's conservative governing LDP has been accused of violating the Olympic charter after it failed to approve a bill to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community, during discussions marred by homophobic outbursts from conservative MPs. Closed meetings held in May to discuss a bill, proposed by opposition parties, ended without agreement after some LDP MPs said the rights of sexual minorities had \"gone too far\". An unnamed lawmaker described LGBTQ people as \"morally unacceptable\", while another MP, Kazuo Yana, said sexual minorities were \"resisting the preservation of the species that occurs naturally in biological terms\", media reports said. The failure to back a proposed law to protect LGBTQ rights was condemned by human rights groups, which said the party deserved a \"gold medal for homophobia\".[\\[143\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-151)\n\nIn July 2022, LGBTQ rights activists and supporters protested in front of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's headquarters after an intra-party panel meeting circulated a booklet claiming that \"homosexuality is a mental disease or addiction.\" The text was packed with false information, including \"It's not the case that high suicide rates among LGBTQ people can be attributed to discrimination within society,\" and, \"We should not legitimatize the sexual lifestyles of sexual minorities as it will become a social problem which will destroy families and society.\"[\\[144\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-152)\n\nIn 2023, [Prime Minister](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prime_Minister_of_Japan \"Prime Minister of Japan\") [Fumio Kishida](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fumio_Kishida \"Fumio Kishida\") of the [Liberal Democratic Party](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\\(Japan\\) \"Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)\") met with LGBTQ groups in the [Prime Minister's Official Residence](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prime_Minister%27s_Official_Residence_\\(Japan\\) \"Prime Minister's Official Residence (Japan)\") and apologized for comments made by his former aide, Masayoshi Arai, based on [homophobia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Homophobia \"Homophobia\") and anti-[same-sex marriage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Same-sex_marriage \"Same-sex marriage\").[\\[145\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-153)\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| Same-sex sexual activity legal | [![Never criminalized](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Never criminalized\") (Since 1882) |\n| Equal age of consent (16) | [![Yes](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Yes\") (Since 1882) |\n| Anti-discrimination laws in employment | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\")\/[![Yes](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Yes\") (In [Tokyo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokyo \"Tokyo\"), [Ibaraki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ibaraki_Prefecture \"Ibaraki Prefecture\") and [Akita](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Akita_Prefecture \"Akita Prefecture\")) |\n| Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\")\/[![Yes](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Yes\") (In Tokyo and Ibaraki) |\n| Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech) | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") |\n| [Civil unions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Civil_union \"Civil union\") | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") |\n| Same-sex marriage | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") (Ban declared unconstitutional in some lower courts)[\\[i\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-154)[\\[146\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-155) |\n| Recognition of same-sex couples | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\")\/[![Yes](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Yes\") (Several jurisdictions offer partnership certificates) |\n| Stepchild adoption by same-sex couples | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\")\/[![Yes](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Yes\") (Some jurisdictions offer partnership certificates including identifying biological children of one partner) |\n| Joint adoption by same-sex couples | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") |\n| [Legal recognition of intersex people](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Legal_recognition_of_intersex_people \"Legal recognition of intersex people\") | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg) |\n| [Intersex human rights](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Intersex_human_rights \"Intersex human rights\") | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg) |\n| Lesbian, gay and bisexual people allowed to serve in the military | [![Yes](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Yes\") |\n| Transgender people allowed to serve openly in the military | [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/4\/48\/Emblem-question.svg\/20px-Emblem-question.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Emblem-question.svg) |\n| Right to change legal gender | [![Yes](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Yes\") (Since 2004; under certain restrictions: must undergo [surgery](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sex_reassignment_surgery \"Sex reassignment surgery\"), be unmarried, and have no children under 18) |\n| [Gender self-identification](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gender_self-identification \"Gender self-identification\") | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") |\n| [Legal recognition of non-binary gender](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Legal_recognition_of_non-binary_gender \"Legal recognition of non-binary gender\") | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") |\n| Conversion therapy on minors banned | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") |\n| Access to IVF for lesbian couples | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\")[\\[60\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-hrw.org-60)[\\[147\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-156) |\n| Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples | [![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") (Banned regardless of sexual orientation) |\n| [MSM](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Men_who_have_sex_with_men \"Men who have sex with men\") allowed to [donate blood](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MSM_blood_donor_controversy \"MSM blood donor controversy\") | [![Yes](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Yes_check.svg\/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Yes_check.svg \"Yes\")\/[![No](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a2\/X_mark.svg\/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:X_mark.svg \"No\") (6-month deferral period) |\n\n- [LGBTQ rights in Tokyo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBT_rights_in_Tokyo \"LGBT rights in Tokyo\")\n- [Human rights in Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Human_rights_in_Japan \"Human rights in Japan\")\n- [Situation of homosexuals in the Japanese military (JSDF)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sexual_orientation_and_military_service_by_country#Japan \"Sexual orientation and military service by country\")\n- [LGBTQ rights in Asia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBT_rights_in_Asia \"LGBT rights in Asia\")\n- [LGBT and politics in Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=LGBT_and_politics_in_Japan&action=edit&redlink=1 \"LGBT and politics in Japan (page does not exist)\") \\[[ja](https:\/\/ja.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E3%81%AB%E3%81%8A%E3%81%91%E3%82%8BLGBT%E3%81%A8%E6%94%BF%E6%B2%BB \"ja:日本におけるLGBTと政治\")\\]\n\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-64)** The 50 other municipalities are [Koga](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Koga,_Fukuoka \"Koga, Fukuoka\") (July 2021), [Toyota](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Toyota,_Aichi \"Toyota, Aichi\") (July 2021), [Iruma](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Iruma,_Saitama \"Iruma, Saitama\") (September 2021), [Miyoshi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Miyoshi,_Tokushima \"Miyoshi, Tokushima\") (September 2021), [Kawajima](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kawajima,_Saitama \"Kawajima, Saitama\") (October 2021), [Kōnosu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/K%C5%8Dnosu \"Kōnosu\") (December 2021), [Sōja](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/S%C5%8Dja \"Sōja\") (December 2021), [Hannō](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hann%C5%8D \"Hannō\") (January 2022), [Hidaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hidaka,_Saitama \"Hidaka, Saitama\") (January 2022), [Tokorozawa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokorozawa,_Saitama \"Tokorozawa, Saitama\") (January 2022), [Mitoyo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mitoyo,_Kagawa \"Mitoyo, Kagawa\") (January 2022), [Ichikawa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ichikawa,_Chiba \"Ichikawa, Chiba\") (February 2022), [Anan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Anan,_Tokushima \"Anan, Tokushima\") (April 2022), [Bungo-Ōno](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bungo-%C5%8Cno \"Bungo-Ōno\") (April 2022), [Kan'onji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kan%27onji,_Kagawa \"Kan'onji, Kagawa\") (April 2022), [Kanuma](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kanuma,_Tochigi \"Kanuma, Tochigi\") (April 2022), [Kasaoka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kasaoka \"Kasaoka\") (April 2022), [Kasuya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kasuya,_Fukuoka \"Kasuya, Fukuoka\") (April 2022), [Kosai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kosai,_Shizuoka \"Kosai, Shizuoka\") (April 2022), [Miyashiro](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Miyashiro,_Saitama \"Miyashiro, Saitama\") (April 2022), [Okazaki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Okazaki,_Aichi \"Okazaki, Aichi\") (April 2022), [Yoshimi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yoshimi,_Saitama \"Yoshimi, Saitama\") (April 2022), [Tosashimizu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tosashimizu,_K%C5%8Dchi \"Tosashimizu, Kōchi\") (June 2022), [Tondabayashi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tondabayashi \"Tondabayashi\") (July 2022), [Osaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Osaka \"Osaka\") (August 2022), [Ichinomiya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ichinomiya,_Aichi \"Ichinomiya, Aichi\") (September 2022), [Toyoyama](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Toyoyama \"Toyoyama\") (September 2022), [Naha](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Naha \"Naha\") (October 2022), [Toda](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Toda,_Saitama \"Toda, Saitama\") (October 2022), [Ikeda](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ikeda,_Osaka \"Ikeda, Osaka\") (October 2022), [Setagaya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Setagaya \"Setagaya\") (November 2022), [Nagoya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nagoya \"Nagoya\") (December 2022), [Ichinoseki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ichinoseki,_Iwate \"Ichinoseki, Iwate\") (December 2022), [Wako](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wako,_Saitama \"Wako, Saitama\") (January 2023), [Komaki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Komaki \"Komaki\") (February 2023), [Nagaoka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nagaoka,_Niigata \"Nagaoka, Niigata\") (February 2023), [Ranzan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ranzan,_Saitama \"Ranzan, Saitama\") (March 2023), [Kashiwa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kashiwa \"Kashiwa\") (March 2023), [Takasago](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Takasago,_Hy%C5%8Dgo \"Takasago, Hyōgo\") (April 2023), [Namegawa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Namegawa,_Saitama \"Namegawa, Saitama\") (April 2023), [Asaka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asaka,_Saitama \"Asaka, Saitama\") (April 2023), [Kasukabe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kasukabe,_Saitama \"Kasukabe, Saitama\") (April 2023), [Niiza](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Niiza,_Saitama \"Niiza, Saitama\") (April 2023), [Shiki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shiki,_Saitama \"Shiki, Saitama\") (April 2023), [Nachikatsuura](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nachikatsuura \"Nachikatsuura\") (April 2023), [Maibara](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maibara,_Shiga \"Maibara, Shiga\") (April 2023), [Kaizu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kaizu,_Gifu \"Kaizu, Gifu\") (April 2023), [Matsudo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Matsudo,_Chiba \"Matsudo, Chiba\") (April 2023), [Chiba](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chiba,_Chiba \"Chiba, Chiba\") (April 2023), [Sapporo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sapporo \"Sapporo\") (April 2023) and [Morioka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Morioka \"Morioka\") (May 2023).[\\[62\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-listcities-62)\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-67)** [Rōmaji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Romanization_of_Japanese \"Romanization of Japanese\"): **haigūsha kara no bōryoku no bōshi oyobi higaisha no hogo tō ni kansuru hōritsu**\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-78)** [Rōmaji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Romanization_of_Japanese \"Romanization of Japanese\"): **seiteki shikō mata wa sei jinin o riyū to suru sabetsu no kaishō tō no suishin ni kansuru houritsu an**\n4. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-85)** Rōmaji: **danjo koyō kikai kintō hō**\n5. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-87)** Rōmaji: **moderu shūgyō kisoku**\n6. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-100)** [Rōmaji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Romanization_of_Japanese \"Romanization of Japanese\"): **seiteki shikō oyobi gender identity no tayōsei ni kansuru kokumin no rikai no zōshin ni kansuru hōritsu**\n7. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-101)** [Rōmaji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Romanization_of_Japanese \"Romanization of Japanese\"): **LGBT rikai zōshin hō**\n8. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-102)** Rōmaji: **seidōitsusei shōgaisha no seibetsu no toriatsukai no tokurei ni kansuru hōritsu**\n9. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-154)** Article 24 of the [Japanese Constitution](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_Constitution \"Japanese Constitution\") describes marriage in heteronormative phrasing.\n\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-1)**\n   [\"ILGA State sponsored homophobia 2008.doc\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20090306021141\/http:\/\/www.ilga.org\/statehomophobia\/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2008.pdf) (PDF). *Ilga.org*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.ilga.org\/statehomophobia\/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2008.pdf) (PDF) on 6 March 2009. Retrieved 20 January 2011.\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-2)**\n   Lee, Michelle; Inuma, Julia. [\"Japan is hostile for LGBTQ people, but attitudes are shifting. Slowly\"](https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/world\/2023\/04\/12\/japan-lgbt-rights-same-sex-marriage\/). *The Washington Post*. Retrieved 7 August 2023.\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-3)**\n   McCurry, Justin (8 June 2023). [\"Japan court falls short of calling same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional\"](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2023\/jun\/08\/japan-court-falls-short-of-calling-same-sex-marriage-ban-unconstitutional). *The Guardian*.\n4. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-4)**\n   Joplin, Kat (10 December 2023). [\"Politics and pageantry for Japan's LGBTQ community in 2023\"](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/life\/2023\/12\/10\/lifestyle\/2023-gender-japan-drag-culture\/). *The Japan Times*. Retrieved 10 December 2023.\n5. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-5)**\n   [\"H-Net Reviews\"](http:\/\/www.h-net.org\/reviews\/showrev.php?id=4126). H-net.org. May 2000. Retrieved 16 June 2014.\n6. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-Justin_McCurry_6-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-Justin_McCurry_6-1)\n   Justin McCurry (30 October 2020). [\"Japan's 'love hotels' accused of anti-gay discrimination\"](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2020\/oct\/30\/japans-love-hotels-accused-of-anti-gay-discrimination). The Guardian.\n7. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-BBC_7-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-BBC_7-1)\n   Khalil, Shaimaa (2 October 2023). [\"Marriage equality eludes Japan's same-sex couples\"](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-66173433). *[BBC](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/BBC \"BBC\")*. Retrieved 3 October 2023.\n8. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-8)**\n   日本放送協会. [\"同性婚認めないのは違憲の初判断 国への賠償は退ける 札幌地裁\"](https:\/\/www.nhk.or.jp\/politics\/articles\/statement\/55909.html). *NHK政治マガジン* (in Japanese). Retrieved 27 February 2023.\n9. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-9)**\n   日本放送協会. [\"同性婚認めないのは憲法違反 違憲判断は全国2件目 名古屋地裁\"](https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20230530\/k10014082521000.html). *NHK NEWS WEB* (in Japanese). Retrieved 16 October 2023.\n   \n   `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service \"Category:CS1 maint: deprecated archival service\"))\n10. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-10)**\n    日本放送協会. [\"\"同性婚 認められないのは憲法に違反せず\" 大阪地裁 \\| NHK\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20220620053223\/https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20220620\/k10013679951000.html). *NHKニュース*. Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20220620\/k10013679951000.html) on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2023.\n11. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-11)**\n    日本放送協会. [\"同性婚 法制度ないのは違憲状態も憲法には違反せず 東京地裁 \\| NHK\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20221130060822\/https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20221130\/k10013908001000.html). *NHKニュース*. Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20221130\/k10013908001000.html) on 30 November 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2023.\n12. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-12)**\n    [\"Japan court rules same-sex marriage ban constitutional, but advocates hold out hope\"](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2022\/11\/30\/national\/crime-legal\/court-same-sex-marriage-ruling\/). The Japan Times. 30 November 2022. Retrieved 24 February 2023.\n13. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-13)**\n    Lies, Elaine (8 June 2023). [\"Japan ruling on same-sex marriage disappoints but 'a step forward'\"](https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/japan-court-rules-that-not-allowing-same-sex-marriage-is-state-2023-06-08\/). *Reuters*. Retrieved 15 November 2023. \"A Japanese court on Thursday said a ban on same-sex marriage was constitutional\"\n14. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-14)**\n    [\"\"Legislation of same-sex marriage is essential\" to promote understanding of LGBTQ people: Second lawsuit argument at Tokyo District Court\"](https:\/\/www.tokyo-np.co.jp\/article\/280381). *東京新聞 TOKYO Web*. Retrieved 28 September 2023.\n15. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-15)**\n    Sam Shoushi (25 March 2008). [\"Japan and Sexual Minorities \\| ヒューライツ大阪\"](http:\/\/www.hurights.or.jp\/archives\/focus\/section2\/2008\/06\/japan-and-sexual-minorities.html). Hurights.or.jp. Retrieved 16 June 2014.\n16. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-16)**\n    [\"The Global Divide on Homosexuality Persists\"](https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/global\/2020\/06\/25\/global-divide-on-homosexuality-persists\/). Pew Research Center. 25 June 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2021.\n17. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-17)**\n    Lies, Elaine; Pomfret, James (31 August 2023). [\"More LGBTQ rights could help Asia financial hubs draw global talent\"](https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/sustainability\/society-equity\/more-lgbtq-rights-could-help-asia-financial-hubs-draw-global-talent-2023-08-31\/). *Reuters*. Retrieved 31 August 2023.\n18. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-PinkNews_18-0)**\n    Condon, Ali (16 October 2023). [\"Japan: Family court rules it's unconstitutional to require surgery for gender change\"](https:\/\/www.thepinknews.com\/2023\/10\/16\/japan-surgery-gender-change-unconstitutional\/). *PinkNews*. Retrieved 16 October 2023.\n19. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-apnews_19-0)**\n    [\"Japan's top court strikes down required sterilization surgery to officially change gender\"](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-lgbtq-transgender-ruling-gender-change-decdbdca9c8dd3658ae86b63ec40c53d). *[Associated Press News](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Associated_Press_News \"Associated Press News\")*. 25 October 2023.\n20. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-20)**\n    [\"Archived copy\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20131116211018\/http:\/\/ilga.org\/historic\/Statehomophobia\/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2008.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http:\/\/ilga.org\/historic\/Statehomophobia\/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2008.pdf) (PDF) on 16 November 2013. Retrieved 14 October 2013.\n    \n    `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title ([link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CS1_maint:_archived_copy_as_title \"Category:CS1 maint: archived copy as title\"))\n21. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-21)**\n    [\"12 pictures of Tokyo Pride which will make your day\"](http:\/\/www.pinknews.co.uk\/2017\/05\/08\/here-are-12-pictures-of-tokyo-pride-which-will-make-your-day\/). 8 May 2017. Retrieved 8 April 2018.\n22. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-22)**\n    Chisaki Watanabe (29 November 2015). [\"Majority of Japanese Support Same-Sex Marriage, Poll Shows - Bloomberg Business\"](https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2015-11-29\/majority-of-japanese-support-same-sex-marriage-poll-shows). Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 27 December 2015.\n23. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-23)**\n    [\"Survey: 78% of Japanese in 20s to 50s favor legal gay marriages\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20220611002001\/https:\/\/www.asahi.com\/ajw\/articles\/13053805). The Asahi Shimbun. 28 January 2019. Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www.asahi.com\/ajw\/articles\/13053805) on 11 June 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2022.\n24. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-PewResearch_24-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-PewResearch_24-1)\n    Gubbala, Sneha; Poushter, Jacob; Huang, Christine (27 November 2023). [\"How people around the world view same-sex marriage\"](https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/short-reads\/2023\/11\/27\/how-people-around-the-world-view-same-sex-marriage\/). *Pew Research Center*. Retrieved 28 November 2023.\n25. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-25)**\n    [\"38% of LGBT people in Japan sexually harassed or assaulted: survey\"](https:\/\/english.kyodonews.net\/news\/2020\/12\/2cfe9ff21ca8-38-of-lgbt-people-sexually-harassed-or-assaulted-survey.html). Kyodo News. 27 December 2020.\n26. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-26)**\n    [\"UN votes to renew LGBTQ+ expert's mandate just after the US withdrew from Human Rights Council\"](https:\/\/www.lgbtqnation.com\/2025\/07\/un-votes-to-renew-lgbtq-experts-mandate-just-after-the-us-withdrew-from-human-rights-council\/). *lgbtqnation.com*. Retrieved 8 July 2025.\n27. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-27)**\n    Roy, Deblina (June 2019). [\"Homosexuality and Mythology\"](https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/338402252). *Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture*. **5** (1): 60. Retrieved 17 April 2023.\n28. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-28)** Childs, Margaret (1980). \"Chigo Monogatari: Love Stories or Buddhist Sermons?\". *Monumenta Nipponica*. Sophia University. **35**: 127–51. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Digital_object_identifier \"Digital object identifier\"):[10\\.2307\/2384336](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2307%2F2384336).\n29. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-:2_29-0)** Pflugfelder, Gregory M. (1997). *Cartographies of desire: male–male sexuality in Japanese discourse, 1600–1950*. University of California Press. p. 26, 39–42, 75, 70-71, 252,\n30. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-:0_30-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-:0_30-1) Furukawa, Makoto. The Changing Nature of Sexuality: The Three Codes Framing Homosexuality in Modern Japan. pp. 99, 100, 108, 112.\n31. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-:1_31-0)**\n    [Leupp, Gary (1997).](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Homosexuality_in_Japan#CITEREFLeupp1997 \"Homosexuality in Japan\") [*Male Colors: The Construction of Homosexuality in Tokugawa Japan*](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=a6q-PqPDAmIC). University of California Press. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [978-0-520-91919-8](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-520-91919-8 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-520-91919-8\")\n    \n    ., p. 26, 32, 53, 69-78, 88, 90- 92, 95-97, 102, 132-135.\n32. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-32)**\n    Kinkade, Tyler; Endo, Shunpei (2021). [\"LGBT who? 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[\"BUDDHISM AND CONFUCIANISM ON HOMOSEXUALITY: THE ACCEPTANCE AND REJECTION BASED ON THE ARGUMENTS OF RELIGIOUS TEXTS\"](https:\/\/philarchive.org\/archive\/ALFBAC). *Journal of Religious Studies*. **3** (2). Sekolah Pascasarjana, Universitas Gadjah Mada: Center for Religious and Cross-cultural Studies (CRCS): 73–82 – via Phil.\n35. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-35)**\n    [\"H-Net Reviews\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20070627003627\/http:\/\/h-net.org\/reviews\/showrev.cgi?path=6956959187889). H-net.org. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.h-net.org\/reviews\/showrev.cgi?path=6956959187889) on 27 June 2007. Retrieved 20 January 2011.\n36. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-36)**\n    [\"Japan raises age of consent from 13 to 16 in reform of sex crimes law\"](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2023\/jun\/16\/japan-raises-age-of-consent-from-13-to-16-in-reform-of-sex-crimes-law#:~:text=Japan%20has%20raised%20the%20age,house%20in%20a%20unanimous%20vote.). *The Guardian*. Agence France-Presse. 16 June 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.\n37. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-37)**\n    [\"The Violations of the Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Persons in Japan\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20101230220003\/http:\/\/www.globalrights.org\/site\/DocServer\/Shadow_Report_Japan.pdf?docID=10043) (PDF). *[Global Rights](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Global_Rights \"Global Rights\")*. October 2008. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.globalrights.org\/site\/DocServer\/Shadow_Report_Japan.pdf?docID=10043) (PDF) on 30 December 2010. Retrieved 12 January 2015.\n38. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-38)**\n    McCurry, Justin (2 April 2023). [\"'It's like we don't exist': Japan faces pressure to allow same-sex marriage\"](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2023\/apr\/02\/its-like-we-dont-exist-japan-faces-pressure-to-allow-same-sex-marriage). *The Guardian*. Retrieved 6 December 2023.\n39. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-39)**\n    [\"Japan to allow its citizens same-sex marriage - with foreign partners\"](http:\/\/www.fridae.asia\/gay-news\/2009\/03\/31\/2249.japan-to-allow-its-citizens-same-sex-marriage-with-foreign-partners). *www.fridae.asia*. Retrieved 25 June 2019.\n40. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-40)**\n    McCurry, Justin (5 November 2015). [\"Same-sex couple receives Japan's first 'partnership' certificate\"](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2015\/nov\/05\/same-sex-couples-japan-partnership-certificates). *The Guardian*. [ISSN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISSN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISSN (identifier)\") [0261-3077](https:\/\/search.worldcat.org\/issn\/0261-3077). Retrieved 12 November 2019.\n41. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-41)**\n    Fackler, Martin (12 February 2015). 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Archived from [the original](https:\/\/ilga.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Shadow-Report-.pdf) (PDF) on 5 September 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2020.\n96. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-104)**\n    Jackman, Josh (24 January 2019). [\"Japan's Supreme Court rules transgender people still have to get sterilised · PinkNews\"](https:\/\/www.pinknews.co.uk\/2019\/01\/24\/japan-transgender-supreme-court\/). *www.pinknews.co.uk*. Retrieved 12 June 2019.\n97. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-105)**\n    [\"Sterilization rule for changing gender upheld in Japan\"](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2019\/01\/25\/asia\/japan-supreme-court-trans-intl\/index.html). *CNN*. 25 January 2019.\n98. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-106)**\n    Kawasaka, Kazuyoshi; Würrer, Stefan, eds. (2024). *Beyond Diversity: Queer Politics, Activism, and Representation in Contemporary Japan*. Düsseldorf University Press. p. 5. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.1515\/9783110767995](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1515%2F9783110767995). [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n    \n    [9783110767995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9783110767995 \"Special:BookSources\/9783110767995\")\n    \n    .\n99. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-:3_107-0)**\n    [\"Yale Professor Nakamura discusses Japanese transgender identity and disability\"](https:\/\/georgetownvoice.com\/2015\/10\/23\/yale-professor-nakamura-discusses-japanese-transgender-identity-and-disability\/). *The Georgetown Voice*. 23 October 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2021.\n100. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-108)**\n     Nakamura, Karen (n.d.). [\"Trans\/Disability: Disability, Queer Sexualities, and Transsexuality from a Comparative Ethnographic Perspective (トランス／ディサビリティー： 比較人類学視点から見る現代の障害者運動 、クイアーセクシュアリティ、と性同一性障害運動)\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20200928183410\/https:\/\/www.p.u-tokyo.ac.jp\/cbfe\/activity\/doc\/05_doc1_20120119.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www.p.u-tokyo.ac.jp\/cbfe\/activity\/doc\/05_doc1_20120119.pdf) (PDF) on 28 September 2020. Retrieved 23 July 2021.\n101. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-109)**\n     [\"After gender change, a bureaucratic brick wall in Japan\"](https:\/\/www.france24.com\/en\/20190219-after-gender-change-bureaucratic-brick-wall-japan). *France 24*. 19 February 2019. Retrieved 11 January 2022.\n102. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-110)**\n     Osumi, Magdalena (21 June 2021). [\"Couple sues Japanese government for not recognizing gender transition\"](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2021\/06\/21\/national\/crime-legal\/elin-mccready-gender-transition-marriage-lawsuit\/). *The Japan Times*. Retrieved 11 January 2022.\n103. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-111)**\n     [\"Hygo\"](http:\/\/www.yomiuri.co.jp\/national\/news\/20120224-OYT1T00961.htm?from=tw). Retrieved 8 April 2018.\n104. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-112)**\n     [\"Japan's social security net for transgender people improving but obstacles loom for seniors\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190425040148\/https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2018\/06\/14\/national\/social-issues\/japans-social-security-net-transgender-people-improving-obstacles-loom-seniors\/). 14 June 2018. Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2018\/06\/14\/national\/social-issues\/japans-social-security-net-transgender-people-improving-obstacles-loom-seniors\/) on 25 April 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2019 – via Japan Times Online.\n105. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-bbc_113-0)** [Coming of age: Why adults in Japan are getting younger](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-44465196), *BBC News*, 13 June 2018\n106. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-114)**\n     [\"Human Rights Watch Letter to Japanese Authorities Re: Trans University Students\"](https:\/\/www.hrw.org\/news\/2020\/10\/20\/human-rights-watch-letter-japanese-authorities-re-trans-university-students). *Human Rights Watch*. 20 October 2020.\n107. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-115)**\n     [\"Japan's Women's Universities start accepting transgender students\"](https:\/\/zenbird.media\/japans-womens-universities-start-accepting-transgender-students\/). 7 July 2020.\n108. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-116)**\n     Bollinger, Alex. [\"Police refer trans woman to prosecutors for using women's bathroom\"](https:\/\/www.lgbtqnation.com\/2022\/01\/police-refer-trans-woman-prosecutors-using-womens-bathroom\/). *LGBTQ Nation*. Retrieved 1 February 2022.\n109. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-117)**\n     [\"Transgender woman referred to prosecutors for using women's washroom in Osaka\"](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2022\/01\/07\/national\/crime-legal\/transgender-woman-osaka-washroom\/). *The Japan Times*. 7 January 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2022.\n110. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-118)**\n     [\"Supreme Court hands down landmark decision on transgender rights\"](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2023\/10\/25\/japan\/crime-legal\/transgender-supreme-court-ruling\/). *The Japan Times*. 25 October 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.\n111. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-119)**\n     [\"Victory for Transgender Rights in Japan \\| Human Rights Watch\"](https:\/\/www.hrw.org\/news\/2023\/10\/25\/victory-transgender-rights-japan). 25 October 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.\n112. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-jspn.or.jp_120-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-jspn.or.jp_120-1)\n     [\"性別不合に関する診断と治療のガイドライン｜公益社団法人 日本精神神経学会\"](https:\/\/www.jspn.or.jp\/modules\/advocacy\/index.php?content_id=23). *www.jspn.or.jp*. Retrieved 28 September 2024.\n113. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-121)**\n     [\"性別不合に関する診断と治療のガイドライン (第 5 版)\"](https:\/\/www.jspn.or.jp\/uploads\/uploads\/files\/activity\/gid_guideline_no5.pdf) (PDF). *The Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology*. August 2024. pp. 16–18\\.\n114. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-122)**\n     [\"性別不合に関する診断と治療のガイドライン (第 5 版)\"](https:\/\/www.jspn.or.jp\/uploads\/uploads\/files\/activity\/gid_guideline_no5.pdf) (PDF). *The Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology*. August 2024. pp. 16–18\\.\n115. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-123)**\n     [エイズ、肝炎などのウイルス保有者、またはそれと疑われる方](http:\/\/www.jrc.or.jp\/donation\/about\/refrain\/detail_04\/)\n     \n     (in Japanese). Japanese Red Cross Society. Retrieved 14 June 2016. \"... 輸血を必要とする患者さんへの感染を防ぐため、過去6カ月間に下記に該当する方は、献血をご遠慮いただいています。... 男性どうしの性的接触があった。 (Translation: To prevent infecting patients requiring blood transfusion, those who match any of the following within the last six months should refrain from donating blood. ... Sexual contact between two males.)\"\n116. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-124)**\n     [エイズ、肝炎などのウイルス保有者、またはそれと疑われる方](http:\/\/www.jrc.or.jp\/donation\/about\/refrain\/detail_04\/)\n     \n     (in Japanese). Japanese Red Cross Society. Retrieved 14 June 2016. \"... 輸血を必要とする患者さんへの感染を防ぐため、過去6カ月間に下記に該当する方は、献血をご遠慮いただいています。... 不特定の異性または新たな異性との性的接触があった。 (Translation: To prevent infecting patients requiring blood transfusion, those who match any of the following within the last six months should refrain from donating blood. ... Sexual contact with an unspecified member of the opposite sex or a new member of the opposite sex.)\"\n117. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-125)**\n     [\"Archived copy\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20131110095918\/http:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/hivandaids\/LGBT_Rights_in_Japan.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/hivandaids\/LGBT_Rights_in_Japan.pdf) (PDF) on 10 November 2013. Retrieved 20 November 2011.\n     \n     `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title ([link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CS1_maint:_archived_copy_as_title \"Category:CS1 maint: archived copy as title\"))\n118. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-126)**\n     [\"20 Japanese Celebrities Who Have Shown Support for the LGBTQ Community\"](https:\/\/aramajapan.com\/aramaexclusive\/20-japanese-celebrities-shown-support-lgbtq-community\/77018\/2\/). Arama! Japan. 2018. Retrieved 7 January 2020.\n119. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-127)**\n     Bradley Stern (7 May 2018). [\"Ayumi Hamasaki, Gay Icon, Performs at 2018 Tokyo Rainbow Pride\"](https:\/\/muumuse.com\/2018\/05\/ayumi-hamasaki-2018-rainbow-pride-festival-tokyo.html\/). Retrieved 7 January 2020.\n120. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-128)**\n     Daw, Stephen (26 July 2023). [\"J-Pop Star Shinjiro Atae Comes Out as Gay During Fan Event\"](https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/culture\/pride\/shinjiro-atae-comes-out-gay-1235379652\/). *[Billboard](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Billboard_\\(magazine\\) \"Billboard (magazine)\")*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230726212811\/https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/culture\/pride\/shinjiro-atae-comes-out-gay-1235379652\/) from the original on 26 July 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2023.\n121. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-129)**\n     Anonymous (21 April 2015). [\"Sakurai Sho Reveals That He Wants to Get Married; Wotas Upset\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20200121142929\/http:\/\/minuskakugo.blogspot.com\/2015\/04\/sakurai-sho-reveals-that-he-wants-to.html). Archived from [the original](https:\/\/minuskakugo.blogspot.com\/2015\/04\/sakurai-sho-reveals-that-he-wants-to.html) on 21 January 2020. Retrieved 7 January 2020.\n122. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-130)**\n     Sekawa, Kaori (2 May 2016). [\"尾木ママ「学校で必ずLGBTを教えています」 東京レインボープライド2016開幕\"](https:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.jp\/2016\/04\/30\/ogimama-lgbt-tokyorainbowpride2016_n_9815228.html). *Huffpost Japan*. Retrieved 7 January 2020.\n123. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-j-today_131-0)**\n     Snow, Nancy (30 September 2017). [\"Japan's race for the LGBT gold in Asia\"](https:\/\/japantoday.com\/category\/features\/lifestyle\/japan%E2%80%99s-race-for-the-lgbt-gold-in-asia). *Japan Today*. Retrieved 16 October 2017.\n124. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-132)**\n     [\"日本維新の会の国会議員の皆さまと同性婚に関するオンラインでの意見交換勉強会を開催しました！\"](https:\/\/www.marriageforall.jp\/blog\/20220209\/). *結婚の自由をすべての人に - Marriage for All Japan -* (in Japanese). 9 February 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.\n125. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-133)**\n     Inada, Miho (20 September 2013). [\"Same-Sex Marriage in Japan: A Long Way Away? - Japan Real Time - WSJ\"](https:\/\/blogs.wsj.com\/japanrealtime\/2013\/09\/20\/same-sex-marriage-in-japan-a-long-way-away\/). Blogs.wsj.com. Retrieved 16 June 2014.\n126. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-134)**\n     [\"Setagaya OKs transsexual's election bid\"](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2003\/04\/21\/national\/setagaya-oks-transsexuals-election-bid\/). *The Japan Times News*. 21 April 2003.\n127. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-135)**\n     [\"Japan's Only Openly Gay Lawmaker Says Same-Sex Marriage Will Take Years\"](https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2017-12-08\/japan-s-lone-gay-lawmaker-says-same-sex-marriage-will-take-years). *Bloomberg*. 8 December 2017.\n128. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-136)**\n     Kambayashi, Takehiko (26 July 2017). [\"LGBT politicians in Japan seek to promote awareness, secure rights\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190817232912\/https:\/\/www.dpa-international.com\/topic\/lgbt-politicians-japan-seek-promote-awareness-secure-rights-urn:newsml:dpa.com:20090101:170726-99-391692). *DPA International*. Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www.dpa-international.com\/topic\/lgbt-politicians-japan-seek-promote-awareness-secure-rights-urn%3Anewsml%3Adpa.com%3A20090101%3A170726-99-391692) on 17 August 2019. Retrieved 17 August 2019.\n129. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-137)**\n     [\"Taiga Ishikawa is Japan's first openly gay elected official\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20120426062420\/http:\/\/www.tokyomango.com\/tokyo_mango\/2011\/05\/taiga-ishikawa-is-japans-first-openly-gay-elected-official.html). Tokyomango.com. 9 May 2011. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.tokyomango.com\/tokyo_mango\/2011\/05\/taiga-ishikawa-is-japans-first-openly-gay-elected-official.html) on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 16 June 2014.\n130. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-138)**\n     [\"Gay politician wins Upper House seat with LGBT support\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20200214180807\/http:\/\/www.asahi.com\/ajw\/articles\/AJ201907220044.html). *The Asahi Shimbun*. 22 July 2019. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.asahi.com\/ajw\/articles\/AJ201907220044.html) on 14 February 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2019.\n131. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-139)**\n     Daniel Reynolds (23 July 2019). [\"Japan's First Out Gay Lawmaker Vows Same-Sex Marriage 'Will Happen'\"](https:\/\/www.advocate.com\/politics\/2019\/7\/23\/japans-first-out-gay-lawmaker-vows-same-sex-marriage-will-happen). *The Advocate*.\n132. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-140)**\n     Damshenas, Sam (25 July 2019). [\"Japan's first openly gay male member of parliament vows to legalise same-sex marriage\"](https:\/\/www.gaytimes.co.uk\/community\/125045\/japans-first-openly-gay-member-of-parliament-vows-to-legalise-same-sex-marriage\/). *Gay Times*.\n133. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-141)**\n     Navlakha, Meera (24 July 2019). [\"Japan's First Openly Gay Parliament Member Promises to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage\"](https:\/\/www.vice.com\/en\/article\/japans-first-openly-gay-parliament-member-promises-to-legalize-same-sex-marriage\/). *Vice News*.\n134. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-142)**\n     Wakefield, Lily (24 July 2019). [\"Japan elects gay lawmaker who is 'sure' marriage equality will happen\"](https:\/\/www.pinknews.co.uk\/2019\/07\/24\/japan-elects-gay-lawmaker-taiga-ishikawa-sure-marriage-equality\/). *Pink News*.\n135. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-143)**\n     Fabre, Olivier (19 June 2019). [\"Liberal Democratic Party and tradition may stymie push for same-sex marriage in Japan\"](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2019\/06\/19\/national\/social-issues\/liberal-democratic-party-tradition-may-stymie-push-sex-marriage-japan\/). Retrieved 25 June 2019 – via Japan Times Online.\n136. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-scmp-2016_144-0)**\n     [\"Japan's conservative ruling party cites 'gay rights' in manifesto in bid to burnish image overseas\"](https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/news\/asia\/east-asia\/article\/1986665\/japans-conservative-ruling-party-cites-gay-rights-manifesto-bid). *South China Morning Post*. 7 July 2016. Retrieved 7 October 2017.\n137. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-145)**\n     [\"Tomomi Inada's uphill battle to 'promote understanding' of LGBT issues in Japan\"](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2019\/03\/21\/national\/politics-diplomacy\/uphill-battle-ldp-lawmaker-fights-lgbt-rights-japan\/). *The Japan Times*. 21 March 2019.\n138. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-146)**\n     [\"Japan becomes first country in the world to elect transgender man to a public office\"](https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/news\/world\/asia\/japan-first-world-transgender-man-public-office-councillor-iruma-saitama-kanto-a7636641.html). *[Independent.co.uk](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Independent.co.uk \"Independent.co.uk\")*. 18 March 2017. Retrieved 8 April 2018.\n139. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-147)**\n     Reynolds, Isabel; Nobuhiro, Emi (6 October 2017). [\"Japan's Opposition Unveils 'Yurinomics' Platform to Challenge Abe\"](https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2017-10-06\/japan-s-koike-says-she-may-tax-cash-reserves-of-large-companies). *Bloomberg*. Retrieved 6 October 2017.\n140. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-148)**\n     坂田奈央 (11 February 2019). [\"ＬＧＢＴ 気軽に言える環境づくりを 京都・亀岡市議選トップ当選 赤坂マリアさん\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190214121343\/http:\/\/www.tokyo-np.co.jp\/article\/politics\/list\/201902\/CK2019021102000132.html). *[Tokyo Shimbun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokyo_Shimbun \"Tokyo Shimbun\")*. Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www.tokyo-np.co.jp\/article\/politics\/list\/201902\/CK2019021102000132.html) on 14 February 2019. Retrieved 18 April 2019.\n141. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-149)**\n     [\"Japan's first transgender prefectural assembly member elected in Hokkaido\"](https:\/\/mainichi.jp\/english\/articles\/20190409\/p2a\/00m\/0na\/015000c). *[Mainichi Shimbun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mainichi_Shimbun \"Mainichi Shimbun\")*. 9 April 2019. Retrieved 10 April 2019.\n142. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-150)**\n     [\"Constitutional Democrats unveil campaign promises - NHK WORLD-JAPAN News\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190624152343\/https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20190624_32\/). *NHK WORLD*. Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20190624_32\/) on 24 June 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2019.\n143. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-151)**\n     [\"Japan's ruling party accused of violating Olympic charter over LGBT rights\"](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2021\/may\/24\/japan-ruling-party-accused-of-violating-olympic-charter-over-lgbt-rights). *The Guardian*. 24 May 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.\n144. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-152)**\n     [\"LDP panel booklet calling homosexuality a 'mental disease' sparks backlash in Japan\"](https:\/\/mainichi.jp\/english\/articles\/20220707\/p2a\/00m\/0na\/019000c). *Mainichi Daily News*. 7 July 2022.\n145. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-153)**\n     [\"Japan PM apologizes to LGBTQ activists over ex-aide's remark - The former aide told reporters this month that he wouldn't want to live next to LGBTQ people and claimed citizens would flee Japan if gays could marry\"](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/nbc-out\/out-news\/japan-pm-apologizes-lgbtq-activists-ex-aides-remark-rcna71196). *[NBC News](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/NBC_News \"NBC News\")*. 18 February 2023.\n146. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-155)**\n     [\"Japan's refusal to recognize same-sex marriage in law is unconstitutional, a court finds\"](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-ruling-nagoya-court-32d9b9ef069afae58e33b643a6ac497d). *AP News*. 7 March 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2025.\n147. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-156)**\n     [\"Japan hospital denies LGBTQ woman support for IVF pregnancy\"](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2023\/11\/07\/japan\/science-health\/japan-same-sex-couple-pregnancy\/). *The Japan Times*. Retrieved 7 November 2023.\n\n- [LGBT Students Bullied in Japan](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kVUyw8Pob68) on [YouTube](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/YouTube_video_\\(identifier\\) \"YouTube video (identifier)\"). [Human Rights Watch](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Human_Rights_Watch \"Human Rights Watch\") (8 July 2016)\n- [National Public Radio - Japan court says ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional](https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2022\/06\/20\/1106313824\/japan-court-ban-on-same-sex-marriage-constitutional)","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	This article is about LGBTQ legal rights in Japan. For a general overview, see Homosexuality in Japan . LGBTQ rights in Japan Japan Legal status Not criminalized since 1882 Gender identity Legal sex changes allowed since 2004, requiring gender confirmation surgery Military LGBT people allowed to serve openly Discrimination protections Sexual orientation and gender identity protected in some cities and prefectures, though not nationally [ 1 ] Family rights Recognition of relationships No national legal recognition of same-sex relationships, some localities offer partnership certificates Adoption No recognition nationally, some localities provide accommodations Lesbian , gay , bisexual , transgender , and queer ( LGBTQ ) people in Japan have fewer legal protections than in most other developed countries , [ 2 ] [ 3 ] although some developments towards stronger rights have been made in the 2020s. [ 4 ] Same-sex sexual activity was criminalised only briefly in Japan's history between 1873 and 1881, after which a localised version of the Napoleonic Penal Code was adopted with an equal age of consent . [ 5 ] Same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are ineligible for the legal protections available to opposite-sex couples, although since 2015 some cities and prefectures , covering over 92% of the population by 2025, offer "partnership certificates" to recognise the relationships of same-sex couples and provide some legal benefits. Japan is the only country in the G7 that does not legally recognize same-sex unions nationally in any form. [ 6 ] [ 7 ] In March 2021 and May 2023, the Sapporo and Nagoya District Courts ruled that not recognising same-sex marriage was a violation of the Constitution. [ 8 ] [ 9 ] While in June 2022, the Osaka District Court ruled that not recognising same-sex marriage was not a violation of the Constitution, [ 10 ] in November 2022, the Tokyo District Court ruled that the absence of same-sex marriage legislation was an unconstitutional state of affairs but did not violate the Constitution, [ 11 ] though the court's ruling has no immediate legal effect. [ 12 ] In June 2023, the Fukuoka District Court ruled that the ban on same-sex marriage was constitutional. [ 13 ] A second ruling in September 2023 concluded that same-sex relationships should not be excluded from Japan's marriage system. [ 14 ] Japan's culture and major religions do not have a history of hostility towards homosexuality. [ 15 ] A 2019 poll indicated that 68 percent of the respondents agreed that homosexuality should be accepted by society, while 22 percent disagreed. [ 16 ] Although many political parties have not openly supported or opposed LGBTQ rights, there are several openly LGBTQ politicians in office. The conservative Liberal Democratic Party , Japan's leading political party, remains opposed to same-sex marriage, [ 17 ] while two other major parties, the liberal Constitutional Democratic Party and libertarian Innovation Party both favor same-sex marriage. As of 2023, marriage equality movements have been gaining prominence within the nation. [ 18 ] A law allowing transgender individuals to change their legal gender post- sex reassignment surgery and sterilization was passed in 2003. The sterilization requirement was unanimously ruled by the Japanese Supreme Court to be unconstitutional in October 2023, removing the requirement. [ 19 ] Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is banned in some cities, including Tokyo . [ 20 ] Tokyo Rainbow Pride has been held annually since 2012, with attendance increasing every year. [ 21 ] A 2015 opinion poll reflected that the majority of its respondents supported the legalization of same-sex marriage. [ 22 ] Further opinion polls conducted over the following years have found high levels of support for same-sex marriage among the Japanese public, most notably the younger generation. [ 23 ] [ 24 ] However, a 2020 survey of over 10,000 LGBTQ people in Japan found that 38 percent of LGBTQ people had been harassed or assaulted. [ 25 ] In 2019, 2022 and 2025, Japan voted in favor of the United Nations independent expert on sexual orientation and gender identity at the United Nations Human Rights Council . [ 26 ] A wakashū (wearing headscarf) sneaks a kiss from a female prostitute behind his patron's back. Nishikawa Sukenobu (1671–1750) Homosexuality and same-sex relations have been documented in Japan since ancient times. One Shinto myth describes same-sex love as being introduced by the couple Shinu no Hafuri and Ama no Hafuri, servants of a "primordial goddess", presumably Amaterasu . Following Shinu's death, Ama killed himself, and the two were buried in the same grave. [ 27 ] In the pre- Meiji era , nanshoku (男色) relationships inside Buddhist monasteries were typically pederastic . The older partner, or nenja ( 念者 ; "lover" or "admirer") , would be a monk, priest or abbot, while the younger partner was assumed to be an acolyte ( 稚児 , chigo ) , who would be a prepubescent or adolescent boy. [ 28 ] The relationship would be dissolved once the boy reached adulthood (or left the monastery). Both parties were encouraged to treat the relationship seriously and conduct the affair honorably, and the nenja might be required to write a formal vow of fidelity. [ 29 ] During the Tokugawa period , some of the Shinto gods, especially Hachiman , Myoshin, Shinmei and Tenjin , "came to be seen as guardian deities of nanshoku " (male–male love). From religious circles, same-sex love spread to the warrior ( samurai ) class, where it was customary for a boy in the wakashū age category to undergo training in the martial arts by apprenticing to a more experienced adult man. The relationship was based on the typical nenja, who loves, and the typically younger chigo , who is loved. [ 30 ] The man was permitted, if the boy agreed, to take the boy as his lover until he came of age. [ 31 ] These relationships were expected to be exclusive, with both partners swearing to take no other (male) lovers. As Japan progressed into the Meiji era, same-sex practices continued; however, there was a growing animosity towards these practices. The practice of nanshoku began to die out after the Russo-Japanese War . Opposition to homosexuality did not become firmly established in Japan until the 19th and 20th centuries, although it was only criminalized between 1873 and 1880. [ 30 ] Modern Japanese terms for LGBTQ people include seitekishōsūsha ( 性的少数者 , " sexual minorities ") . [ 32 ] dōseiaisha ( 同性愛者 , literally "same-sex-love person") homosekusharu ( ホモセクシャル , " homosexual ") rezubian ( レズビアン , " lesbian ") gei ( ゲイ , " gay ") ryōseiaisha ( 両性愛者 , literally "both-sex-love person") baisekushuaru ( バイセクシュアル , " bisexual ") toransujendā ( トランスジェンダー , " transgender ") . [ 33 ] Legality of same-sex sexual activity [ edit ] There are no explicit religious prohibitions against homosexuality in the traditional religion of Japan , Shinto , or in the imported religions of Buddhism (see " Buddhism and sexual orientation "); however Chinese Confucianism prohibited homosexual marriage which may have also influenced Chinese Buddhism. [ 34 ] Sodomy was first criminalized in Japan in 1872, in the early Meiji era . But this provision was repealed only seven years later by the Penal Code of 1880 (commenced in 1882) in accordance with the Napoleonic Penal Code . [ 35 ] Since then, Japan has had no laws against homosexuality. Thus, sexual activity among consenting adults , in private, regardless of gender and/or sexual orientation, is legal under Japanese law. Since June 2023, the age of consent has been set at 16 years. [ 36 ] Recognition of same-sex relationships [ edit ] Article 24 of the Japanese Constitution states that " Marriage shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes and it shall be maintained through mutual cooperation with the equal rights of husband and wife as a basis." Articles 731 to 737 of the Japanese Civil Code limit marriage to heterosexual couples. Same-sex couples are not able to marry, and same-sex couples are not granted rights derived from marriage. Also, same-sex marriages performed abroad are not legally recognized in Japan and bi-national same-sex couples cannot obtain a visa for the foreign partner based on their relationship, though the Ministry of Justice does have a general rule of giving the discretionary "designated activities" visa to same-sex married spouses. [ 37 ] Japan and Italy are the only countries in the G7 where same-sex marriages are not performed. [ 38 ] In March 2009, Japan began allowing Japanese nationals to marry same-sex partners in countries where same-sex marriage is legal. The Justice Ministry instructed local authorities to issue key certificates, which state that a person is single and of legal age, to individuals seeking to enter same-sex marriages in areas that legally allow it. [ 39 ] In February 2015, the ward of Shibuya (in Tokyo) announced plans to establish a partnership system that would recognize same-sex couples for situations such as hospital visits and shared renting of apartments. This procedure allows couples to get a "proof of partnership" paper, which does not have any weight under Japanese law but can help in, for instance, getting access to a partner who is ill and in hospital but institutions are under no legal obligation to respect the certificates. [ 40 ] The Shibuya system is considered a significant step towards lesbian and gay partnership rights in Japan. [ 41 ] In July 2015, Tokyo's Setagaya ward announced that it would be joining Shibuya in recognizing same-sex partnerships from November of the same year. [ 42 ] Since then, over 400 municipalities have begun issuing partnership certificates, including highly populated Yokohama , Osaka , Sapporo , Fukuoka , Kyoto , Kawasaki , Saitama and Hiroshima , [ 43 ] as well as 30 prefectures , including Tokyo , Ibaraki , Osaka , Gunma , [ 44 ] [ 45 ] Saga and Mie . On 17 March 2021, a district court in Sapporo ruled that laws or regulations that deprive same-sex couples of the right to marry constitute unlawful discrimination and violate Article 14 of the Constitution of Japan . The court found that Article 24 does not prohibit the recognition of same-sex marriages. The ruling did not legalize same-sex marriage in Japan, but is likely to step up pressure on the National Diet to act. [ 46 ] Yasuhiko Watanabe, a law professor at Kyoto Sangyo University, stated that if Japan recognizes same-sex marriage, that would impact the whole of Asia, proving that it is allowed not only in Western societies. [ 47 ] On 26 June 2022, a district court in Osaka brought down a conflicting ruling to the ruling from the previous year out of Sapporo. It ruled that a ban on same-sex marriage is not unconstitutional. The ruling did not change the legal status of same-sex marriage in Japan as it did not occur at a court with the power to set binding legal precedent. The plaintiffs have indicated plans to appeal the decision. Other similar court cases in other district courts in Tokyo, Nagoya and Fukuoka remain ongoing. [ 48 ] In addition, the Tokyo metropolitan government recently [ when? ] announced a plan, set to take effect in October, to accept registrations from same-sex couples seeking certificates of their partnerships. On 1 November, Tokyo finally implemented a legally recognised relationship registration scheme for same-sex couples. [ 49 ] [ 50 ] In August 2023, Wakayama Prefecture proposed to locally introduce Japan's partnership system for same-sex couples. [ 51 ] In July 2022, Japanese video game company Nintendo announced its support for same-sex marriage and that it would recognize employees in same-sex partnerships as identical to opposite-sex marriages, in defiance of Japanese law. [ 52 ] The company's policy has been described as a major action in Japan's increasing discussion on its same-sex marriage ban. [ 53 ] On 17 December 2024, then Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba made the following statement about same-sex marriage during a parliamentary session: "I have met concerned individuals, and I can see that being together is the most precious thing to them. While there is no 'scale' for measuring the national happiness, I believe that fulfilling these deepest wishes would have a positive and beneficial impact on the overall well-being of Japan". [ 54 ] Sanae Takaichi , the Prime Minister of Japan and the President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) since October 2025, opposes same-sex marriage. [ 55 ] [ 56 ] [ 57 ] During a government budget committee meeting in 2023, she called legalizing same-sex marriage an "extremely difficult issue," though she added that "there should be no prejudice against sexual orientation and gender identity". In a subsequent statement during a campaign debate in September 2025, she told the audience she opposed same-sex marriage, adding that having a same-sex partner was "fine". [ 58 ] Adoption and parenting [ edit ] Same-sex couples are generally not allowed to legally adopt in Japan, though in some regions it is legally complicated. Lesbian couples and single women are unable to access IVF and artificial insemination . [ 59 ] In December 2022, a "very broad and comprehensive fertility bill" was introduced in Japan - that explicitly and legally only allows heterosexual married women access to IVF treatment. [ 60 ] In April 2017, Osaka officially recognised a same-sex couple as foster parents, making it the first such case in Japan. [ 61 ] 53 municipalities and Tokyo Metropolis have also established a "partnership family system" ( パートナーシップ・ファミリーシップ制度 , pātonāshippu famirīshippu seido ) as of April 2023. This system, which allows registered partners to optionally designate children in the household through the partnership oath system in a limited form of second-parent adoption , also recognises the children of same-sex couples, and allows partners to make medical decisions for their child, and to pick up their children at schools and kindergartens (whereas previously only the biological parent was allowed to pick up the child). The first to establish this system was Akashi, Hyōgo in January 2021 followed by Tokushima in February 2021 and Adachi, Tokyo in April 2021. [ 62 ] [ 63 ] [ a ] Discrimination protections [ edit ] As of 2021, sexual orientation and gender identity are not protected by national civil rights laws, which means that LGBTQ Japanese have few legal recourses when faced with discrimination in such areas as employment, education, housing, health care and banking. [ 64 ] According to a 2018 Dentsu Diversity Lab survey, more than 65% of questioned LGBTQ people said they had not come out to anyone at work or home. [ 65 ] The Japanese Constitution promises equal rights and is interpreted to prohibit discrimination on all grounds. However, homosexual and transgender persons can experience physical, sexual and psychological violence at the hands of their opposite-sex or same-sex partners, but receive limited protection from the law. Same-sex partners are excluded from the Act on the Prevention of Spousal Violence and the Protection of Victims ( Japanese : 配偶者からの暴力の防止及び被害者の保護等に関する法律 ) [ b ] and generally lack safe places where they can seek help and support. [ 66 ] In 2013, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka , became the first Japanese government area to pass a resolution officiating support for LGBTQ inclusion, including mandating LGBTQ sensitivity training for ward staff. [ 67 ] [ 68 ] [ 69 ] [ 70 ] Naha followed suit in July 2015. [ 71 ] In October 2018, the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly passed a law prohibiting all discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The law, which took effect in April 2019, also commits the Metropolitan Government to raise awareness of LGBTQ people and "conduct measures needed to make sure human rights values are rooted in all corners of the city". The law outlaws expressing hateful rhetoric in public. [ 72 ] [ 73 ] Prior to this, the wards of Shibuya and Setagaya had already passed explicit protections for LGBTQ people. [ 74 ] [ 75 ] In December 2018, four political parties, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan , the Democratic Party for the People , the Japanese Communist Party , and the Liberal Party , along with the support of several independents, introduced to the House of Representatives a bill entitled the Proposed Law on the Promotion of the Elimination of Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity ( Japanese : 性的指向又は性自認を理由とする差別の解消等の推進に関する法律案 ) [ c ] to prohibit discrimination, harassment and bullying at schools on the basis of sexual orientation. [ 76 ] [ 77 ] In March 2019, legislation banning discrimination against "sexual minorities" was passed in Ibaraki Prefecture . [ 78 ] [ 79 ] Human Rights Watch , J-ALL (Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation) and Athlete Ally urged Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to support legislation protecting LGBTQ people against discrimination on the basis of gender and sexual orientation. On 17 April 2020, 96 human rights and LGBTQ organizations sent a letter to the Prime Minister calling for the passage of a non-discrimination law. [ 80 ] In April 2022, legislation prohibiting discrimination among others sexual orientation and gender identity came into operation in Akita Prefecture . [ 81 ] Employment discrimination [ edit ] While the Equal Employment Opportunity Law ( Japanese : 男女雇用機会均等法 ) [ d ] has been revised several times over the years to address sex discrimination and harassment in the workplace, the government has refused to expand the law to address discrimination against gender or sexual identity. [ 82 ] The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has passed legislation banning discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity. [ 74 ] Companies in Japan consisting of ten or more employees are required to establish work regulations. In January 2018, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare revised the Model Rules of Employment (モデル就業規則) [ e ] which "stands as the example framework for work regulations", to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and "gender identification". [ 75 ] Article 15 reads: [ 83 ] In addition to what are provided for from Article 12 to the preceding paragraph, employees are prohibited from any other forms of harassment at the workplace that are damaging to the work environment of other employees such as by way of speech or behaviour related to sexual orientation or gender identification. Housing discrimination [ edit ] In 1991, the group OCCUR (Japan Association for the Lesbian and Gay Movement) [ 84 ] filed a court case against the Tokyo government after being barred from using the "Metropolitan House for Youth" the previous year. OCCUR won the case in 1997. While the court ruling does not seem to have extended to other areas of government-sponsored discrimination, it is cited by the courts as a civil rights case. [ 74 ] Since autumn 2003, the Urban Renaissance Agency, the government agency that operates government housing has allowed same-sex couples to rent units the same way as heterosexual couples at any one of the over 300 properties that it operates. This opened the way for more such action, as the Osaka Government in September 2005 opened the doors of its government housing to same-sex couples. [ 85 ] In February 2018, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare created provisions addressing discrimination in housing, stating that "consideration must be taken to not deny lodging on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity." [ 75 ] In October 2020, The Guardian reported that several Japanese love hotels were denying entry to same-sex couples for the sole reason of their sexual orientation, despite it being illegal since 2018 as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. [ 6 ] Bullying in schools [ edit ] In 2017, the Education Ministry added sexual orientation and gender identity to its national bullying policy. [ 74 ] [ 86 ] The policy mandates that schools should prevent bullying of students based on their sexual orientation or gender identity by "promoting proper understanding of teachers on … sexual orientation/gender identity as well as making sure to inform on the school's necessary measures regarding this matter." In January 2018, after a high-profile incident in 2015 in which a gay student at Hitotsubashi University died by suicide after being outed against his will, the city of Kunitachi passed an "anti-outing" ordinance to promote understanding of LGBTQ people. [ 75 ] Mie Prefecture passed a similar "anti-outing" law in March 2021. [ 87 ] [ 88 ] LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act [ edit ] In June 2019, after three years of consultations, a special committee of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) announced the LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Bill , which aims to improve understanding of LGBTQ issues, would be introduced to the National Diet. However, LGBTQ rights activists criticized the bill for falling short by not mentioning same-sex marriage or anti-discrimination protections. [ 89 ] [ 90 ] In April 2021, the LDP announced it would pass the LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Bill during the 204th National Diet session, set to end in June for the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo . The bill only requires the government to "promote understanding of LGBT people" and does not actually ban discrimination. [ 91 ] However, the bill was not enacted in 2021. On 16 June 2023, the "watered down" private member's bill on enhancement of LGBTQ understanding formally passed both houses of the National Diet of Japan for the 49th G7 summit in Hiroshima , with majority support from the Liberal Democratic Party , Komeito , Nippon Ishin no Kai and Democratic Party for the People . [ 92 ] [ 93 ] [ 94 ] The Act on Enhancement of Public Understanding of Diversity in Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity ( Japanese : 性的指向及びジェンダーアイデンティティの多様性に関する国民の理解の増進に関する法律 ), [ f ] LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act ( Japanese : LGBT理解増進法 ) [ g ] (in short title) came into effect on 23 June 2023. Passage of the law on gender recognition [ edit ] In 2003, a law was passed allowing transgender people to change their gender marker on legal documents. Approval required being over 18 years old, unmarried, undergoing sex reassignment surgery , sterilization (until 2023), and having no children under 18 (the majority age, which changed from 20 to 18 on 1 April 2022). The law, known as the Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder ( Japanese : 性同一性障害者の性別の取扱いの特例に関する法律 ) [ h ] or simply Law 111 , went into effect in July 2004, [ 95 ] and was upheld by the Supreme Court of Japan in January 2019. [ 96 ] By that date, 7,000 persons had legally changed gender. The court wanted to prevent "confusion" within parent-child relations, as well as "abrupt changes" in Japanese society. Two of the majority judges still issued a call for society to "embrace the diversity of sexual identity", also adding that the requirements were invasive and encouraged the National Diet to review them. [ 97 ] The legislation has been the subject of criticism on the grounds that its pathologising terminology and restrictive conditions violate the human rights of transgender individuals. [ 98 ] Socio-cultural background [ edit ] Yale University professor Karen Nakamura notes in a discussion held October 2015 that "Japanese transgender activists present their gender identity as a disability in order to achieve more social and legal change in Japanese society", employing the medical diagnostic term of "gender identity disability" (性同一性障害, seidoitsusei shougai ), instead of "gender identity disorder", which is more common in English-medium materials. This in part arises from what Nakamura calls a "translation fluke"; shougai can be fluidly interpreted as (among other things) either "disability" or "disorder". According to Nakamura, this is because there is a strong protection in Japanese society and laws for disabled persons; therefore, identifying more as members of the disability community rather than the queer community has allowed transgender Japanese to assert their rights in law and society more strongly without social ostracization, more so than cisgender LGB Japanese. [ 99 ] [ 100 ] Conflict of private international law [ edit ] Even though surgery is required as a condition to change one's registered gender in the Japanese courts, this only applies to Japanese nationals. Foreign nationals change their registered gender with the country of their nationality, then report the change to the Immigration Services Agency to be reflected on their residence card. This conflict of laws can lead to bureaucratic breakdown. In 2018, U.S. national and Aoyama Gakuin University lecturer Elin McCready changed her legal gender to female in the United States. After the change, municipal offices in the Meguro and Ota wards of Tokyo refused to recognize it, citing her subsisting marriage to Midori Morita-McCready, a Japanese national - which the legal gender recognition would make a same-sex marriage. This led them to pursue a lawsuit against the local and central governments. Their attorney, Toshimasa Yamashita, said that following the precedent set in the 2018 Sapporo court case on same-sex marriage, this refusal was unconstitutional. [ 101 ] [ 102 ] On 24 February 2012, the Hyogo Lawyers' Association recommended that a transgender woman in a male prison be transferred to a female institution. [ 103 ] According to this report, she had been placed in a male institution because of her legal sex, despite having undergone sex reassignment surgery prior to her detention, and was not treated as a woman in any way. She was subject to body checks by male staff, had her hair shaved, and was denied feminine clothing. Since April 2018, transgender people have been covered for sex reassignment surgery as long as they are not receiving hormone treatment. [ 104 ] The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has also allowed transgender people to use their preferred names on their health insurance cards. In June 2018, the Japanese Government enacted a new law lowering the age of majority in Japan from 20 to 18, which took effect on 1 April 2022. Among others, the new law sets the age of marriage at 18 for both men and women (previously women could marry at the age of 16) and allows 18-year-olds to obtain valid passports, credit cards, etc. The law also allowed people diagnosed with gender dysphoria and who have undergone irreversible sterilization to legally change their sex at the age of 18. [ 105 ] In October 2020, Human Rights Watch wrote a letter urging Japan officials to allow transgender women to enroll in public women's universities in the country. [ 106 ] Ochanomizu University in Tokyo became the first public women's university in Japan to admit transgender women who had not changed their legal gender to 'female'. [ 107 ] In January 2022, a transgender individual was arrested for "using the wrong bathroom" in Osaka . The Osaka Prefectural Police has declined to pursue charges, instead leaving that decision up to state prosecutors. Mikiya Nakatsuka, professor of health sciences at Okayama University and president of the Japanese Society of Gender Identity Disorder, stated that most transgender persons in Japan "paid attention when they used toilets at public facilities so they [could] stay out of trouble", and expressed concern that this single case would be applied erroneously to the wider transgender community, creating unwarranted prejudice and discrimination. [ 108 ] [ 109 ] 2023 Supreme Court ruling [ edit ] In October 2023, the Japanese Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the part of the 2003 law that requires sterilization before a change of sex or gender on an individual's family register can be legally made was unconstitutional. [ 110 ] The Supreme Court has asked a lower court to review the requirement to have "genitalia that closely resemble the physical form of an alternative gender". [ 111 ] Gender reassignment surgery has been covered by insurance since 2018. However, hormone therapy is still not covered by insurance. [ 112 ] Children aged 15 and over can receive hormone therapy in Japan with parental consent. [ 113 ] The Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology (JSPN) published its updated guidelines in August 2024 on the treatment of gender dysphoria. The guidelines continued to recommend puberty suppression in trans patients, noting that it "is medically self-evident that bodily features of the undesired sex will become permanent if AMAB individuals who would require puberty suppression do not receive it". However, they also asked doctors administering such treatment to report more detailed information on it going forward. [ 114 ] [ 112 ] Gay and bisexual men are allowed to donate blood in Japan following a six-month abstinence from sex [ 115 ] while women and heterosexual men only need to wait six-months after being with a new partner of the opposite sex. [ 116 ] The Japan Self-Defense Forces , when being asked about their policy toward people who are gay or lesbian following the U.S. debate during the presidency of Bill Clinton , answered that it was not an issue, and individuals within the forces indicated that as long as same-sex relations did not lead to fights or other trouble, there were few, if any, barriers to their inclusion in the armed services. [ 117 ] While representations of homosexuals in the Japanese media tend towards caricature on the basis of stereotypes of sexual or behavioral deviance (e.g. the actually straight Hard Gay ), there are several examples of transgender and non-binary celebrities in Japan such as Haruna Ai , Kayo Satoh , Ataru Nakamura , Kaba-chan , Hikaru Utada and Ikko . Several prominent musicians including Yoshinori Kanemoto and Ayumi Hamasaki have large LGBTQ fanbases as a result of their support for the LGBTQ community; among other activities, Hikaru Utada featured a gay teddybear called Kuma who she introduced as far back as 2010, [ 118 ] and Ayumi Hamasaki headlined at Tokyo's 2018 Pride festival (incidentally, Hamasaki starred in the LGBTQ-themed movie Nagisa no Shindobaddo in the 1990s). [ 119 ] In 2023, Shinjiro Atae came out as openly gay. [ 120 ] Various celebrities have dedicated airtime on radios and podcasts to LGBTQ topics and supporting LGBTQ issues. Sho Sakurai of Arashi held an interview with drag queens in 2015 in Shinjuku Ni-chōme and was given the nickname "Cherry Shoko in the Sky". [ 121 ] Matsuko Deluxe is a famous and well-respected drag queen TV personality along the lines of Lily Savage (UK) and Dame Edna (Australia). The education specialist Naoki Ogi (more colloquially known by teachers across Japan by his nickname "Ogimama") has in past years given focus to LGBTQ issues in schools. [ 122 ] Support for LGBTQ rights has been expressed by corporate executives and Olympic athlete Dai Tamesue . [ 123 ] One of famous Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda 's earliest movies, a documentary called "August without Him", released in 1994, follows Hirata Yutaka, the first openly gay AIDS sufferer in Japan. Filmed over a series of months, it contrasts his public life as an outspoken figure on the lecture circuit with his personal descent into illness and death. Tokyo Rainbow Pride in 2016 Sapporo Rainbow Pride in September 2019 Japan's society and government are predominantly conservative. [ 7 ] Most political parties in Japan have formal positions in favor or against LGBTQ rights in their party's platform or manifesto. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has indicated opposition to legalizing same-sex marriage , whereas the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), the Japanese Communist Party (JCP), the Japan Innovation Party , [ 124 ] and the Social Democratic Party have indicated support for legalization. [ 125 ] In a 2023 survey, Pew Research Center estimated that nearly 70% of Japanese people support same-sex marriage, the highest percentage of acceptance out of the Asian countries surveyed. [ 24 ] In 2001, the Council for Human Rights Promotion, under the Ministry of Justice, recommended that sexual orientation be included in the nation's civil rights code, but the National Diet refused to adopt the recommendation. In 2003, Aya Kamikawa became the first openly transgender politician to be elected to public office in Japan, winning a seat on the Setagaya Ward Assembly. She initially ran as an independent but expressed support for the now-defunct Rainbow and Greens . [ 126 ] In 2005, Kanako Otsuji , from the Osaka Prefectural Assembly (2003–2007), became the first openly gay politician in Japan, when she formally came out at the Tokyo Gay Pride Festival. She later briefly served on the House of Councillors in 2013. Following the 2017 general election , Otsuji became the first openly lesbian member of the House of Representatives . [ 127 ] In 2010, Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara faced international criticism for controversial comments he made, in which he said that gays and lesbians were "deficient somehow. It may be attributed to something genetic. I feel sorry for them being a minority." [ 128 ] In 2011, Taiga Ishikawa became the first openly gay man elected to office in Japan, winning a seat in the local assembly of Toshima Ward. [ 129 ] He came out publicly in his book Where Is My Boyfriend (2002), and started a non-profit organization that sponsors social events for gay men in Japan. At the 2019 House of Councillors election , Ishikawa won a seat in the House of Councillors as a member of the CDP, the first openly gay man to do so. [ 130 ] [ 131 ] After his election, he vowed to legalize same-sex marriage and enact anti-discrimination laws within the six years of his term. [ 132 ] [ 133 ] [ 134 ] At the 2016 House of Councillors election , the conservative governing LDP included in its manifesto, that "same-sex marriage is incompatible with the Constitution". [ 135 ] However, it also included "promoting understanding of sexual diversity" in its platform, a move that would have been "unthinkable" in earlier times and that lawmaker Gaku Hashimoto attributed in part to burnishing the country's international image in advance of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. [ 136 ] In 2019, former Defense Minister Tomomi Inada said she was unsure whether she would be able to introduce new legislation seeking greater tolerance of same-sex relationships amid opposition from her LDP colleagues. While Inada announced she wishes to "promote understanding" of LGBTQ people, she stated she is not trying to get Japan to legalize same-sex marriage or ban discrimination against LGBTQ citizens. Some LDP members have made controversial statements, such as Katsuei Hirasawa who argued in a speech in February 2019 that the "nation would collapse" if everyone were gay. Another ruling party lawmaker, Mio Sugita , published a magazine article in 2018 describing same-sex couples as "unproductive" because they do not have children. [ 137 ] In March 2017, Tomoya Hosoda was elected to the Iruma Assembly, in the prefecture of Saitama . Hosoda is believed to be the first openly transgender man elected to public office in the world. [ 138 ] During the country's 2017 general election , Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike 's newly launched Party of Hope pledged the elimination of LGBTQ discrimination in its manifesto. [ 139 ] In January 2019, trans woman Maria Akasaka became a member of the Kameoka City Assembly, in Kyoto Prefecture . [ 140 ] In April 2019, another trans woman, Ayako Fuchigami , won a seat on the Hokkaido Prefectural Assembly representing Sapporo 's Higashi-ku ward. She became the first openly transgender person to hold a prefectural assembly position in Japan. [ 141 ] In June 2019, the CDP added introducing legislation aimed at ending discrimination against the LGBTQ community and legalising same-sex marriage to its party platform ahead of the 2019 Japanese House of Councillors election . [ 142 ] In May 2021, Japan's conservative governing LDP has been accused of violating the Olympic charter after it failed to approve a bill to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community, during discussions marred by homophobic outbursts from conservative MPs. Closed meetings held in May to discuss a bill, proposed by opposition parties, ended without agreement after some LDP MPs said the rights of sexual minorities had "gone too far". An unnamed lawmaker described LGBTQ people as "morally unacceptable", while another MP, Kazuo Yana, said sexual minorities were "resisting the preservation of the species that occurs naturally in biological terms", media reports said. The failure to back a proposed law to protect LGBTQ rights was condemned by human rights groups, which said the party deserved a "gold medal for homophobia". [ 143 ] In July 2022, LGBTQ rights activists and supporters protested in front of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's headquarters after an intra-party panel meeting circulated a booklet claiming that "homosexuality is a mental disease or addiction." The text was packed with false information, including "It's not the case that high suicide rates among LGBTQ people can be attributed to discrimination within society," and, "We should not legitimatize the sexual lifestyles of sexual minorities as it will become a social problem which will destroy families and society." [ 144 ] In 2023, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of the Liberal Democratic Party met with LGBTQ groups in the Prime Minister's Official Residence and apologized for comments made by his former aide, Masayoshi Arai, based on homophobia and anti- same-sex marriage . [ 145 ] Same-sex sexual activity legal (Since 1882) Equal age of consent (16) (Since 1882) Anti-discrimination laws in employment / (In Tokyo , Ibaraki and Akita ) Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services / (In Tokyo and Ibaraki) Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech) Civil unions Same-sex marriage (Ban declared unconstitutional in some lower courts) [ i ] [ 146 ] Recognition of same-sex couples / (Several jurisdictions offer partnership certificates) Stepchild adoption by same-sex couples / (Some jurisdictions offer partnership certificates including identifying biological children of one partner) Joint adoption by same-sex couples Legal recognition of intersex people Intersex human rights Lesbian, gay and bisexual people allowed to serve in the military Transgender people allowed to serve openly in the military Right to change legal gender (Since 2004; under certain restrictions: must undergo surgery , be unmarried, and have no children under 18) Gender self-identification Legal recognition of non-binary gender Conversion therapy on minors banned Access to IVF for lesbian couples [ 60 ] [ 147 ] Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples (Banned regardless of sexual orientation) MSM allowed to donate blood / (6-month deferral period) LGBTQ rights in Tokyo Human rights in Japan Situation of homosexuals in the Japanese military (JSDF) LGBTQ rights in Asia LGBT and politics in Japan [ ja ] ^ The 50 other municipalities are Koga (July 2021), Toyota (July 2021), Iruma (September 2021), Miyoshi (September 2021), Kawajima (October 2021), Kōnosu (December 2021), Sōja (December 2021), Hannō (January 2022), Hidaka (January 2022), Tokorozawa (January 2022), Mitoyo (January 2022), Ichikawa (February 2022), Anan (April 2022), Bungo-Ōno (April 2022), Kan'onji (April 2022), Kanuma (April 2022), Kasaoka (April 2022), Kasuya (April 2022), Kosai (April 2022), Miyashiro (April 2022), Okazaki (April 2022), Yoshimi (April 2022), Tosashimizu (June 2022), Tondabayashi (July 2022), Osaka (August 2022), Ichinomiya (September 2022), Toyoyama (September 2022), Naha (October 2022), Toda (October 2022), Ikeda (October 2022), Setagaya (November 2022), Nagoya (December 2022), Ichinoseki (December 2022), Wako (January 2023), Komaki (February 2023), Nagaoka (February 2023), Ranzan (March 2023), Kashiwa (March 2023), Takasago (April 2023), Namegawa (April 2023), Asaka (April 2023), Kasukabe (April 2023), Niiza (April 2023), Shiki (April 2023), Nachikatsuura (April 2023), Maibara (April 2023), Kaizu (April 2023), Matsudo (April 2023), Chiba (April 2023), Sapporo (April 2023) and Morioka (May 2023). 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Markdown	[Jump to content](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#bodyContent) Main menu Main menu move to sidebar hide Navigation - [Main page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page "Visit the main page [z]") - [Contents](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contents "Guides to browsing Wikipedia") - [Current events](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Current_events "Articles related to current events") - [Random article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random "Visit a randomly selected article [x]") - [About Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:About "Learn about Wikipedia and how it works") - [Contact us](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contact_us "How to contact Wikipedia") Contribute - [Help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents "Guidance on how to use and edit Wikipedia") - [Learn to edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Introduction "Learn how to edit Wikipedia") - [Community portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Community_portal "The hub for editors") - [Recent changes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:RecentChanges "A list of recent changes to Wikipedia [r]") - [Upload file](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:File_upload_wizard "Add images or other media for use on Wikipedia") - [Special pages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:SpecialPages "A list of all special pages [q]") [![](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/icons/enwiki-25.svg) ![Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/mobile/copyright/wikipedia-wordmark-en-25.svg) ![The Free Encyclopedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/mobile/copyright/wikipedia-tagline-en-25.svg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page) [Search](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search "Search Wikipedia [f]") Appearance - [Donate](https://donate.wikimedia.org/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en) - [Create account](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=LGBTQ+rights+in+Japan "You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory") - [Log in](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=LGBTQ+rights+in+Japan "You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. 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[o]") ## Contents move to sidebar hide - [(Top)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan) - [1 History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#History) - [2 Terminology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Terminology) - [3 Legality of same-sex sexual activity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Legality_of_same-sex_sexual_activity) - [4 Recognition of same-sex relationships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Recognition_of_same-sex_relationships) - [5 Adoption and parenting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Adoption_and_parenting) - [6 Discrimination protections](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Discrimination_protections) Toggle Discrimination protections subsection - [6\.1 Employment discrimination](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Employment_discrimination) - [6\.2 Housing discrimination](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Housing_discrimination) - [6\.3 Bullying in schools](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Bullying_in_schools) - [6\.4 Others](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Others) - [6\.5 LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#LGBT_Understanding_and_Enhancement_Act) - [7 Transgender rights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Transgender_rights) Toggle Transgender rights subsection - [7\.1 Passage of the law on gender recognition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Passage_of_the_law_on_gender_recognition) - [7\.2 Socio-cultural background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Socio-cultural_background) - [7\.3 Conflict of private international law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Conflict_of_private_international_law) - [7\.4 Other developments](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Other_developments) - [7\.5 2023 Supreme Court ruling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#2023_Supreme_Court_ruling) - [7\.6 Healthcare](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Healthcare) - [8 Blood donation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Blood_donation) - [9 Military service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Military_service) - [10 Celebrities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Celebrities) - [11 Political support](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Political_support) - [12 Summary table](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Summary_table) - [13 See also](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#See_also) - [14 Notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Notes) - [15 References](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#References) - [16 External links](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#External_links) Toggle the table of contents # LGBTQ rights in Japan 19 languages - [العربية](https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84%D8%A9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AB%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%8A%D9%86_%D9%81%D9%8A_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%86 "معاملة المثليين في اليابان – Arabic") - [Català](https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drets_del_col%C2%B7lectiu_LGBT_al_Jap%C3%B3 "Drets del col·lectiu LGBT al Japó – Catalan") - [Čeština](https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_pr%C3%A1va_v_Japonsku "LGBT práva v Japonsku – Czech") - [Ελληνικά](https://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%94%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%B1%CE%B9%CF%8E%CE%BC%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B1_%CE%9B%CE%9F%CE%91%CE%A4_%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%BD_%CE%99%CE%B1%CF%80%CF%89%CE%BD%CE%AF%CE%B1 "Δικαιώματα ΛΟΑΤ στην Ιαπωνία – Greek") - [Español](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derechos_LGBT_en_Jap%C3%B3n "Derechos LGBT en Japón – Spanish") - [Suomi](https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seksuaali-_ja_sukupuoliv%C3%A4hemmist%C3%B6jen_oikeudet_Japanissa "Seksuaali- ja sukupuolivähemmistöjen oikeudet Japanissa – Finnish") - [Français](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Droits_LGBT_au_Japon "Droits LGBT au Japon – French") - [עברית](https://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D7%96%D7%9B%D7%95%D7%99%D7%95%D7%AA_%D7%9C%D7%94%D7%98%22%D7%91_%D7%91%D7%99%D7%A4%D7%9F "זכויות להט\"ב ביפן – Hebrew") - [Bahasa Indonesia](https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hak_LGBT_di_Jepang "Hak LGBT di Jepang – Indonesian") - [Italiano](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diritti_LGBT_in_Giappone "Diritti LGBT in Giappone – Italian") - [日本語](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E3%81%AB%E3%81%8A%E3%81%91%E3%82%8BLGBT%E3%81%AE%E6%A8%A9%E5%88%A9 "日本におけるLGBTの権利 – Japanese") - [Português](https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direitos_LGBT_no_Jap%C3%A3o "Direitos LGBT no Japão – Portuguese") - [Русский](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0_%D0%9B%D0%93%D0%91%D0%A2_%D0%B2_%D0%AF%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B8 "Права ЛГБТ в Японии – Russian") - [Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски](https://sh.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_prava_u_Japanu "LGBTQ prava u Japanu – Serbo-Croatian") - [Svenska](https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/HBTQ-r%C3%A4ttigheter_i_Japan "HBTQ-rättigheter i Japan – Swedish") - [ไทย](https://th.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B8%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A8%E0%B9%83%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A8%E0%B8%8D%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%B8%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%99 "สิทธิของกลุ่มบุคคลที่มีความหลากหลายทางเพศในประเทศญี่ปุ่น – Thai") - [Українська](https://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0_%D0%9B%D0%93%D0%91%D0%A2_%D0%B2_%D0%AF%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%96%D1%97 "Права ЛГБТ в Японії – Ukrainian") - [Tiếng Việt](https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quy%E1%BB%81n_LGBT_%E1%BB%9F_Nh%E1%BA%ADt_B%E1%BA%A3n "Quyền LGBT ở Nhật Bản – Vietnamese") - [中文](https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%ACLGBT%E6%9D%83%E7%9B%8A "日本LGBT权益 – Chinese") [Edit links](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Special:EntityPage/Q1286841#sitelinks-wikipedia "Edit interlanguage links") - [Article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan "View the content page [c]") - [Talk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan "Discuss improvements to the content page [t]") English - [Read](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan) - [Edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit "Edit this page [e]") - [View history](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=history "Past revisions of this page [h]") Tools Tools move to sidebar hide Actions - 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[Get shortened URL](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:UrlShortener&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FLGBTQ_rights_in_Japan) Print/export - [Download as PDF](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:DownloadAsPdf&page=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=show-download-screen "Download this page as a PDF file") - [Printable version](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&printable=yes "Printable version of this page [p]") In other projects - [Wikidata item](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Special:EntityPage/Q1286841 "Structured data on this page hosted by Wikidata [g]") Appearance move to sidebar hide From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This article is about LGBTQ legal rights in Japan. For a general overview, see [Homosexuality in Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_Japan "Homosexuality in Japan"). \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [![icon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Translation_to_english_arrow.svg/60px-Translation_to_english_arrow.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Translation_to_english_arrow.svg) \| You can help expand this article with text translated from [the corresponding article](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E3%81%AB%E3%81%8A%E3%81%91%E3%82%8BLGBT%E3%81%AE%E6%A8%A9%E5%88%A9 "ja:日本におけるLGBTの権利") in Japanese. (September 2023) Click \[show\] for important translation instructions. Machine translation, like [DeepL](https://deepl.com/) or [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/), is a useful starting point for translations, but translators must revise errors as necessary and confirm that the translation is accurate, rather than simply copy-pasting machine-translated text into the English Wikipedia. Do not translate text that appears unreliable or low-quality. If possible, verify the text with references provided in the foreign-language article. You must provide [copyright attribution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Copying_within_Wikipedia "Wikipedia:Copying within Wikipedia") in the [edit summary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Edit_summary "Help:Edit summary") accompanying your translation by providing an [interlanguage link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Interlanguage_links "Help:Interlanguage links") to the source of your translation. A model attribution edit summary is `Content in this edit is translated from the existing Japanese Wikipedia article at [[:ja:日本におけるLGBTの権利]]; see its history for attribution.` You may also add the template `{{Translated\|ja\|日本におけるLGBTの権利}}` to the [talk page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan "Talk:LGBTQ rights in Japan"). For more guidance, see [Wikipedia:Translation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Translation "Wikipedia:Translation"). \| \| LGBTQ rights in [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan "Japan") \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/62/Japan_%28orthographic_projection%29.svg/250px-Japan_%28orthographic_projection%29.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Japan_\(orthographic_projection\).svg)[Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan "Japan") \| \| \| [Legal status](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminalization_of_homosexuality "Criminalization of homosexuality") \| Not criminalized since 1882 \| \| [Gender identity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_identity "Gender identity") \| Legal sex changes allowed since 2004, requiring [gender confirmation surgery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_confirmation_surgery "Gender confirmation surgery") \| \| [Military](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_people_and_military_service "LGBT people and military service") \| LGBT people allowed to serve openly \| \| [Discrimination protections](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-discrimination_law "Anti-discrimination law") \| Sexual orientation and gender identity protected in some cities and prefectures, though not nationally[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-1) \| \| Family rights \| \| \| [Recognition of relationships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Same-sex_unions "Template:Same-sex unions") \| [No national legal recognition of same-sex relationships, some localities offer partnership certificates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recognition_of_same-sex_unions_in_Japan "Recognition of same-sex unions in Japan") \| \| [Adoption](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_adoption "Same-sex adoption") \| [No recognition nationally, some localities provide accommodations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Adoption_and_parenting) \| [Lesbian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesbian "Lesbian"), [gay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay "Gay"), [bisexual](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisexual "Bisexual"), [transgender](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender "Transgender"), and [queer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queer "Queer") ([LGBTQ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ "LGBTQ")) people in [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan "Japan") have fewer legal protections than in most other [developed countries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Developed_countries "Developed countries"),[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-2)[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-3) although some developments towards stronger rights have been made in the 2020s.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-4) Same-sex sexual activity was criminalised only briefly in Japan's history between 1873 and 1881, after which a localised version of the [Napoleonic Penal Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Penal_Code_of_1810 "French Penal Code of 1810") was adopted with an equal [age of consent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_consent_in_Asia "Age of consent in Asia").[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-5) Same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are ineligible for the legal protections available to opposite-sex couples, although since 2015 some cities and [prefectures](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prefectures_of_Japan "Prefectures of Japan"), covering over 92% of the population by 2025, offer "partnership certificates" to recognise the relationships of same-sex couples and provide some legal benefits. Japan is the only country in the [G7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G7 "G7") that does not legally recognize same-sex unions nationally in any form.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-Justin_McCurry-6)[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-BBC-7) In March 2021 and May 2023, the [Sapporo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo "Sapporo") and [Nagoya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagoya "Nagoya") District Courts ruled that not recognising [same-sex marriage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage "Same-sex marriage") was a violation of the Constitution.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-8)[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-9) While in June 2022, the [Osaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka "Osaka") District Court ruled that not recognising same-sex marriage was not a violation of the Constitution,[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-10) in November 2022, the [Tokyo District Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_District_Court "Tokyo District Court") ruled that the absence of same-sex marriage legislation was an unconstitutional state of affairs but did not violate the Constitution,[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-11) though the court's ruling has no immediate legal effect.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-12) In June 2023, the [Fukuoka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukuoka "Fukuoka") District Court ruled that the ban on same-sex marriage was constitutional.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-13) A second ruling in September 2023 concluded that same-sex relationships should not be excluded from Japan's marriage system.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-14) Japan's culture and major religions do not have a history of hostility towards homosexuality.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-15) A 2019 poll indicated that 68 percent of the respondents agreed that homosexuality should be accepted by society, while 22 percent disagreed.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-16) Although many political parties have not openly supported or opposed LGBTQ rights, there are several openly LGBTQ politicians in office. The conservative [Liberal Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\(Japan\) "Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)"), Japan's leading political party, remains opposed to same-sex marriage,[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-17) while two other major parties, the liberal [Constitutional Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitutional_Democratic_Party_of_Japan "Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan") and libertarian [Innovation Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nippon_Ishin_no_Kai "Nippon Ishin no Kai") both favor same-sex marriage. As of 2023, marriage equality movements have been gaining prominence within the nation.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-PinkNews-18) A law allowing transgender individuals to change their legal gender post-[sex reassignment surgery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_reassignment_surgery "Sex reassignment surgery") and sterilization was passed in 2003. The sterilization requirement was unanimously ruled by the [Japanese Supreme Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Supreme_Court "Japanese Supreme Court") to be unconstitutional in October 2023, removing the requirement.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-apnews-19) Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is banned in some cities, including [Tokyo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo "Tokyo").[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-20) Tokyo Rainbow Pride has been held annually since 2012, with attendance increasing every year.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-21) A 2015 opinion poll reflected that the majority of its respondents supported the legalization of same-sex marriage.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-22) Further opinion polls conducted over the following years have found high levels of support for same-sex marriage among the Japanese public, most notably the younger generation.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-23)[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-PewResearch-24) However, a 2020 survey of over 10,000 LGBTQ people in Japan found that 38 percent of LGBTQ people had been harassed or assaulted.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-25) In 2019, 2022 and 2025, Japan voted in favor of the United Nations [independent expert on sexual orientation and gender identity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQI%2B_rights_at_the_United_Nations#Independent_Expert_on_Sexual_Orientation_and_Gender_Identity "LGBTQI+ rights at the United Nations") at the [United Nations Human Rights Council](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Human_Rights_Council "United Nations Human Rights Council").[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-26) ## History \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=1 "Edit section: History")\] Main article: [Homosexuality in Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_Japan "Homosexuality in Japan") [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/Japanesepederasty18thcentury.jpg/250px-Japanesepederasty18thcentury.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Japanesepederasty18thcentury.jpg) A [wakashū](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakash%C5%AB "Wakashū") (wearing headscarf) sneaks a kiss from a female prostitute behind his patron's back. [Nishikawa Sukenobu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nishikawa_Sukenobu "Nishikawa Sukenobu") (1671–1750) [Homosexuality](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality "Homosexuality") and same-sex relations have been documented in Japan since ancient times. One [Shinto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto "Shinto") myth describes same-sex love as being introduced by the couple Shinu no Hafuri and Ama no Hafuri, servants of a "primordial goddess", presumably [Amaterasu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaterasu "Amaterasu"). Following Shinu's death, Ama killed himself, and the two were buried in the same grave.[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-27) In the pre-[Meiji era](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiji_era "Meiji era"), nanshoku (男色) relationships inside Buddhist monasteries were typically [pederastic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pederasty "Pederasty"). The older partner, or nenja (念者; "lover" or "admirer"), would be a monk, priest or abbot, while the younger partner was assumed to be an [acolyte](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acolyte "Acolyte") (稚児, chigo), who would be a prepubescent or adolescent boy.[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-28) The relationship would be dissolved once the boy reached adulthood (or left the monastery). Both parties were encouraged to treat the relationship seriously and conduct the affair honorably, and the nenja might be required to write a formal vow of fidelity.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:2-29) During the [Tokugawa period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edo_period "Edo period"), some of the [Shinto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto "Shinto") gods, especially [Hachiman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hachiman "Hachiman"), Myoshin, Shinmei and [Tenjin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenjin_\(kami\) "Tenjin (kami)"), "came to be seen as guardian deities of nanshoku" (male–male love). From religious circles, same-sex love spread to the warrior ([samurai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samurai "Samurai")) class, where it was customary for a boy in the [wakashū](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakash%C5%AB "Wakashū") age category to undergo training in the martial arts by apprenticing to a more experienced adult man. The relationship was based on the typical nenja, who loves, and the typically younger chigo, who is loved.[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:0-30) The man was permitted, if the boy agreed, to take the boy as his lover until he came of age.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:1-31) These relationships were expected to be exclusive, with both partners swearing to take no other (male) lovers. As Japan progressed into the Meiji era, same-sex practices continued; however, there was a growing animosity towards these practices. The practice of nanshoku began to die out after the [Russo-Japanese War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russo-Japanese_War "Russo-Japanese War"). Opposition to homosexuality did not become firmly established in Japan until the 19th and 20th centuries, although it was only criminalized between 1873 and 1880.[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:0-30) ## Terminology \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=2 "Edit section: Terminology")\] Modern [Japanese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_language "Japanese language") terms for LGBTQ people include seitekishōsūsha (性的少数者, "[sexual minorities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_minority "Sexual minority")").[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-32) - dōseiaisha (同性愛者, literally "same-sex-love person") - homosekusharu (ホモセクシャル, "[homosexual](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality "Homosexuality")") - rezubian (レズビアン, "[lesbian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesbian "Lesbian")") - gei (ゲイ, "[gay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay "Gay")") - ryōseiaisha (両性愛者, literally "both-sex-love person") - baisekushuaru (バイセクシュアル, "[bisexual](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisexuality "Bisexuality")") - toransujendā (トランスジェンダー, "[transgender](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender "Transgender")").[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-33) ## Legality of same-sex sexual activity \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=3 "Edit section: Legality of same-sex sexual activity")\] See also: [Age of consent in Asia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_consent_in_Asia "Age of consent in Asia") There are no explicit religious prohibitions against homosexuality in the traditional [religion of Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Japan "Religion in Japan"), [Shinto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto "Shinto"), or in the imported religions of [Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Japan "Buddhism in Japan") (see "[Buddhism and sexual orientation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_and_sexual_orientation "Buddhism and sexual orientation")"); however Chinese [Confucianism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism "Confucianism") prohibited homosexual marriage which may have also influenced Chinese Buddhism.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-34) [Sodomy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodomy "Sodomy") was first criminalized in Japan in 1872, in the early [Meiji era](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiji_era "Meiji era"). But this provision was repealed only seven years later by the Penal Code of 1880 (commenced in 1882) in accordance with the [Napoleonic Penal Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Penal_Code_of_1810 "French Penal Code of 1810").[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-35) Since then, Japan has had no laws against homosexuality. Thus, sexual activity among [consenting adults](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ages_of_consent_in_Asia "Ages of consent in Asia"), in private, regardless of gender and/or sexual orientation, is legal under Japanese law. Since June 2023, the age of consent has been set at 16 years.[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-36) ## Recognition of same-sex relationships \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=4 "Edit section: Recognition of same-sex relationships")\] Main articles: [Recognition of same-sex unions in Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recognition_of_same-sex_unions_in_Japan "Recognition of same-sex unions in Japan") and [Partnership oath in Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partnership_oath_in_Japan "Partnership oath in Japan") Article 24 of the [Japanese Constitution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Japan "Constitution of Japan") states that "[Marriage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage "Marriage") shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes and it shall be maintained through mutual cooperation with the equal rights of husband and wife as a basis." Articles 731 to 737 of the [Japanese Civil Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_Japan "Law of Japan") limit marriage to heterosexual couples. Same-sex couples are not able to marry, and same-sex couples are not granted rights derived from marriage. Also, [same-sex marriages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage "Same-sex marriage") performed abroad are not legally recognized in Japan and bi-national same-sex couples cannot obtain a visa for the foreign partner based on their relationship, though the Ministry of Justice does have a general rule of giving the discretionary "designated activities" visa to same-sex married spouses.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-37) Japan and [Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Italy "LGBT rights in Italy") are the only countries in the [G7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G7 "G7") where same-sex marriages are not performed.[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-38) In March 2009, Japan began allowing Japanese nationals to marry same-sex partners in countries where same-sex marriage is legal. The [Justice Ministry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Justice_\(Japan\) "Ministry of Justice (Japan)") instructed local authorities to issue key certificates, which state that a person is single and of legal age, to individuals seeking to enter same-sex marriages in areas that legally allow it.[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-39) In February 2015, the ward of [Shibuya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shibuya "Shibuya") (in Tokyo) announced plans to establish a partnership system that would recognize same-sex couples for situations such as hospital visits and shared renting of apartments. This procedure allows couples to get a "proof of partnership" paper, which does not have any weight under Japanese law but can help in, for instance, getting access to a partner who is ill and in hospital but institutions are under no legal obligation to respect the certificates.[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-40) The Shibuya system is considered a significant step towards lesbian and gay partnership rights in Japan.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-41) In July 2015, Tokyo's [Setagaya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setagaya "Setagaya") ward announced that it would be joining Shibuya in recognizing same-sex partnerships from November of the same year.[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-42) Since then, over 400 municipalities have begun issuing partnership certificates, including highly populated [Yokohama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yokohama "Yokohama"), [Osaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka "Osaka"), [Sapporo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo "Sapporo"), [Fukuoka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukuoka "Fukuoka"), [Kyoto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto "Kyoto"), [Kawasaki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki,_Kanagawa "Kawasaki, Kanagawa"), [Saitama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saitama_\(city\) "Saitama (city)") and [Hiroshima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshima "Hiroshima"),[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-43) as well as 30 [prefectures](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prefectures_of_Japan "Prefectures of Japan"), including [Tokyo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo "Tokyo"), [Ibaraki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibaraki_Prefecture "Ibaraki Prefecture"), [Osaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka_Prefecture "Osaka Prefecture"), [Gunma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunma_Prefecture "Gunma Prefecture"),[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-Ibaraki-44)[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-45) [Saga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saga_Prefecture "Saga Prefecture") and [Mie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mie_Prefecture "Mie Prefecture"). On 17 March 2021, a district court in Sapporo ruled that laws or regulations that deprive same-sex couples of the right to marry constitute unlawful discrimination and violate Article 14 of the [Constitution of Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Japan "Constitution of Japan"). The court found that Article 24 does not prohibit the recognition of same-sex marriages. The ruling did not legalize same-sex marriage in Japan, but is likely to step up pressure on the [National Diet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Diet "National Diet") to act.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-46) Yasuhiko Watanabe, a law professor at Kyoto Sangyo University, stated that if Japan recognizes same-sex marriage, that would impact the whole of Asia, proving that it is allowed not only in Western societies.[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-47) On 26 June 2022, a district court in Osaka brought down a conflicting ruling to the ruling from the previous year out of Sapporo. It ruled that a ban on same-sex marriage is not unconstitutional. The ruling did not change the legal status of same-sex marriage in Japan as it did not occur at a court with the power to set binding legal precedent. The plaintiffs have indicated plans to appeal the decision. Other similar court cases in other district courts in Tokyo, Nagoya and Fukuoka remain ongoing.[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-48) In addition, the Tokyo metropolitan government recently\[[when?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_items "Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers")\] announced a plan, set to take effect in October, to accept registrations from same-sex couples seeking certificates of their partnerships. On 1 November, Tokyo finally implemented a legally recognised relationship registration scheme for same-sex couples.[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-49)[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-50) In August 2023, [Wakayama Prefecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakayama_Prefecture "Wakayama Prefecture") proposed to locally introduce Japan's partnership system for same-sex couples.[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-51) In July 2022, Japanese video game company [Nintendo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo "Nintendo") announced its support for same-sex marriage and that it would recognize employees in same-sex partnerships as identical to opposite-sex marriages, in defiance of Japanese law.[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-52) The company's policy has been described as a major action in Japan's increasing discussion on its same-sex marriage ban.[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-53) On 17 December 2024, then Prime Minister [Shigeru Ishiba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shigeru_Ishiba "Shigeru Ishiba") made the following statement about same-sex marriage during a parliamentary session: "I have met concerned individuals, and I can see that being together is the most precious thing to them. While there is no 'scale' for measuring the national happiness, I believe that fulfilling these deepest wishes would have a positive and beneficial impact on the overall well-being of Japan".[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-54) [Sanae Takaichi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanae_Takaichi "Sanae Takaichi"), the [Prime Minister of Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Japan "Prime Minister of Japan") and the [President](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_the_Liberal_Democratic_Party_\(Japan\) "President of the Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)") of the [Liberal Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\(Japan\) "Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)") (LDP) since October 2025, opposes same-sex marriage.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-55)[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-56)[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-57) During a government budget committee meeting in 2023, she called legalizing same-sex marriage an "extremely difficult issue," though she added that "there should be no prejudice against sexual orientation and gender identity". In a subsequent statement during a campaign debate in September 2025, she told the audience she opposed same-sex marriage, adding that having a same-sex partner was "fine".[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-58) ## Adoption and parenting \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=5 "Edit section: Adoption and parenting")\] Main article: [Partnership oath in Japan § Family registration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partnership_oath_in_Japan#Family_registration "Partnership oath in Japan") Same-sex couples are generally not allowed to legally adopt in Japan, though in some regions it is legally complicated. Lesbian couples and single women are unable to access IVF and [artificial insemination](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_insemination "Artificial insemination").[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-59) In December 2022, a "very broad and comprehensive fertility bill" was introduced in Japan - that explicitly and legally only allows heterosexual married women access to IVF treatment.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-hrw.org-60) In April 2017, [Osaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka "Osaka") officially recognised a same-sex couple as foster parents, making it the first such case in Japan.[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-61) 53 municipalities and Tokyo Metropolis have also established a "partnership family system" (パートナーシップ・ファミリーシップ制度, pātonāshippu famirīshippu seido) as of April 2023. This system, which allows registered partners to optionally designate children in the household through the partnership oath system in a limited form of [second-parent adoption](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second-parent_adoption "Second-parent adoption"), also recognises the children of same-sex couples, and allows partners to make medical decisions for their child, and to pick up their children at schools and kindergartens (whereas previously only the biological parent was allowed to pick up the child). The first to establish this system was [Akashi, Hyōgo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akashi,_Hy%C5%8Dgo "Akashi, Hyōgo") in January 2021 followed by [Tokushima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokushima_\(city\) "Tokushima (city)") in February 2021 and [Adachi, Tokyo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adachi,_Tokyo "Adachi, Tokyo") in April 2021.[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-listcities-62)[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-63)[\[a\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-64) ## Discrimination protections \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=6 "Edit section: Discrimination protections")\] As of 2021, [sexual orientation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_orientation "Sexual orientation") and [gender identity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_identity "Gender identity") are not protected by national civil rights laws, which means that LGBTQ Japanese have few legal recourses when faced with discrimination in such areas as employment, education, housing, health care and banking.[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-65) According to a 2018 Dentsu Diversity Lab survey, more than 65% of questioned LGBTQ people said they had not come out to anyone at work or home.[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-66) The Japanese Constitution promises equal rights and is interpreted to prohibit discrimination on all grounds. However, homosexual and transgender persons can experience physical, sexual and psychological violence at the hands of their opposite-sex or same-sex partners, but receive limited protection from the law. Same-sex partners are excluded from the [Act on the Prevention of Spousal Violence and the Protection of Victims](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_on_the_Prevention_of_Spousal_Violence_and_the_Protection_of_Victims "Act on the Prevention of Spousal Violence and the Protection of Victims") ([Japanese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_language "Japanese language"): 配偶者からの暴力の防止及び被害者の保護等に関する法律)[\[b\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-67) and generally lack safe places where they can seek help and support.[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-68) In 2013, [Yodogawa-ku, Osaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yodogawa-ku,_Osaka "Yodogawa-ku, Osaka"), became the first Japanese government area to pass a resolution officiating support for LGBTQ inclusion, including mandating LGBTQ sensitivity training for ward staff.[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-69)[\[68\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-70)[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-71)[\[70\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-72) [Naha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naha "Naha") followed suit in July 2015.[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-73) In October 2018, the [Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Metropolitan_Assembly "Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly") passed a law prohibiting all discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The law, which took effect in April 2019, also commits the Metropolitan Government to raise awareness of LGBTQ people and "conduct measures needed to make sure human rights values are rooted in all corners of the city". The law outlaws expressing [hateful rhetoric](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hate_speech "Hate speech") in public.[\[72\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-74)[\[73\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-75) Prior to this, the wards of [Shibuya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shibuya "Shibuya") and [Setagaya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setagaya "Setagaya") had already passed explicit protections for LGBTQ people.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-leadership-76)[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-nijiiro-77) In December 2018, four political parties, the [Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitutional_Democratic_Party_of_Japan "Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan"), the [Democratic Party for the People](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Party_for_the_People "Democratic Party for the People"), the [Japanese Communist Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Communist_Party "Japanese Communist Party"), and the [Liberal Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Party_\(Japan,_2016\) "Liberal Party (Japan, 2016)"), along with the support of several independents, introduced to the [House of Representatives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Representatives_\(Japan\) "House of Representatives (Japan)") a bill entitled the Proposed Law on the Promotion of the Elimination of Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity ([Japanese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_language "Japanese language"): 性的指向又は性自認を理由とする差別の解消等の推進に関する法律案)[\[c\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-78) to prohibit discrimination, harassment and bullying at schools on the basis of sexual orientation.[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-79)[\[77\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-80) In March 2019, legislation banning discrimination against "sexual minorities" was passed in [Ibaraki Prefecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibaraki_Prefecture "Ibaraki Prefecture").[\[78\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-81)[\[79\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-82) [Human Rights Watch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Rights_Watch "Human Rights Watch"), J-ALL (Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation) and [Athlete Ally](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athlete_Ally "Athlete Ally") urged [Prime Minister](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Japan "Prime Minister of Japan") [Shinzo Abe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinzo_Abe "Shinzo Abe") to support legislation protecting [LGBTQ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ "LGBTQ") people against discrimination on the basis of gender and sexual orientation. On 17 April 2020, 96 human rights and LGBTQ organizations sent a letter to the Prime Minister calling for the passage of a non-discrimination law.[\[80\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-83) In April 2022, legislation prohibiting discrimination among others sexual orientation and gender identity came into operation in [Akita Prefecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akita_Prefecture "Akita Prefecture").[\[81\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-84) ### Employment discrimination \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=7 "Edit section: Employment discrimination")\] While the Equal Employment Opportunity Law ([Japanese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_language "Japanese language"): 男女雇用機会均等法)[\[d\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-85) has been revised several times over the years to address sex discrimination and harassment in the workplace, the government has refused to expand the law to address discrimination against gender or sexual identity.[\[82\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-86) The [Tokyo Metropolitan Government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Metropolitan_Government "Tokyo Metropolitan Government") has passed legislation banning discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-leadership-76) Companies in Japan consisting of ten or more employees are required to establish work regulations. In January 2018, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare revised the Model Rules of Employment (モデル就業規則)[\[e\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-87) which "stands as the example framework for work regulations", to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and "gender identification".[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-nijiiro-77) Article 15 reads:[\[83\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-88) > In addition to what are provided for from Article 12 to the preceding paragraph, employees are prohibited from any other forms of harassment at the workplace that are damaging to the work environment of other employees such as by way of speech or behaviour related to sexual orientation or gender identification. ### Housing discrimination \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=8 "Edit section: Housing discrimination")\] In 1991, the group [OCCUR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCCUR_\(organization\) "OCCUR (organization)") (Japan Association for the Lesbian and Gay Movement)[\[84\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-89) filed a court case against the Tokyo government after being barred from using the "Metropolitan House for Youth" the previous year. OCCUR won the case in 1997. While the court ruling does not seem to have extended to other areas of government-sponsored discrimination, it is cited by the courts as a civil rights case.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-leadership-76) Since autumn 2003, the Urban Renaissance Agency, the government agency that operates government housing has allowed same-sex couples to rent units the same way as heterosexual couples at any one of the over 300 properties that it operates. This opened the way for more such action, as the Osaka Government in September 2005 opened the doors of its government housing to same-sex couples.[\[85\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-90) In February 2018, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare created provisions addressing discrimination in housing, stating that "consideration must be taken to not deny lodging on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity."[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-nijiiro-77) In October 2020, [The Guardian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Guardian "The Guardian") reported that several Japanese [love hotels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_hotel "Love hotel") were denying entry to same-sex couples for the sole reason of their sexual orientation, despite it being illegal since 2018 as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-Justin_McCurry-6) ### Bullying in schools \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=9 "Edit section: Bullying in schools")\] In 2017, the Education Ministry added sexual orientation and gender identity to its national bullying policy.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-leadership-76)[\[86\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-91) The policy mandates that schools should prevent bullying of students based on their sexual orientation or gender identity by "promoting proper understanding of teachers on … sexual orientation/gender identity as well as making sure to inform on the school's necessary measures regarding this matter." ### Others \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=10 "Edit section: Others")\] In January 2018, after a high-profile incident in 2015 in which a gay student at [Hitotsubashi University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitotsubashi_University "Hitotsubashi University") died by suicide after being outed against his will, the city of [Kunitachi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunitachi,_Tokyo "Kunitachi, Tokyo") passed an "anti-outing" ordinance to promote understanding of LGBTQ people.[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-nijiiro-77) [Mie Prefecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mie_Prefecture "Mie Prefecture") passed a similar "anti-outing" law in March 2021.[\[87\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-92)[\[88\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-93) ### LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=11 "Edit section: LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act")\] Main article: [LGBT Understanding Promotion Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_Understanding_Promotion_Act "LGBT Understanding Promotion Act") In June 2019, after three years of consultations, a special committee of the ruling [Liberal Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\(Japan\) "Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)") (LDP) announced the LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Bill, which aims to improve understanding of LGBTQ issues, would be introduced to the National Diet. However, LGBTQ rights activists criticized the bill for falling short by not mentioning [same-sex marriage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage "Same-sex marriage") or anti-discrimination protections.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-94)[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-95) In April 2021, the LDP announced it would pass the LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Bill during the 204th National Diet session, set to end in June for the [2020 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Summer_Olympics "2020 Summer Olympics") and [Paralympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Summer_Paralympics "2020 Summer Paralympics") in [Tokyo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo "Tokyo"). The bill only requires the government to "promote understanding of LGBT people" and does not actually ban discrimination.[\[91\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-96) However, the bill was not enacted in 2021. On 16 June 2023, the "watered down" [private member's bill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_member%27s_bill "Private member's bill") on enhancement of LGBTQ understanding formally passed both houses of the [National Diet of Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Diet_of_Japan "National Diet of Japan") for the [49th G7 summit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/49th_G7_summit "49th G7 summit") in [Hiroshima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshima "Hiroshima"), with majority support from the [Liberal Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\(Japan\) "Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)"), [Komeito](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komeito "Komeito"), [Nippon Ishin no Kai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nippon_Ishin_no_Kai "Nippon Ishin no Kai") and [Democratic Party for the People](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Party_for_the_People "Democratic Party for the People").[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-97)[\[93\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-98)[\[94\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-99) [The Act on Enhancement of Public Understanding of Diversity in Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_Understanding_Promotion_Act "LGBT Understanding Promotion Act") ([Japanese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_language "Japanese language"): [性的指向及びジェンダーアイデンティティの多様性に関する国民の理解の増進に関する法律](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%80%A7%E7%9A%84%E6%8C%87%E5%90%91%E5%8F%8A%E3%81%B3%E3%82%B8%E3%82%A7%E3%83%B3%E3%83%80%E3%83%BC%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%87%E3%83%B3%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3%E3%81%AE%E5%A4%9A%E6%A7%98%E6%80%A7%E3%81%AB%E9%96%A2%E3%81%99%E3%82%8B%E5%9B%BD%E6%B0%91%E3%81%AE%E7%90%86%E8%A7%A3%E3%81%AE%E5%A2%97%E9%80%B2%E3%81%AB%E9%96%A2%E3%81%99%E3%82%8B%E6%B3%95%E5%BE%8B "ja:性的指向及びジェンダーアイデンティティの多様性に関する国民の理解の増進に関する法律")),[\[f\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-100) LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act ([Japanese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_language "Japanese language"): LGBT理解増進法)[\[g\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-101) (in short title) came into effect on 23 June 2023. ## Transgender rights \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=12 "Edit section: Transgender rights")\] ### Passage of the law on gender recognition \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=13 "Edit section: Passage of the law on gender recognition")\] In 2003, a law was passed allowing transgender people to change their gender marker on legal documents. Approval required being over 18 years old, unmarried, undergoing [sex reassignment surgery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_reassignment_surgery "Sex reassignment surgery"), [sterilization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sterilization_\(medicine\) "Sterilization (medicine)") (until 2023), and having no children under 18 (the majority age, which changed from 20 to 18 on 1 April 2022). The law, known as the Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder ([Japanese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_language "Japanese language"): 性同一性障害者の性別の取扱いの特例に関する法律)[\[h\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-102) or simply Law 111, went into effect in July 2004,[\[95\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-103) and was upheld by the [Supreme Court of Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_Japan "Supreme Court of Japan") in January 2019.[\[96\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-104) By that date, 7,000 persons had legally changed gender. The court wanted to prevent "confusion" within parent-child relations, as well as "abrupt changes" in Japanese society. Two of the [majority](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majority_opinion "Majority opinion") judges still issued a call for society to "embrace the diversity of sexual identity", also adding that the requirements were invasive and encouraged the National Diet to review them.[\[97\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-105) The legislation has been the subject of criticism on the grounds that its pathologising terminology and restrictive conditions violate the human rights of transgender individuals.[\[98\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-106) ### Socio-cultural background \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=14 "Edit section: Socio-cultural background")\] Yale University professor Karen Nakamura notes in a discussion held October 2015 that "Japanese transgender activists present their gender identity as a disability in order to achieve more social and legal change in Japanese society", employing the medical diagnostic term of "gender identity disability" (性同一性障害, seidoitsusei shougai), instead of "gender identity disorder", which is more common in English-medium materials. This in part arises from what Nakamura calls a "translation fluke"; shougai can be fluidly interpreted as (among other things) either "disability" or "disorder". According to Nakamura, this is because there is a strong protection in Japanese society and laws for disabled persons; therefore, identifying more as members of the disability community rather than the queer community has allowed transgender Japanese to assert their rights in law and society more strongly without social ostracization, more so than cisgender LGB Japanese.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:3-107)[\[100\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-108) ### Conflict of private international law \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=15 "Edit section: Conflict of private international law")\] Even though surgery is required as a condition to change one's registered gender in the Japanese courts, this only applies to Japanese nationals. Foreign nationals change their registered gender with the country of their nationality, then report the change to the Immigration Services Agency to be reflected on their residence card. This [conflict of laws](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflict_of_laws "Conflict of laws") can lead to bureaucratic breakdown. In 2018, U.S. national and Aoyama Gakuin University lecturer [Elin McCready](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elin_McCready "Elin McCready") changed her legal gender to female in the United States. After the change, municipal offices in the Meguro and Ota wards of Tokyo refused to recognize it, citing her subsisting marriage to Midori Morita-McCready, a Japanese national - which the legal gender recognition would make a same-sex marriage. This led them to pursue a lawsuit against the local and central governments. Their attorney, Toshimasa Yamashita, said that following the precedent set in the 2018 Sapporo court case on same-sex marriage, this refusal was unconstitutional.[\[101\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-109)[\[102\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-110) ### Other developments \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=16 "Edit section: Other developments")\] On 24 February 2012, the Hyogo Lawyers' Association recommended that a transgender woman in a male prison be transferred to a female institution.[\[103\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-111) According to this report, she had been placed in a male institution because of her legal sex, despite having undergone sex reassignment surgery prior to her detention, and was not treated as a woman in any way. She was subject to body checks by male staff, had her hair shaved, and was denied feminine clothing. Since April 2018, transgender people have been covered for sex reassignment surgery as long as they are not receiving hormone treatment.[\[104\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-112) The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has also allowed transgender people to use their preferred names on their health insurance cards. In June 2018, the Japanese Government enacted a new law lowering the age of majority in Japan from 20 to 18, which took effect on 1 April 2022. Among others, the new law sets the age of marriage at 18 for both men and women (previously women could marry at the age of 16) and allows 18-year-olds to obtain valid passports, credit cards, etc. The law also allowed people diagnosed with [gender dysphoria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_dysphoria "Gender dysphoria") and who have undergone irreversible sterilization to legally change their sex at the age of 18.[\[105\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-bbc-113) In October 2020, [Human Rights Watch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Rights_Watch "Human Rights Watch") wrote a letter urging Japan officials to allow transgender women to enroll in public women's universities in the country.[\[106\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-114) Ochanomizu University in Tokyo became the first public women's university in Japan to admit transgender women who had not changed their legal gender to 'female'.[\[107\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-115) In January 2022, a transgender individual was arrested for "using the wrong bathroom" in [Osaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka,_Japan "Osaka, Japan"). The Osaka Prefectural Police has declined to pursue charges, instead leaving that decision up to state prosecutors. Mikiya Nakatsuka, professor of health sciences at Okayama University and president of the Japanese Society of Gender Identity Disorder, stated that most transgender persons in Japan "paid attention when they used toilets at public facilities so they \[could\] stay out of trouble", and expressed concern that this single case would be applied erroneously to the wider transgender community, creating unwarranted prejudice and discrimination.[\[108\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-116)[\[109\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-117) ### 2023 Supreme Court ruling \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=17 "Edit section: 2023 Supreme Court ruling")\] In October 2023, the Japanese Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the part of the 2003 law that requires sterilization before a change of sex or gender on an individual's [family register](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koseki "Koseki") can be legally made was unconstitutional.[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-118) The Supreme Court has asked a lower court to review the requirement to have "genitalia that closely resemble the physical form of an alternative gender".[\[111\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-119) ### Healthcare \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=18 "Edit section: Healthcare")\] Gender reassignment surgery has been covered by insurance since 2018. However, hormone therapy is still not covered by insurance.[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-jspn.or.jp-120) Children aged 15 and over can receive hormone therapy in Japan with parental consent.[\[113\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-121) The Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology (JSPN) published its updated guidelines in August 2024 on the treatment of gender dysphoria. The guidelines continued to recommend puberty suppression in trans patients, noting that it "is medically self-evident that bodily features of the undesired sex will become permanent if [AMAB](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans_woman "Trans woman") individuals who would require puberty suppression do not receive it". However, they also asked doctors administering such treatment to report more detailed information on it going forward.[\[114\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-122)[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-jspn.or.jp-120) ## Blood donation \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=19 "Edit section: Blood donation")\] Gay and bisexual men are allowed to donate blood in Japan following a six-month abstinence from sex[\[115\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-123) while women and heterosexual men only need to wait six-months after being with a new partner of the opposite sex.[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-124) ## Military service \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=20 "Edit section: Military service")\] Main article: [Sexual orientation and gender identity in military service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_orientation_and_gender_identity_in_military_service "Sexual orientation and gender identity in military service") The [Japan Self-Defense Forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Self-Defense_Forces "Japan Self-Defense Forces"), when being asked about their policy toward people who are gay or lesbian following the U.S. debate during the [presidency of Bill Clinton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidency_of_Bill_Clinton "Presidency of Bill Clinton"), answered that it was not an issue, and individuals within the forces indicated that as long as same-sex relations did not lead to fights or other trouble, there were few, if any, barriers to their inclusion in the armed services.[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-125) ## Celebrities \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=21 "Edit section: Celebrities")\] While representations of homosexuals in the Japanese media tend towards caricature on the basis of stereotypes of sexual or behavioral deviance (e.g. the actually straight [Hard Gay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_Gay "Hard Gay")), there are several examples of transgender and non-binary celebrities in Japan such as [Haruna Ai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haruna_Ai "Haruna Ai"), [Kayo Satoh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayo_Satoh "Kayo Satoh"), [Ataru Nakamura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ataru_Nakamura "Ataru Nakamura"), [Kaba-chan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaba-chan "Kaba-chan"), [Hikaru Utada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hikaru_Utada "Hikaru Utada") and [Ikko](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikko_\(make-up_artist\) "Ikko (make-up artist)"). Several prominent musicians including Yoshinori Kanemoto and [Ayumi Hamasaki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayumi_Hamasaki "Ayumi Hamasaki") have large LGBTQ fanbases as a result of their support for the LGBTQ community; among other activities, Hikaru Utada featured a gay teddybear called Kuma who she introduced as far back as 2010,[\[118\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-126) and Ayumi Hamasaki headlined at Tokyo's 2018 Pride festival (incidentally, Hamasaki starred in the LGBTQ-themed movie Nagisa no Shindobaddo in the 1990s).[\[119\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-127) In 2023, [Shinjiro Atae](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinjiro_Atae "Shinjiro Atae") came out as openly gay.[\[120\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-128) Various celebrities have dedicated airtime on radios and podcasts to LGBTQ topics and supporting LGBTQ issues. [Sho Sakurai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sho_Sakurai "Sho Sakurai") of [Arashi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arashi "Arashi") held an interview with drag queens in 2015 in [Shinjuku Ni-chōme](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinjuku_Ni-ch%C5%8Dme "Shinjuku Ni-chōme") and was given the nickname "Cherry Shoko in the Sky".[\[121\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-129) [Matsuko Deluxe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsuko_Deluxe "Matsuko Deluxe") is a famous and well-respected drag queen TV personality along the lines of Lily Savage (UK) and Dame Edna (Australia). The education specialist Naoki Ogi (more colloquially known by teachers across Japan by his nickname "Ogimama") has in past years given focus to LGBTQ issues in schools.[\[122\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-130) Support for LGBTQ rights has been expressed by corporate executives and Olympic athlete [Dai Tamesue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dai_Tamesue "Dai Tamesue").[\[123\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-j-today-131) One of famous Japanese director [Hirokazu Kore-eda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hirokazu_Kore-eda "Hirokazu Kore-eda")'s earliest movies, a documentary called "August without Him", released in 1994, follows Hirata Yutaka, the first openly gay [AIDS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIDS "AIDS") sufferer in Japan. Filmed over a series of months, it contrasts his public life as an outspoken figure on the lecture circuit with his personal descent into illness and death. ## Political support \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=22 "Edit section: Political support")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7e/TokyoRainbowPrideParade-maingate-side-sunny-may8-2016.jpg/250px-TokyoRainbowPrideParade-maingate-side-sunny-may8-2016.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:TokyoRainbowPrideParade-maingate-side-sunny-may8-2016.jpg) Tokyo Rainbow Pride in 2016 [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/Sapporo_Rainbow_Pride_2019%3B_September_2019.jpg/250px-Sapporo_Rainbow_Pride_2019%3B_September_2019.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sapporo_Rainbow_Pride_2019;_September_2019.jpg) [Sapporo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo "Sapporo") Rainbow Pride in September 2019 Japan's society and government are predominantly conservative.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-BBC-7) Most political parties in Japan have formal positions in favor or against LGBTQ rights in their party's platform or manifesto. The [Liberal Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\(Japan\) "Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)") (LDP) has indicated opposition to legalizing [same-sex marriage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage "Same-sex marriage"), whereas the [Constitutional Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitutional_Democratic_Party_of_Japan "Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan") (CDP), the [Japanese Communist Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Communist_Party "Japanese Communist Party") (JCP), the [Japan Innovation Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nippon_Ishin_no_Kai "Nippon Ishin no Kai"),[\[124\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-132) and the [Social Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Democratic_Party_\(Japan\) "Social Democratic Party (Japan)") have indicated support for legalization.[\[125\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-133) In a 2023 survey, [Pew Research Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pew_Research_Center "Pew Research Center") estimated that nearly 70% of Japanese people support same-sex marriage, the highest percentage of acceptance out of the Asian countries surveyed.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-PewResearch-24) In 2001, the Council for Human Rights Promotion, under the Ministry of Justice, recommended that [sexual orientation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_orientation "Sexual orientation") be included in the nation's civil rights code, but the National Diet refused to adopt the recommendation. In 2003, [Aya Kamikawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aya_Kamikawa "Aya Kamikawa") became the first openly [transgender](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender "Transgender") politician to be elected to public office in Japan, winning a seat on the Setagaya Ward Assembly. She initially ran as an independent but expressed support for the now-defunct [Rainbow and Greens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_and_Greens "Rainbow and Greens").[\[126\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-134) In 2005, [Kanako Otsuji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanako_Otsuji "Kanako Otsuji"), from the [Osaka Prefectural Assembly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka_Prefectural_Assembly "Osaka Prefectural Assembly") (2003–2007), became the first openly gay politician in Japan, when she formally came out at the Tokyo Gay Pride Festival. She later briefly served on the [House of Councillors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Councillors_\(Japan\) "House of Councillors (Japan)") in 2013. Following the [2017 general election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Japanese_general_election "2017 Japanese general election"), Otsuji became the first openly lesbian member of the [House of Representatives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Representatives_\(Japan\) "House of Representatives (Japan)").[\[127\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-135) In 2010, [Tokyo Governor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor_of_Tokyo "Governor of Tokyo") [Shintaro Ishihara](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shintaro_Ishihara "Shintaro Ishihara") faced international criticism for controversial comments he made, in which he said that gays and lesbians were "deficient somehow. It may be attributed to something genetic. I feel sorry for them being a minority."[\[128\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-136) In 2011, [Taiga Ishikawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiga_Ishikawa "Taiga Ishikawa") became the first openly gay man elected to office in Japan, winning a seat in the local assembly of [Toshima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toshima "Toshima") Ward.[\[129\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-137) He came out publicly in his book Where Is My Boyfriend (2002), and started a non-profit organization that sponsors social events for gay men in Japan. At the [2019 House of Councillors election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Japanese_House_of_Councillors_election "2019 Japanese House of Councillors election"), Ishikawa won a seat in the House of Councillors as a member of the CDP, the first openly gay man to do so.[\[130\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-138)[\[131\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-139) After his election, he vowed to legalize same-sex marriage and enact anti-discrimination laws within the six years of his term.[\[132\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-140)[\[133\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-141)[\[134\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-142) At the [2016 House of Councillors election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Japanese_House_of_Councillors_election "2016 Japanese House of Councillors election"), the conservative governing LDP included in its manifesto, that "same-sex marriage is incompatible with the Constitution".[\[135\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-143) However, it also included "promoting understanding of sexual diversity" in its platform, a move that would have been "unthinkable" in earlier times and that lawmaker [Gaku Hashimoto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaku_Hashimoto "Gaku Hashimoto") attributed in part to burnishing the country's international image in advance of the [2020 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Summer_Olympics "2020 Summer Olympics") in Tokyo.[\[136\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-scmp-2016-144) In 2019, former Defense Minister [Tomomi Inada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomomi_Inada "Tomomi Inada") said she was unsure whether she would be able to introduce new legislation seeking greater tolerance of same-sex relationships amid opposition from her LDP colleagues. While Inada announced she wishes to "promote understanding" of LGBTQ people, she stated she is not trying to get Japan to legalize same-sex marriage or ban discrimination against LGBTQ citizens. Some LDP members have made controversial statements, such as [Katsuei Hirasawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katsuei_Hirasawa "Katsuei Hirasawa") who argued in a speech in February 2019 that the "nation would collapse" if everyone were gay. Another ruling party lawmaker, [Mio Sugita](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mio_Sugita "Mio Sugita"), published a magazine article in 2018 describing same-sex couples as "unproductive" because they do not have children.[\[137\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-145) In March 2017, [Tomoya Hosoda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomoya_Hosoda "Tomoya Hosoda") was elected to the [Iruma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iruma,_Saitama "Iruma, Saitama") Assembly, in the prefecture of [Saitama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saitama_Prefecture "Saitama Prefecture"). Hosoda is believed to be the first openly transgender man elected to public office in the world.[\[138\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-146) During the country's [2017 general election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Japanese_general_election "2017 Japanese general election"), Tokyo Governor [Yuriko Koike](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuriko_Koike "Yuriko Koike")'s newly launched [Party of Hope](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kib%C5%8D_no_T%C5%8D "Kibō no Tō") pledged the elimination of LGBTQ discrimination in its manifesto.[\[139\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-147) In January 2019, trans woman Maria Akasaka became a member of the [Kameoka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kameoka,_Kyoto "Kameoka, Kyoto") City Assembly, in [Kyoto Prefecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto_Prefecture "Kyoto Prefecture").[\[140\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-148) In April 2019, another trans woman, [Ayako Fuchigami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayako_Fuchigami "Ayako Fuchigami"), won a seat on the Hokkaido Prefectural Assembly representing [Sapporo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo "Sapporo")'s [Higashi-ku](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higashi-ku,_Sapporo "Higashi-ku, Sapporo") ward. She became the first openly transgender person to hold a prefectural assembly position in Japan.[\[141\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-149) In June 2019, the CDP added introducing legislation aimed at ending discrimination against the LGBTQ community and legalising same-sex marriage to its party platform ahead of the [2019 Japanese House of Councillors election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Japanese_House_of_Councillors_election "2019 Japanese House of Councillors election").[\[142\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-150) In May 2021, Japan's conservative governing LDP has been accused of violating the Olympic charter after it failed to approve a bill to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community, during discussions marred by homophobic outbursts from conservative MPs. Closed meetings held in May to discuss a bill, proposed by opposition parties, ended without agreement after some LDP MPs said the rights of sexual minorities had "gone too far". An unnamed lawmaker described LGBTQ people as "morally unacceptable", while another MP, Kazuo Yana, said sexual minorities were "resisting the preservation of the species that occurs naturally in biological terms", media reports said. The failure to back a proposed law to protect LGBTQ rights was condemned by human rights groups, which said the party deserved a "gold medal for homophobia".[\[143\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-151) In July 2022, LGBTQ rights activists and supporters protested in front of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's headquarters after an intra-party panel meeting circulated a booklet claiming that "homosexuality is a mental disease or addiction." The text was packed with false information, including "It's not the case that high suicide rates among LGBTQ people can be attributed to discrimination within society," and, "We should not legitimatize the sexual lifestyles of sexual minorities as it will become a social problem which will destroy families and society."[\[144\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-152) In 2023, [Prime Minister](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Japan "Prime Minister of Japan") [Fumio Kishida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fumio_Kishida "Fumio Kishida") of the [Liberal Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\(Japan\) "Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)") met with LGBTQ groups in the [Prime Minister's Official Residence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister%27s_Official_Residence_\(Japan\) "Prime Minister's Official Residence (Japan)") and apologized for comments made by his former aide, Masayoshi Arai, based on [homophobia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homophobia "Homophobia") and anti-[same-sex marriage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage "Same-sex marriage").[\[145\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-153) ## Summary table \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=23 "Edit section: Summary table")\] \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Same-sex sexual activity legal \| [![Never criminalized](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Never criminalized") (Since 1882) \| \| Equal age of consent (16) \| [![Yes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Yes") (Since 1882) \| \| Anti-discrimination laws in employment \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No")/[![Yes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Yes") (In [Tokyo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo "Tokyo"), [Ibaraki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibaraki_Prefecture "Ibaraki Prefecture") and [Akita](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akita_Prefecture "Akita Prefecture")) \| \| Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No")/[![Yes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Yes") (In Tokyo and Ibaraki) \| \| Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech) \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") \| \| [Civil unions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_union "Civil union") \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") \| \| Same-sex marriage \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") (Ban declared unconstitutional in some lower courts)[\[i\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-154)[\[146\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-155) \| \| Recognition of same-sex couples \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No")/[![Yes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Yes") (Several jurisdictions offer partnership certificates) \| \| Stepchild adoption by same-sex couples \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No")/[![Yes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Yes") (Some jurisdictions offer partnership certificates including identifying biological children of one partner) \| \| Joint adoption by same-sex couples \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") \| \| [Legal recognition of intersex people](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_recognition_of_intersex_people "Legal recognition of intersex people") \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg) \| \| [Intersex human rights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intersex_human_rights "Intersex human rights") \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg) \| \| Lesbian, gay and bisexual people allowed to serve in the military \| [![Yes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Yes") \| \| Transgender people allowed to serve openly in the military \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/Emblem-question.svg/20px-Emblem-question.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Emblem-question.svg) \| \| Right to change legal gender \| [![Yes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Yes") (Since 2004; under certain restrictions: must undergo [surgery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_reassignment_surgery "Sex reassignment surgery"), be unmarried, and have no children under 18) \| \| [Gender self-identification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_self-identification "Gender self-identification") \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") \| \| [Legal recognition of non-binary gender](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_recognition_of_non-binary_gender "Legal recognition of non-binary gender") \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") \| \| Conversion therapy on minors banned \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") \| \| Access to IVF for lesbian couples \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No")[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-hrw.org-60)[\[147\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-156) \| \| Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") (Banned regardless of sexual orientation) \| \| [MSM](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men_who_have_sex_with_men "Men who have sex with men") allowed to [donate blood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSM_blood_donor_controversy "MSM blood donor controversy") \| [![Yes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Yes")/[![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") (6-month deferral period) \| ## See also \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=24 "Edit section: See also")\] - ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0e/Nuvola_LGBT_flag.svg/40px-Nuvola_LGBT_flag.svg.png)[LGBTQ portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:LGBTQ "Portal:LGBTQ") - ![flag](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9e/Flag_of_Japan.svg/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png)[Japan portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Japan "Portal:Japan") - [LGBTQ rights in Tokyo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Tokyo "LGBT rights in Tokyo") - [Human rights in Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Japan "Human rights in Japan") - [Situation of homosexuals in the Japanese military (JSDF)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_orientation_and_military_service_by_country#Japan "Sexual orientation and military service by country") - [LGBTQ rights in Asia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Asia "LGBT rights in Asia") - [LGBT and politics in Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBT_and_politics_in_Japan&action=edit&redlink=1 "LGBT and politics in Japan (page does not exist)") \[[ja](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E3%81%AB%E3%81%8A%E3%81%91%E3%82%8BLGBT%E3%81%A8%E6%94%BF%E6%B2%BB "ja:日本におけるLGBTと政治")\] ## Notes \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=25 "Edit section: Notes")\] 1. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-64) The 50 other municipalities are [Koga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koga,_Fukuoka "Koga, Fukuoka") (July 2021), [Toyota](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota,_Aichi "Toyota, Aichi") (July 2021), [Iruma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iruma,_Saitama "Iruma, Saitama") (September 2021), [Miyoshi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miyoshi,_Tokushima "Miyoshi, Tokushima") (September 2021), [Kawajima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawajima,_Saitama "Kawajima, Saitama") (October 2021), [Kōnosu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C5%8Dnosu "Kōnosu") (December 2021), [Sōja](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C5%8Dja "Sōja") (December 2021), [Hannō](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hann%C5%8D "Hannō") (January 2022), [Hidaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hidaka,_Saitama "Hidaka, Saitama") (January 2022), [Tokorozawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokorozawa,_Saitama "Tokorozawa, Saitama") (January 2022), [Mitoyo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitoyo,_Kagawa "Mitoyo, Kagawa") (January 2022), [Ichikawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichikawa,_Chiba "Ichikawa, Chiba") (February 2022), [Anan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anan,_Tokushima "Anan, Tokushima") (April 2022), [Bungo-Ōno](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bungo-%C5%8Cno "Bungo-Ōno") (April 2022), [Kan'onji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kan%27onji,_Kagawa "Kan'onji, Kagawa") (April 2022), [Kanuma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanuma,_Tochigi "Kanuma, Tochigi") (April 2022), [Kasaoka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasaoka "Kasaoka") (April 2022), [Kasuya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasuya,_Fukuoka "Kasuya, Fukuoka") (April 2022), [Kosai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosai,_Shizuoka "Kosai, Shizuoka") (April 2022), [Miyashiro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miyashiro,_Saitama "Miyashiro, Saitama") (April 2022), [Okazaki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okazaki,_Aichi "Okazaki, Aichi") (April 2022), [Yoshimi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshimi,_Saitama "Yoshimi, Saitama") (April 2022), [Tosashimizu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tosashimizu,_K%C5%8Dchi "Tosashimizu, Kōchi") (June 2022), [Tondabayashi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tondabayashi "Tondabayashi") (July 2022), [Osaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka "Osaka") (August 2022), [Ichinomiya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichinomiya,_Aichi "Ichinomiya, Aichi") (September 2022), [Toyoyama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyoyama "Toyoyama") (September 2022), [Naha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naha "Naha") (October 2022), [Toda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toda,_Saitama "Toda, Saitama") (October 2022), [Ikeda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikeda,_Osaka "Ikeda, Osaka") (October 2022), [Setagaya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setagaya "Setagaya") (November 2022), [Nagoya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagoya "Nagoya") (December 2022), [Ichinoseki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichinoseki,_Iwate "Ichinoseki, Iwate") (December 2022), [Wako](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wako,_Saitama "Wako, Saitama") (January 2023), [Komaki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komaki "Komaki") (February 2023), [Nagaoka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagaoka,_Niigata "Nagaoka, Niigata") (February 2023), [Ranzan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranzan,_Saitama "Ranzan, Saitama") (March 2023), [Kashiwa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashiwa "Kashiwa") (March 2023), [Takasago](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takasago,_Hy%C5%8Dgo "Takasago, Hyōgo") (April 2023), [Namegawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namegawa,_Saitama "Namegawa, Saitama") (April 2023), [Asaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asaka,_Saitama "Asaka, Saitama") (April 2023), [Kasukabe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasukabe,_Saitama "Kasukabe, Saitama") (April 2023), [Niiza](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niiza,_Saitama "Niiza, Saitama") (April 2023), [Shiki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiki,_Saitama "Shiki, Saitama") (April 2023), [Nachikatsuura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nachikatsuura "Nachikatsuura") (April 2023), [Maibara](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maibara,_Shiga "Maibara, Shiga") (April 2023), [Kaizu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaizu,_Gifu "Kaizu, Gifu") (April 2023), [Matsudo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsudo,_Chiba "Matsudo, Chiba") (April 2023), [Chiba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiba,_Chiba "Chiba, Chiba") (April 2023), [Sapporo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo "Sapporo") (April 2023) and [Morioka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morioka "Morioka") (May 2023).[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-listcities-62) 2. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-67) [Rōmaji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanization_of_Japanese "Romanization of Japanese"): haigūsha kara no bōryoku no bōshi oyobi higaisha no hogo tō ni kansuru hōritsu 3. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-78) [Rōmaji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanization_of_Japanese "Romanization of Japanese"): seiteki shikō mata wa sei jinin o riyū to suru sabetsu no kaishō tō no suishin ni kansuru houritsu an 4. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-85) Rōmaji: danjo koyō kikai kintō hō 5. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-87) Rōmaji: moderu shūgyō kisoku 6. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-100) [Rōmaji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanization_of_Japanese "Romanization of Japanese"): seiteki shikō oyobi gender identity no tayōsei ni kansuru kokumin no rikai no zōshin ni kansuru hōritsu 7. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-101) [Rōmaji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanization_of_Japanese "Romanization of Japanese"): LGBT rikai zōshin hō 8. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-102) Rōmaji: seidōitsusei shōgaisha no seibetsu no toriatsukai no tokurei ni kansuru hōritsu 9. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-154) Article 24 of the [Japanese Constitution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Constitution "Japanese Constitution") describes marriage in heteronormative phrasing. ## References \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=26 "Edit section: References")\] 1. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-1) ["ILGA State sponsored homophobia 2008.doc"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090306021141/http://www.ilga.org/statehomophobia/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2008.pdf) (PDF). Ilga.org. Archived from [the original](http://www.ilga.org/statehomophobia/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2008.pdf) (PDF) on 6 March 2009. Retrieved 20 January 2011. 2. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-2) Lee, Michelle; Inuma, Julia. ["Japan is hostile for LGBTQ people, but attitudes are shifting. Slowly"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/04/12/japan-lgbt-rights-same-sex-marriage/). The Washington Post. Retrieved 7 August 2023. 3. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-3) McCurry, Justin (8 June 2023). ["Japan court falls short of calling same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional"](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/08/japan-court-falls-short-of-calling-same-sex-marriage-ban-unconstitutional). The Guardian. 4. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-4) Joplin, Kat (10 December 2023). ["Politics and pageantry for Japan's LGBTQ community in 2023"](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2023/12/10/lifestyle/2023-gender-japan-drag-culture/). The Japan Times. Retrieved 10 December 2023. 5. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-5) ["H-Net Reviews"](http://www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=4126). H-net.org. May 2000. Retrieved 16 June 2014. 6. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-Justin_McCurry_6-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-Justin_McCurry_6-1) Justin McCurry (30 October 2020). ["Japan's 'love hotels' accused of anti-gay discrimination"](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/30/japans-love-hotels-accused-of-anti-gay-discrimination). The Guardian. 7. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-BBC_7-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-BBC_7-1) Khalil, Shaimaa (2 October 2023). ["Marriage equality eludes Japan's same-sex couples"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-66173433). [BBC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC "BBC"). Retrieved 3 October 2023. 8. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-8)* 日本放送協会. ["同性婚認めないのは違憲の初判断国への賠償は退ける札幌地裁"](https://www.nhk.or.jp/politics/articles/statement/55909.html). NHK政治マガジン (in Japanese). Retrieved 27 February 2023. 9. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-9) 日本放送協会. ["同性婚認めないのは憲法違反違憲判断は全国2件目名古屋地裁"](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20230530/k10014082521000.html). NHK NEWS WEB (in Japanese). Retrieved 16 October 2023. `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service "Category:CS1 maint: deprecated archival service")) 10. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-10) 日本放送協会. [""同性婚認められないのは憲法に違反せず" 大阪地裁 \\| NHK"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220620053223/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20220620/k10013679951000.html). NHKニュース. Archived from [the original](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20220620/k10013679951000.html) on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2023. 11. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-11) 日本放送協会. ["同性婚法制度ないのは違憲状態も憲法には違反せず東京地裁 \\| NHK"](https://web.archive.org/web/20221130060822/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20221130/k10013908001000.html). NHKニュース. Archived from [the original](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20221130/k10013908001000.html) on 30 November 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2023. 12. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-12) ["Japan court rules same-sex marriage ban constitutional, but advocates hold out hope"](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/11/30/national/crime-legal/court-same-sex-marriage-ruling/). The Japan Times. 30 November 2022. Retrieved 24 February 2023. 13. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-13) Lies, Elaine (8 June 2023). ["Japan ruling on same-sex marriage disappoints but 'a step forward'"](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-court-rules-that-not-allowing-same-sex-marriage-is-state-2023-06-08/). Reuters. Retrieved 15 November 2023. "A Japanese court on Thursday said a ban on same-sex marriage was constitutional" 14. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-14) [""Legislation of same-sex marriage is essential" to promote understanding of LGBTQ people: Second lawsuit argument at Tokyo District Court"](https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/280381). 東京新聞 TOKYO Web. Retrieved 28 September 2023. 15. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-15) Sam Shoushi (25 March 2008). ["Japan and Sexual Minorities \\| ヒューライツ大阪"](http://www.hurights.or.jp/archives/focus/section2/2008/06/japan-and-sexual-minorities.html). Hurights.or.jp. Retrieved 16 June 2014. 16. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-16) ["The Global Divide on Homosexuality Persists"](https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2020/06/25/global-divide-on-homosexuality-persists/). Pew Research Center. 25 June 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2021. 17. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-17) Lies, Elaine; Pomfret, James (31 August 2023). ["More LGBTQ rights could help Asia financial hubs draw global talent"](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/more-lgbtq-rights-could-help-asia-financial-hubs-draw-global-talent-2023-08-31/). Reuters. Retrieved 31 August 2023. 18. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-PinkNews_18-0) Condon, Ali (16 October 2023). ["Japan: Family court rules it's unconstitutional to require surgery for gender change"](https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/10/16/japan-surgery-gender-change-unconstitutional/). PinkNews. Retrieved 16 October 2023. 19. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-apnews_19-0) ["Japan's top court strikes down required sterilization surgery to officially change gender"](https://apnews.com/article/japan-lgbtq-transgender-ruling-gender-change-decdbdca9c8dd3658ae86b63ec40c53d). [Associated Press News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Associated_Press_News "Associated Press News"). 25 October 2023. 20. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-20) ["Archived copy"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131116211018/http://ilga.org/historic/Statehomophobia/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2008.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http://ilga.org/historic/Statehomophobia/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2008.pdf) (PDF) on 16 November 2013. Retrieved 14 October 2013. `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_archived_copy_as_title "Category:CS1 maint: archived copy as title")) 21. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-21) ["12 pictures of Tokyo Pride which will make your day"](http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2017/05/08/here-are-12-pictures-of-tokyo-pride-which-will-make-your-day/). 8 May 2017. Retrieved 8 April 2018. 22. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-22) Chisaki Watanabe (29 November 2015). ["Majority of Japanese Support Same-Sex Marriage, Poll Shows - Bloomberg Business"](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-29/majority-of-japanese-support-same-sex-marriage-poll-shows). Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 27 December 2015. 23. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-23) ["Survey: 78% of Japanese in 20s to 50s favor legal gay marriages"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220611002001/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13053805). The Asahi Shimbun. 28 January 2019. Archived from [the original](https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13053805) on 11 June 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2022. 24. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-PewResearch_24-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-PewResearch_24-1) Gubbala, Sneha; Poushter, Jacob; Huang, Christine (27 November 2023). ["How people around the world view same-sex marriage"](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/11/27/how-people-around-the-world-view-same-sex-marriage/). Pew Research Center. Retrieved 28 November 2023. 25. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-25)* ["38% of LGBT people in Japan sexually harassed or assaulted: survey"](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/12/2cfe9ff21ca8-38-of-lgbt-people-sexually-harassed-or-assaulted-survey.html). Kyodo News. 27 December 2020. 26. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-26) ["UN votes to renew LGBTQ+ expert's mandate just after the US withdrew from Human Rights Council"](https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/07/un-votes-to-renew-lgbtq-experts-mandate-just-after-the-us-withdrew-from-human-rights-council/). lgbtqnation.com. Retrieved 8 July 2025. 27. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-27) Roy, Deblina (June 2019). ["Homosexuality and Mythology"](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338402252). Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture. 5 (1): 60. Retrieved 17 April 2023. 28. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-28) Childs, Margaret (1980). "Chigo Monogatari: Love Stories or Buddhist Sermons?". Monumenta Nipponica. Sophia University. 35: 127–51. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_object_identifier "Digital object identifier"):[10\.2307/2384336](https://doi.org/10.2307%2F2384336). 29. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-:2_29-0) Pflugfelder, Gregory M. (1997). Cartographies of desire: male–male sexuality in Japanese discourse, 1600–1950. University of California Press. p. 26, 39–42, 75, 70-71, 252, 30. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-:0_30-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-:0_30-1) Furukawa, Makoto. The Changing Nature of Sexuality: The Three Codes Framing Homosexuality in Modern Japan. pp. 99, 100, 108, 112. 31. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-:1_31-0)* [Leupp, Gary (1997).](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_Japan#CITEREFLeupp1997 "Homosexuality in Japan") [Male Colors: The Construction of Homosexuality in Tokugawa Japan](https://books.google.com/books?id=a6q-PqPDAmIC). University of California Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-520-91919-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-520-91919-8 "Special:BookSources/978-0-520-91919-8") ., p. 26, 32, 53, 69-78, 88, 90- 92, 95-97, 102, 132-135. 32. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-32) Kinkade, Tyler; Endo, Shunpei (2021). ["LGBT who? Crosslinguistic influence in sociosexual and gender literacy"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210508152327/https://gale-sig.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/GALE-Journal-2021-Vol-13.pdf) (PDF). Gender Awareness in Language Education Journal. 13: 9. Archived from [the original](https://gale-sig.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/GALE-Journal-2021-Vol-13.pdf) (PDF) on 8 May 2021. Retrieved 18 March 2021. 33. 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Retrieved 7 November 2023. ## External links \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=27 "Edit section: External links")\] - [LGBT Students Bullied in Japan](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVUyw8Pob68) on [YouTube](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouTube_video_\(identifier\) "YouTube video (identifier)"). [Human Rights Watch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Rights_Watch "Human Rights Watch") (8 July 2016) - [National Public Radio - Japan court says ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional](https://www.npr.org/2022/06/20/1106313824/japan-court-ban-on-same-sex-marriage-constitutional) [![logo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/40px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commons-logo.svg) Wikimedia Commons has media related to [LGBT in Japan](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:LGBT_in_Japan "commons:Category:LGBT in Japan"). \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:LGBTQ_in_Japan "Template:LGBTQ in Japan") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:LGBTQ_in_Japan "Template talk:LGBTQ in Japan") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:LGBTQ_in_Japan "Special:EditPage/Template:LGBTQ in Japan")[![LGBT flag](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/Gay_Pride_Flag.svg/40px-Gay_Pride_Flag.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gay_Pride_Flag.svg "LGBT flag") [![Flag of Japan](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9e/Flag_of_Japan.svg/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Japan.svg "Flag of Japan") [Lesbian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesbian "Lesbian"), [gay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay "Gay"), [bisexual](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisexual "Bisexual"), and [transgender](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender "Transgender") topics in Japan \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Main article: [Sexual minorities in Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_minorities_in_Japan "Sexual minorities in Japan") \| \| \| Law \| [LGBTQ rights]() [Akita](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Akita_Prefecture "LGBTQ rights in Akita Prefecture") [Ibaraki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Ibaraki_Prefecture "LGBTQ rights in Ibaraki Prefecture") [Tokyo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Tokyo "LGBTQ rights in Tokyo") [LGBT Understanding Promotion Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_Understanding_Promotion_Act "LGBT Understanding Promotion Act") [Recognition of same-sex unions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recognition_of_same-sex_unions_in_Japan "Recognition of same-sex unions in Japan") [Partnership oath](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partnership_oath_in_Japan "Partnership oath in Japan") [Blue boy trial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_boy_trial "Blue boy trial") \| \| History \| \| \| \| \| \| General \| [Homosexuality in Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_Japan "Homosexuality in Japan") [Shudō](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shud%C5%8D "Shudō") [Onnagata](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onnagata "Onnagata") [Otokonoko](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otokonoko "Otokonoko") [Kagema](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagema "Kagema") [Wakashū](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakash%C5%AB "Wakashū") [X-gender](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-gender "X-gender") \| \| Mythology \| [Amaterasu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_themes_in_mythology#Amaterasu's_queerness "LGBTQ themes in mythology") [Sōsei Genri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_themes_in_mythology#Cross-dressing_in_Japanese_Mythology "LGBTQ themes in mythology") [Empress Jingū](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empress_Jing%C5%AB "Empress Jingū") [Yamato Takeru](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamato_Takeru "Yamato Takeru") [transgender shamans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender_people_and_religion#Japanese-Ryukyuan_religions "Transgender people and religion") [Oyamakui no Kami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oyamakui_no_Kami "Oyamakui no Kami") \| \| Literature \| \| \| \| \| \| [Heian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heian_literature "Heian literature") \| [Tosa Nikki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tosa_Nikki "Tosa Nikki") [The Tale of Genji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tale_of_Genji "The Tale of Genji") [The Pillow Book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pillow_Book "The Pillow Book") [Torikaebaya Monogatari](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torikaebaya_Monogatari "Torikaebaya Monogatari") [Ima Torikaebaya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torikaebaya_Monogatari "Torikaebaya Monogatari") [Ariake no Wakare](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariake_no_Wakare "Ariake no Wakare") [The Lady who Loved Insects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lady_who_Loved_Insects "The Lady who Loved Insects") \| \| [Medieval](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medieval_Japanese_literature "Medieval Japanese literature") \| [Chigo Monogatari](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chigo_Monogatari "Chigo Monogatari") \| \| Edo \| [The Life of an Amorous Woman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Life_of_an_Amorous_Woman "The Life of an Amorous Woman") \| \| Culture \| \| \| \| \| \| General \| [LGBTQ culture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_culture_in_Japan "LGBTQ culture in Japan") [Tokyo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_culture_in_Tokyo "LGBTQ culture in Tokyo") [Genderless fashion in Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genderless_fashion_in_Japan "Genderless fashion in Japan") \| \| Media \| [Badi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badi_\(magazine\) "Badi (magazine)") [Barazoku](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barazoku "Barazoku") [Dōkō](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C5%8Dk%C5%8D "Dōkō") [Gay Japan News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_Japan_News "Gay Japan News") [G-men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-men_\(magazine\) "G-men (magazine)") [Otoko-machi Map](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otoko-machi_Map "Otoko-machi Map") [Samson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samson_\(magazine\) "Samson (magazine)") \| \| Events \| [Aomori International LGBT Film Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aomori_International_LGBT_Film_Festival "Aomori International LGBT Film Festival") [Asian Queer Film Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Queer_Film_Festival "Asian Queer Film Festival") [Rainbow March](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_March "Rainbow March") [Rainbow Reel Tokyo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Reel_Tokyo "Rainbow Reel Tokyo") \| \| Gay villages \| Tokyo – [Shinjuku Ni-chōme](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinjuku_Ni-ch%C5%8Dme "Shinjuku Ni-chōme") Nana-chome & Higashi-Ueno ([Ueno](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ueno "Ueno")) Taito Ward ([Asakusa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asakusa "Asakusa")) Minato Ward ([Shinbashi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinbashi "Shinbashi")) Toshima Ward ([Ikebukuro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikebukuro "Ikebukuro")) Hokkaido – [Susukino](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susukino "Susukino") Kanagawa – Nogecho ([Yokohama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yokohama "Yokohama")) Aichi – [Sakae, Nagoya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakae,_Nagoya "Sakae, Nagoya") Osaka – [Doyama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C5%8Dyamach%C5%8D "Dōyamachō") [Namba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namba "Namba") [Shinsekai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinsekai "Shinsekai") Hiroshima – Nagarekawa ([Hiroshima City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshima "Hiroshima")) Fukuoka – Haruyoshi ([Fukuoka City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukuoka "Fukuoka")) Okinawa – Sakurazaka ([Naha City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naha "Naha")) \| \| Related \| [LGBTQ themes in anime and manga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_themes_in_anime_and_manga "LGBTQ themes in anime and manga") [Gay manga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bara_\(genre\) "Bara (genre)") [Yaoi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boys%27_love "Boys' love") [Yuri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuri_\(genre\) "Yuri (genre)") [Class S](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Class_S_\(culture\) "Class S (culture)") [Futanari](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Futanari "Futanari") [OCCUR (organization)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCCUR_\(organization\) "OCCUR (organization)") \| \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Japan_topics "Template:Japan topics") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Japan_topics "Template talk:Japan topics") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Japan_topics "Special:EditPage/Template:Japan topics")[Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan "Japan") [articles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Index_of_Japan-related_articles "Index of Japan-related articles") \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Index_of_Japan-related_articles "Index of Japan-related articles") [Outline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_Japan "Outline of Japan") \| \| \| [History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Japan "History of Japan") \| \| \| \| \| \| Overviews \| Lists [Eras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_era_name "Japanese era name") [Clans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_clans "Japanese clans") [Shoguns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_shoguns "List of shoguns") [Wars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wars_involving_Japan "List of wars involving Japan") [Economic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_history_of_Japan "Economic history of Japan") [Education](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_education_in_Japan "History of education in Japan") [Foreign relations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Japanese_foreign_relations "History of Japanese foreign relations") [Military](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Japan "Military history of Japan") [Naval](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_history_of_Japan "Naval history of Japan") [Imperial Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_Japanese_Army "Imperial Japanese Army") [Imperial Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_Japanese_Navy "Imperial Japanese Navy") \| \| Ancient \| [Paleolithic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Paleolithic "Japanese Paleolithic") [Jōmon period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C5%8Dmon_period "Jōmon period") [Yayoi period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yayoi_period "Yayoi period") [Kofun period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kofun_period "Kofun period") [Asuka period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asuka_period "Asuka period") [Taihō Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taih%C5%8D_Code "Taihō Code") [Asuka Kiyomihara Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asuka_Kiyomihara_Code "Asuka Kiyomihara Code") [Hakuhō period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakuh%C5%8D_period "Hakuhō period") [Taika Reform](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taika_Reform "Taika Reform") [Monmu period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monmu_period "Monmu period") [Nara period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nara_period "Nara period") [Heian period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heian_period "Heian period") \| \| Post-Classical \| [Genpei War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genpei_War "Genpei War") [Kamakura period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamakura_period "Kamakura period") [Kamakura shogunate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamakura_shogunate "Kamakura shogunate") [Mongol invasions of Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongol_invasions_of_Japan "Mongol invasions of Japan") [Genkō War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genk%C5%8D_War "Genkō War") [Kenmu Restoration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenmu_Restoration "Kenmu Restoration") [Muromachi period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muromachi_period "Muromachi period") [Ashikaga shogunate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashikaga_shogunate "Ashikaga shogunate") [Nanboku-chō period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanboku-ch%C5%8D_period "Nanboku-chō period") [Ōnin War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%8Cnin_War "Ōnin War") [Sengoku period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sengoku_period "Sengoku period") [Azuchi–Momoyama period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azuchi%E2%80%93Momoyama_period "Azuchi–Momoyama period") [Council of Five Elders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Five_Elders "Council of Five Elders") [Imjin War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imjin_War "Imjin War") \| \| Early Modern \| [Edo period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edo_period "Edo period") [Tokugawa shogunate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokugawa_shogunate "Tokugawa shogunate") [Bakumatsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakumatsu "Bakumatsu") [Empire of Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empire_of_Japan "Empire of Japan") [Meiji era](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiji_era "Meiji era") [Imperial Constitution (1890–1947)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiji_Constitution "Meiji Constitution") [Government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_Meiji_Japan "Government of Meiji Japan") [Meiji oligarchy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiji_oligarchy "Meiji oligarchy") [Meiji Restoration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiji_Restoration "Meiji Restoration") [Abolition of the han system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abolition_of_the_han_system "Abolition of the han system") [Boshin War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boshin_War "Boshin War") [Satsuma Rebellion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satsuma_Rebellion "Satsuma Rebellion") [Kazoku](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazoku "Kazoku") (noble) [First Sino-Japanese War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Sino-Japanese_War "First Sino-Japanese War") [Russo-Japanese War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russo-Japanese_War "Russo-Japanese War") \| \| Late Modern \| [Taishō era](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taish%C5%8D_era "Taishō era") [Japan during World War I](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_during_World_War_I "Japan during World War I") [1923 Great Kantō earthquake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1923_Great_Kant%C5%8D_earthquake "1923 Great Kantō earthquake") [Shōwa era](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sh%C5%8Dwa_era "Shōwa era") [Japan during World War II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_during_World_War_II "Japan during World War II") [Mukden Incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mukden_Incident "Mukden Incident") [Second Sino-Japanese War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Sino-Japanese_War "Second Sino-Japanese War") [Pacific War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_War "Pacific War") [Occupation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupation_of_Japan "Occupation of Japan") [Postwar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postwar_Japan "Postwar Japan") [Economic miracle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_economic_miracle "Japanese economic miracle") [Heisei era](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heisei_era "Heisei era") [Great Hanshin earthquake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Hanshin_earthquake "Great Hanshin earthquake") [2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_T%C5%8Dhoku_earthquake_and_tsunami "2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami") \| \| Contemporary \| [Reiwa era](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiwa_era "Reiwa era") [2019 imperial transition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Japanese_imperial_transition "2019 Japanese imperial transition") [COVID-19 pandemic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic_in_Japan "COVID-19 pandemic in Japan") \| \| [Geography](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Japan "Geography of Japan") \| \| \| \| \| \| [Addresses](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_addressing_system "Japanese addressing system") [Archipelago](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_archipelago "Japanese archipelago") [Cities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cities_of_Japan "Cities of Japan") [Districts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Districts_of_Japan "Districts of Japan") [Earthquakes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_earthquakes_in_Japan "List of earthquakes in Japan") [Environment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_Japan "Environmental issues in Japan") [Extreme points](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_extreme_points_of_Japan "List of extreme points of Japan") [Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_islands_of_Japan "List of islands of Japan") [Lakes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_lakes_of_Japan "List of lakes of Japan") [Prefectures](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prefectures_of_Japan "Prefectures of Japan") [Regions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_regions_of_Japan "List of regions of Japan") [Rivers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_rivers_of_Japan "List of rivers of Japan") [Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_towns_in_Japan "List of towns in Japan") [Villages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_villages_in_Japan "List of villages in Japan") [World Heritage Sites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_World_Heritage_Sites_in_Japan "List of World Heritage Sites in Japan") \| \| \| [Politics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Japan "Politics of Japan") \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \| [Constitution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Japan "Constitution of Japan") [Elections](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elections_in_Japan "Elections in Japan") [Emperor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_of_Japan "Emperor of Japan") [list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_emperors_of_Japan "List of emperors of Japan") [Imperial House](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_House_of_Japan "Imperial House of Japan") [Foreign relations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Japan "Foreign relations of Japan") [Human rights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Japan "Human rights in Japan") [LGBTQ]() [Judiciary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judicial_system_of_Japan "Judicial system of Japan") [Supreme Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_Japan "Supreme Court of Japan") [Law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_Japan "Law of Japan") [Law enforcement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_enforcement_in_Japan "Law enforcement in Japan") [National Diet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Diet "National Diet") [House of Representatives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Representatives_\(Japan\) "House of Representatives (Japan)") [House of Councillors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Councillors "House of Councillors") [List of members](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_members_of_the_Diet_of_Japan "List of members of the Diet of Japan") [Political parties](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_political_parties_in_Japan "List of political parties in Japan") [Self-Defense Forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Self-Defense_Forces "Japan Self-Defense Forces") [Ground](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Ground_Self-Defense_Force "Japan Ground Self-Defense Force") [Maritime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Maritime_Self-Defense_Force "Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force") [Air](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Air_Self-Defense_Force "Japan Air Self-Defense Force") \| \| \| [Government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_Japan "Government of Japan") \| [Cabinet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabinet_of_Japan "Cabinet of Japan") [list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Japanese_cabinets "List of Japanese cabinets") [Fiscal policy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monetary_and_fiscal_policy_of_Japan "Monetary and fiscal policy of Japan") [Foreign policy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_policy_of_Japan "Foreign policy of Japan") [Ministries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministries_of_Japan "Ministries of Japan") [Prime Minister](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Japan "Prime Minister of Japan") [list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_prime_ministers_of_Japan "List of prime ministers of Japan") [Deputy Prime Minister](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deputy_Prime_Minister_of_Japan "Deputy Prime Minister of Japan") \| \| [Economy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Japan "Economy of Japan") \| \| \| \| \| \| [Agriculture, forestry, fishing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture,_forestry,_and_fishing_in_Japan "Agriculture, forestry, and fishing in Japan") [Central bank](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_of_Japan "Bank of Japan") [Labor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_market_of_Japan "Labor market of Japan") [Manufacturing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manufacturing_in_Japan "Manufacturing in Japan") [Energy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_in_Japan "Energy in Japan") [Science and technology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_and_technology_in_Japan "Science and technology in Japan") [Telecommunications](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communications_in_Japan "Communications in Japan") [Transport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_in_Japan "Transport in Japan") [Yen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_yen "Japanese yen") \| \| \| [Society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Society_of_Japan "Category:Society of Japan") \| \| \| \| \| \| [Anti-monarchism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-monarchism_in_Japan "Anti-monarchism in Japan") [Censorship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Censorship_in_Japan "Censorship in Japan") [Crime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_Japan "Crime in Japan") [Demographics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Japan "Demographics of Japan") [Education](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Japan "Education in Japan") [Etiquette](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etiquette_in_Japan "Etiquette in Japan") [Gambling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambling_in_Japan "Gambling in Japan") [Health](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_in_Japan "Health in Japan") [Kanpu masatsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanpu_masatsu "Kanpu masatsu") [Housing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housing_in_Japan "Housing in Japan") [Homelessness](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness_in_Japan "Homelessness in Japan") [Languages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Japan "Languages of Japan") 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\| \| \| [Culture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Japan "Culture of Japan") \| [Aesthetics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_aesthetics "Japanese aesthetics") [Anime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anime "Anime") / [Manga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manga "Manga") [Architecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_architecture "Japanese architecture") [Art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_art "Japanese art") [Bonsai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonsai "Bonsai") [Cinema](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinema_of_Japan "Cinema of Japan") [Class S (genre)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Class_S_\(genre\) "Class S (genre)") [Cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_cuisine "Japanese cuisine") ([wine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_wine "Japanese wine")) [Festivals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_festivals "Japanese festivals") [Flag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Japan "Flag of Japan") 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talk:Asia topic") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Asia_topic "Special:EditPage/Template:Asia topic")[LGBTQ rights in Asia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Asia "LGBTQ rights in Asia") \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [Sovereign states](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sovereign_states "List of sovereign states") \| [Afghanistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Afghanistan "LGBTQ rights in Afghanistan") [Armenia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Armenia "LGBTQ rights in Armenia") [Azerbaijan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Azerbaijan "LGBTQ rights in Azerbaijan") [Bahrain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Bahrain "LGBTQ rights in Bahrain") [Bangladesh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Bangladesh "LGBTQ rights in Bangladesh") [Bhutan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Bhutan "LGBTQ rights in Bhutan") [Brunei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Brunei "LGBTQ 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[Myanmar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Myanmar "LGBTQ rights in Myanmar") [Nepal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Nepal "LGBTQ rights in Nepal") [Oman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Oman "LGBTQ rights in Oman") [Palestine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Palestine "LGBTQ rights in Palestine") [Pakistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Pakistan "LGBTQ rights in Pakistan") [Philippines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_the_Philippines "LGBTQ rights in the Philippines") [Qatar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Qatar "LGBTQ rights in Qatar") [Russia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Russia "LGBTQ rights in Russia") [Saudi Arabia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Saudi_Arabia "LGBTQ rights in Saudi Arabia") [Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Singapore "LGBTQ rights in Singapore") [Sri Lanka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Sri_Lanka "LGBTQ rights in Sri Lanka") [Syria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Syria "LGBTQ rights in Syria") [Tajikistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Tajikistan "LGBTQ rights in Tajikistan") [Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Thailand "LGBTQ rights in Thailand") [Timor-Leste (East Timor)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Timor-Leste "LGBTQ rights in Timor-Leste") [Turkey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Turkey "LGBTQ rights in Turkey") [Turkmenistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Turkmenistan "LGBTQ rights in Turkmenistan") [United Arab Emirates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_the_United_Arab_Emirates "LGBTQ rights in the United Arab Emirates") [Uzbekistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Uzbekistan "LGBTQ rights in Uzbekistan") [Vietnam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Vietnam "LGBTQ rights in Vietnam") [Yemen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Yemen "LGBTQ rights in Yemen") \| \| [States with limited recognition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_states_with_limited_recognition "List of states with limited recognition") \| [Abkhazia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Abkhazia "LGBTQ rights in Abkhazia") [Northern Cyprus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Northern_Cyprus "LGBTQ rights in Northern Cyprus") [South Ossetia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_South_Ossetia "LGBTQ rights in South Ossetia") [Taiwan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Taiwan "LGBTQ rights in Taiwan") \| \| [Dependencies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dependent_territory "Dependent territory") and other territories \| [British Indian Ocean Territory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_the_British_Indian_Ocean_Territory "LGBTQ rights in the British Indian Ocean Territory") [Christmas Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Christmas_Island "LGBTQ rights in Christmas Island") [Cocos (Keeling) Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_the_Cocos_\(Keeling\)_Islands "LGBTQ rights in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands") [Hong Kong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Hong_Kong "LGBTQ rights in Hong Kong") [Macau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Macau "LGBTQ rights in Macau") \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/96/Symbol_category_class.svg/20px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png) [Category](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Asia "Category:Asia") [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e2/Symbol_portal_class.svg/20px-Symbol_portal_class.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Symbol_portal_class.svg "Portal") [Asia portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Asia "Portal:Asia") \| \| ![](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAutoLogin/start?useformat=desktop&type=1x1&usesul3=1) 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Readable Markdown	This article is about LGBTQ legal rights in Japan. For a general overview, see [Homosexuality in Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_Japan "Homosexuality in Japan"). \| LGBTQ rights in [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan "Japan") \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/62/Japan_%28orthographic_projection%29.svg/250px-Japan_%28orthographic_projection%29.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Japan_\(orthographic_projection\).svg)[Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan "Japan") \| \| \| [Legal status](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminalization_of_homosexuality "Criminalization of homosexuality") \| Not criminalized since 1882 \| \| [Gender identity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_identity "Gender identity") \| Legal sex changes allowed since 2004, requiring [gender confirmation surgery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_confirmation_surgery "Gender confirmation surgery") \| \| [Military](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_people_and_military_service "LGBT people and military service") \| LGBT people allowed to serve openly \| \| [Discrimination protections](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-discrimination_law "Anti-discrimination law") \| Sexual orientation and gender identity protected in some cities and prefectures, though not nationally[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-1) \| \| Family rights \| \| \| [Recognition of relationships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Same-sex_unions "Template:Same-sex unions") \| [No national legal recognition of same-sex relationships, some localities offer partnership certificates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recognition_of_same-sex_unions_in_Japan "Recognition of same-sex unions in Japan") \| \| [Adoption](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_adoption "Same-sex adoption") \| [No recognition nationally, some localities provide accommodations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#Adoption_and_parenting) \| [Lesbian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesbian "Lesbian"), [gay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay "Gay"), [bisexual](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisexual "Bisexual"), [transgender](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender "Transgender"), and [queer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queer "Queer") ([LGBTQ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ "LGBTQ")) people in [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan "Japan") have fewer legal protections than in most other [developed countries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Developed_countries "Developed countries"),[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-2)[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-3) although some developments towards stronger rights have been made in the 2020s.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-4) Same-sex sexual activity was criminalised only briefly in Japan's history between 1873 and 1881, after which a localised version of the [Napoleonic Penal Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Penal_Code_of_1810 "French Penal Code of 1810") was adopted with an equal [age of consent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_consent_in_Asia "Age of consent in Asia").[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-5) Same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are ineligible for the legal protections available to opposite-sex couples, although since 2015 some cities and [prefectures](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prefectures_of_Japan "Prefectures of Japan"), covering over 92% of the population by 2025, offer "partnership certificates" to recognise the relationships of same-sex couples and provide some legal benefits. Japan is the only country in the [G7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G7 "G7") that does not legally recognize same-sex unions nationally in any form.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-Justin_McCurry-6)[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-BBC-7) In March 2021 and May 2023, the [Sapporo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo "Sapporo") and [Nagoya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagoya "Nagoya") District Courts ruled that not recognising [same-sex marriage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage "Same-sex marriage") was a violation of the Constitution.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-8)[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-9) While in June 2022, the [Osaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka "Osaka") District Court ruled that not recognising same-sex marriage was not a violation of the Constitution,[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-10) in November 2022, the [Tokyo District Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_District_Court "Tokyo District Court") ruled that the absence of same-sex marriage legislation was an unconstitutional state of affairs but did not violate the Constitution,[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-11) though the court's ruling has no immediate legal effect.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-12) In June 2023, the [Fukuoka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukuoka "Fukuoka") District Court ruled that the ban on same-sex marriage was constitutional.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-13) A second ruling in September 2023 concluded that same-sex relationships should not be excluded from Japan's marriage system.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-14) Japan's culture and major religions do not have a history of hostility towards homosexuality.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-15) A 2019 poll indicated that 68 percent of the respondents agreed that homosexuality should be accepted by society, while 22 percent disagreed.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-16) Although many political parties have not openly supported or opposed LGBTQ rights, there are several openly LGBTQ politicians in office. The conservative [Liberal Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\(Japan\) "Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)"), Japan's leading political party, remains opposed to same-sex marriage,[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-17) while two other major parties, the liberal [Constitutional Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitutional_Democratic_Party_of_Japan "Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan") and libertarian [Innovation Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nippon_Ishin_no_Kai "Nippon Ishin no Kai") both favor same-sex marriage. As of 2023, marriage equality movements have been gaining prominence within the nation.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-PinkNews-18) A law allowing transgender individuals to change their legal gender post-[sex reassignment surgery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_reassignment_surgery "Sex reassignment surgery") and sterilization was passed in 2003. The sterilization requirement was unanimously ruled by the [Japanese Supreme Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Supreme_Court "Japanese Supreme Court") to be unconstitutional in October 2023, removing the requirement.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-apnews-19) Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is banned in some cities, including [Tokyo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo "Tokyo").[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-20) Tokyo Rainbow Pride has been held annually since 2012, with attendance increasing every year.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-21) A 2015 opinion poll reflected that the majority of its respondents supported the legalization of same-sex marriage.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-22) Further opinion polls conducted over the following years have found high levels of support for same-sex marriage among the Japanese public, most notably the younger generation.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-23)[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-PewResearch-24) However, a 2020 survey of over 10,000 LGBTQ people in Japan found that 38 percent of LGBTQ people had been harassed or assaulted.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-25) In 2019, 2022 and 2025, Japan voted in favor of the United Nations [independent expert on sexual orientation and gender identity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQI%2B_rights_at_the_United_Nations#Independent_Expert_on_Sexual_Orientation_and_Gender_Identity "LGBTQI+ rights at the United Nations") at the [United Nations Human Rights Council](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Human_Rights_Council "United Nations Human Rights Council").[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-26) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/Japanesepederasty18thcentury.jpg/250px-Japanesepederasty18thcentury.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Japanesepederasty18thcentury.jpg) A [wakashū](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakash%C5%AB "Wakashū") (wearing headscarf) sneaks a kiss from a female prostitute behind his patron's back. [Nishikawa Sukenobu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nishikawa_Sukenobu "Nishikawa Sukenobu") (1671–1750) [Homosexuality](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality "Homosexuality") and same-sex relations have been documented in Japan since ancient times. One [Shinto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto "Shinto") myth describes same-sex love as being introduced by the couple Shinu no Hafuri and Ama no Hafuri, servants of a "primordial goddess", presumably [Amaterasu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaterasu "Amaterasu"). Following Shinu's death, Ama killed himself, and the two were buried in the same grave.[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-27) In the pre-[Meiji era](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiji_era "Meiji era"), nanshoku (男色) relationships inside Buddhist monasteries were typically [pederastic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pederasty "Pederasty"). The older partner, or nenja (念者; "lover" or "admirer"), would be a monk, priest or abbot, while the younger partner was assumed to be an [acolyte](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acolyte "Acolyte") (稚児, chigo), who would be a prepubescent or adolescent boy.[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-28) The relationship would be dissolved once the boy reached adulthood (or left the monastery). Both parties were encouraged to treat the relationship seriously and conduct the affair honorably, and the nenja might be required to write a formal vow of fidelity.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:2-29) During the [Tokugawa period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edo_period "Edo period"), some of the [Shinto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto "Shinto") gods, especially [Hachiman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hachiman "Hachiman"), Myoshin, Shinmei and [Tenjin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenjin_\(kami\) "Tenjin (kami)"), "came to be seen as guardian deities of nanshoku" (male–male love). From religious circles, same-sex love spread to the warrior ([samurai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samurai "Samurai")) class, where it was customary for a boy in the [wakashū](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakash%C5%AB "Wakashū") age category to undergo training in the martial arts by apprenticing to a more experienced adult man. The relationship was based on the typical nenja, who loves, and the typically younger chigo, who is loved.[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:0-30) The man was permitted, if the boy agreed, to take the boy as his lover until he came of age.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:1-31) These relationships were expected to be exclusive, with both partners swearing to take no other (male) lovers. As Japan progressed into the Meiji era, same-sex practices continued; however, there was a growing animosity towards these practices. The practice of nanshoku began to die out after the [Russo-Japanese War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russo-Japanese_War "Russo-Japanese War"). Opposition to homosexuality did not become firmly established in Japan until the 19th and 20th centuries, although it was only criminalized between 1873 and 1880.[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:0-30) Modern [Japanese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_language "Japanese language") terms for LGBTQ people include seitekishōsūsha (性的少数者, "[sexual minorities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_minority "Sexual minority")").[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-32) - dōseiaisha (同性愛者, literally "same-sex-love person") - homosekusharu (ホモセクシャル, "[homosexual](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality "Homosexuality")") - rezubian (レズビアン, "[lesbian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesbian "Lesbian")") - gei (ゲイ, "[gay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay "Gay")") - ryōseiaisha (両性愛者, literally "both-sex-love person") - baisekushuaru (バイセクシュアル, "[bisexual](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisexuality "Bisexuality")") - toransujendā (トランスジェンダー, "[transgender](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender "Transgender")").[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-33) ## Legality of same-sex sexual activity \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=3 "Edit section: Legality of same-sex sexual activity")\] There are no explicit religious prohibitions against homosexuality in the traditional [religion of Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Japan "Religion in Japan"), [Shinto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto "Shinto"), or in the imported religions of [Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Japan "Buddhism in Japan") (see "[Buddhism and sexual orientation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_and_sexual_orientation "Buddhism and sexual orientation")"); however Chinese [Confucianism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism "Confucianism") prohibited homosexual marriage which may have also influenced Chinese Buddhism.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-34) [Sodomy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodomy "Sodomy") was first criminalized in Japan in 1872, in the early [Meiji era](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiji_era "Meiji era"). But this provision was repealed only seven years later by the Penal Code of 1880 (commenced in 1882) in accordance with the [Napoleonic Penal Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Penal_Code_of_1810 "French Penal Code of 1810").[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-35) Since then, Japan has had no laws against homosexuality. Thus, sexual activity among [consenting adults](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ages_of_consent_in_Asia "Ages of consent in Asia"), in private, regardless of gender and/or sexual orientation, is legal under Japanese law. Since June 2023, the age of consent has been set at 16 years.[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-36) ## Recognition of same-sex relationships \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=4 "Edit section: Recognition of same-sex relationships")\] Article 24 of the [Japanese Constitution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Japan "Constitution of Japan") states that "[Marriage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage "Marriage") shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes and it shall be maintained through mutual cooperation with the equal rights of husband and wife as a basis." Articles 731 to 737 of the [Japanese Civil Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_Japan "Law of Japan") limit marriage to heterosexual couples. Same-sex couples are not able to marry, and same-sex couples are not granted rights derived from marriage. Also, [same-sex marriages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage "Same-sex marriage") performed abroad are not legally recognized in Japan and bi-national same-sex couples cannot obtain a visa for the foreign partner based on their relationship, though the Ministry of Justice does have a general rule of giving the discretionary "designated activities" visa to same-sex married spouses.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-37) Japan and [Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Italy "LGBT rights in Italy") are the only countries in the [G7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G7 "G7") where same-sex marriages are not performed.[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-38) In March 2009, Japan began allowing Japanese nationals to marry same-sex partners in countries where same-sex marriage is legal. The [Justice Ministry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Justice_\(Japan\) "Ministry of Justice (Japan)") instructed local authorities to issue key certificates, which state that a person is single and of legal age, to individuals seeking to enter same-sex marriages in areas that legally allow it.[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-39) In February 2015, the ward of [Shibuya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shibuya "Shibuya") (in Tokyo) announced plans to establish a partnership system that would recognize same-sex couples for situations such as hospital visits and shared renting of apartments. This procedure allows couples to get a "proof of partnership" paper, which does not have any weight under Japanese law but can help in, for instance, getting access to a partner who is ill and in hospital but institutions are under no legal obligation to respect the certificates.[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-40) The Shibuya system is considered a significant step towards lesbian and gay partnership rights in Japan.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-41) In July 2015, Tokyo's [Setagaya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setagaya "Setagaya") ward announced that it would be joining Shibuya in recognizing same-sex partnerships from November of the same year.[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-42) Since then, over 400 municipalities have begun issuing partnership certificates, including highly populated [Yokohama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yokohama "Yokohama"), [Osaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka "Osaka"), [Sapporo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo "Sapporo"), [Fukuoka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukuoka "Fukuoka"), [Kyoto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto "Kyoto"), [Kawasaki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki,_Kanagawa "Kawasaki, Kanagawa"), [Saitama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saitama_\(city\) "Saitama (city)") and [Hiroshima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshima "Hiroshima"),[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-43) as well as 30 [prefectures](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prefectures_of_Japan "Prefectures of Japan"), including [Tokyo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo "Tokyo"), [Ibaraki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibaraki_Prefecture "Ibaraki Prefecture"), [Osaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka_Prefecture "Osaka Prefecture"), [Gunma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunma_Prefecture "Gunma Prefecture"),[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-Ibaraki-44)[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-45) [Saga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saga_Prefecture "Saga Prefecture") and [Mie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mie_Prefecture "Mie Prefecture"). On 17 March 2021, a district court in Sapporo ruled that laws or regulations that deprive same-sex couples of the right to marry constitute unlawful discrimination and violate Article 14 of the [Constitution of Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Japan "Constitution of Japan"). The court found that Article 24 does not prohibit the recognition of same-sex marriages. The ruling did not legalize same-sex marriage in Japan, but is likely to step up pressure on the [National Diet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Diet "National Diet") to act.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-46) Yasuhiko Watanabe, a law professor at Kyoto Sangyo University, stated that if Japan recognizes same-sex marriage, that would impact the whole of Asia, proving that it is allowed not only in Western societies.[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-47) On 26 June 2022, a district court in Osaka brought down a conflicting ruling to the ruling from the previous year out of Sapporo. It ruled that a ban on same-sex marriage is not unconstitutional. The ruling did not change the legal status of same-sex marriage in Japan as it did not occur at a court with the power to set binding legal precedent. The plaintiffs have indicated plans to appeal the decision. Other similar court cases in other district courts in Tokyo, Nagoya and Fukuoka remain ongoing.[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-48) In addition, the Tokyo metropolitan government recently\[[when?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_items "Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers")\] announced a plan, set to take effect in October, to accept registrations from same-sex couples seeking certificates of their partnerships. On 1 November, Tokyo finally implemented a legally recognised relationship registration scheme for same-sex couples.[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-49)[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-50) In August 2023, [Wakayama Prefecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakayama_Prefecture "Wakayama Prefecture") proposed to locally introduce Japan's partnership system for same-sex couples.[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-51) In July 2022, Japanese video game company [Nintendo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo "Nintendo") announced its support for same-sex marriage and that it would recognize employees in same-sex partnerships as identical to opposite-sex marriages, in defiance of Japanese law.[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-52) The company's policy has been described as a major action in Japan's increasing discussion on its same-sex marriage ban.[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-53) On 17 December 2024, then Prime Minister [Shigeru Ishiba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shigeru_Ishiba "Shigeru Ishiba") made the following statement about same-sex marriage during a parliamentary session: "I have met concerned individuals, and I can see that being together is the most precious thing to them. While there is no 'scale' for measuring the national happiness, I believe that fulfilling these deepest wishes would have a positive and beneficial impact on the overall well-being of Japan".[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-54) [Sanae Takaichi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanae_Takaichi "Sanae Takaichi"), the [Prime Minister of Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Japan "Prime Minister of Japan") and the [President](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_the_Liberal_Democratic_Party_\(Japan\) "President of the Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)") of the [Liberal Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\(Japan\) "Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)") (LDP) since October 2025, opposes same-sex marriage.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-55)[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-56)[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-57) During a government budget committee meeting in 2023, she called legalizing same-sex marriage an "extremely difficult issue," though she added that "there should be no prejudice against sexual orientation and gender identity". In a subsequent statement during a campaign debate in September 2025, she told the audience she opposed same-sex marriage, adding that having a same-sex partner was "fine".[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-58) ## Adoption and parenting \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=5 "Edit section: Adoption and parenting")\] Same-sex couples are generally not allowed to legally adopt in Japan, though in some regions it is legally complicated. Lesbian couples and single women are unable to access IVF and [artificial insemination](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_insemination "Artificial insemination").[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-59) In December 2022, a "very broad and comprehensive fertility bill" was introduced in Japan - that explicitly and legally only allows heterosexual married women access to IVF treatment.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-hrw.org-60) In April 2017, [Osaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka "Osaka") officially recognised a same-sex couple as foster parents, making it the first such case in Japan.[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-61) 53 municipalities and Tokyo Metropolis have also established a "partnership family system" (パートナーシップ・ファミリーシップ制度, pātonāshippu famirīshippu seido) as of April 2023. This system, which allows registered partners to optionally designate children in the household through the partnership oath system in a limited form of [second-parent adoption](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second-parent_adoption "Second-parent adoption"), also recognises the children of same-sex couples, and allows partners to make medical decisions for their child, and to pick up their children at schools and kindergartens (whereas previously only the biological parent was allowed to pick up the child). The first to establish this system was [Akashi, Hyōgo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akashi,_Hy%C5%8Dgo "Akashi, Hyōgo") in January 2021 followed by [Tokushima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokushima_\(city\) "Tokushima (city)") in February 2021 and [Adachi, Tokyo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adachi,_Tokyo "Adachi, Tokyo") in April 2021.[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-listcities-62)[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-63)[\[a\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-64) ## Discrimination protections \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=6 "Edit section: Discrimination protections")\] As of 2021, [sexual orientation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_orientation "Sexual orientation") and [gender identity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_identity "Gender identity") are not protected by national civil rights laws, which means that LGBTQ Japanese have few legal recourses when faced with discrimination in such areas as employment, education, housing, health care and banking.[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-65) According to a 2018 Dentsu Diversity Lab survey, more than 65% of questioned LGBTQ people said they had not come out to anyone at work or home.[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-66) The Japanese Constitution promises equal rights and is interpreted to prohibit discrimination on all grounds. However, homosexual and transgender persons can experience physical, sexual and psychological violence at the hands of their opposite-sex or same-sex partners, but receive limited protection from the law. Same-sex partners are excluded from the [Act on the Prevention of Spousal Violence and the Protection of Victims](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_on_the_Prevention_of_Spousal_Violence_and_the_Protection_of_Victims "Act on the Prevention of Spousal Violence and the Protection of Victims") ([Japanese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_language "Japanese language"): 配偶者からの暴力の防止及び被害者の保護等に関する法律)[\[b\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-67) and generally lack safe places where they can seek help and support.[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-68) In 2013, [Yodogawa-ku, Osaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yodogawa-ku,_Osaka "Yodogawa-ku, Osaka"), became the first Japanese government area to pass a resolution officiating support for LGBTQ inclusion, including mandating LGBTQ sensitivity training for ward staff.[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-69)[\[68\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-70)[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-71)[\[70\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-72) [Naha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naha "Naha") followed suit in July 2015.[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-73) In October 2018, the [Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Metropolitan_Assembly "Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly") passed a law prohibiting all discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The law, which took effect in April 2019, also commits the Metropolitan Government to raise awareness of LGBTQ people and "conduct measures needed to make sure human rights values are rooted in all corners of the city". The law outlaws expressing [hateful rhetoric](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hate_speech "Hate speech") in public.[\[72\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-74)[\[73\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-75) Prior to this, the wards of [Shibuya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shibuya "Shibuya") and [Setagaya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setagaya "Setagaya") had already passed explicit protections for LGBTQ people.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-leadership-76)[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-nijiiro-77) In December 2018, four political parties, the [Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitutional_Democratic_Party_of_Japan "Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan"), the [Democratic Party for the People](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Party_for_the_People "Democratic Party for the People"), the [Japanese Communist Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Communist_Party "Japanese Communist Party"), and the [Liberal Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Party_\(Japan,_2016\) "Liberal Party (Japan, 2016)"), along with the support of several independents, introduced to the [House of Representatives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Representatives_\(Japan\) "House of Representatives (Japan)") a bill entitled the Proposed Law on the Promotion of the Elimination of Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity ([Japanese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_language "Japanese language"): 性的指向又は性自認を理由とする差別の解消等の推進に関する法律案)[\[c\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-78) to prohibit discrimination, harassment and bullying at schools on the basis of sexual orientation.[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-79)[\[77\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-80) In March 2019, legislation banning discrimination against "sexual minorities" was passed in [Ibaraki Prefecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibaraki_Prefecture "Ibaraki Prefecture").[\[78\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-81)[\[79\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-82) [Human Rights Watch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Rights_Watch "Human Rights Watch"), J-ALL (Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation) and [Athlete Ally](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athlete_Ally "Athlete Ally") urged [Prime Minister](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Japan "Prime Minister of Japan") [Shinzo Abe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinzo_Abe "Shinzo Abe") to support legislation protecting [LGBTQ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ "LGBTQ") people against discrimination on the basis of gender and sexual orientation. On 17 April 2020, 96 human rights and LGBTQ organizations sent a letter to the Prime Minister calling for the passage of a non-discrimination law.[\[80\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-83) In April 2022, legislation prohibiting discrimination among others sexual orientation and gender identity came into operation in [Akita Prefecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akita_Prefecture "Akita Prefecture").[\[81\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-84) ### Employment discrimination \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=7 "Edit section: Employment discrimination")\] While the Equal Employment Opportunity Law ([Japanese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_language "Japanese language"): 男女雇用機会均等法)[\[d\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-85) has been revised several times over the years to address sex discrimination and harassment in the workplace, the government has refused to expand the law to address discrimination against gender or sexual identity.[\[82\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-86) The [Tokyo Metropolitan Government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Metropolitan_Government "Tokyo Metropolitan Government") has passed legislation banning discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-leadership-76) Companies in Japan consisting of ten or more employees are required to establish work regulations. In January 2018, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare revised the Model Rules of Employment (モデル就業規則)[\[e\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-87) which "stands as the example framework for work regulations", to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and "gender identification".[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-nijiiro-77) Article 15 reads:[\[83\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-88) > In addition to what are provided for from Article 12 to the preceding paragraph, employees are prohibited from any other forms of harassment at the workplace that are damaging to the work environment of other employees such as by way of speech or behaviour related to sexual orientation or gender identification. ### Housing discrimination \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=8 "Edit section: Housing discrimination")\] In 1991, the group [OCCUR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCCUR_\(organization\) "OCCUR (organization)") (Japan Association for the Lesbian and Gay Movement)[\[84\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-89) filed a court case against the Tokyo government after being barred from using the "Metropolitan House for Youth" the previous year. OCCUR won the case in 1997. While the court ruling does not seem to have extended to other areas of government-sponsored discrimination, it is cited by the courts as a civil rights case.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-leadership-76) Since autumn 2003, the Urban Renaissance Agency, the government agency that operates government housing has allowed same-sex couples to rent units the same way as heterosexual couples at any one of the over 300 properties that it operates. This opened the way for more such action, as the Osaka Government in September 2005 opened the doors of its government housing to same-sex couples.[\[85\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-90) In February 2018, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare created provisions addressing discrimination in housing, stating that "consideration must be taken to not deny lodging on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity."[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-nijiiro-77) In October 2020, [The Guardian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Guardian "The Guardian") reported that several Japanese [love hotels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_hotel "Love hotel") were denying entry to same-sex couples for the sole reason of their sexual orientation, despite it being illegal since 2018 as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-Justin_McCurry-6) ### Bullying in schools \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=9 "Edit section: Bullying in schools")\] In 2017, the Education Ministry added sexual orientation and gender identity to its national bullying policy.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-leadership-76)[\[86\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-91) The policy mandates that schools should prevent bullying of students based on their sexual orientation or gender identity by "promoting proper understanding of teachers on … sexual orientation/gender identity as well as making sure to inform on the school's necessary measures regarding this matter." In January 2018, after a high-profile incident in 2015 in which a gay student at [Hitotsubashi University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitotsubashi_University "Hitotsubashi University") died by suicide after being outed against his will, the city of [Kunitachi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunitachi,_Tokyo "Kunitachi, Tokyo") passed an "anti-outing" ordinance to promote understanding of LGBTQ people.[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-nijiiro-77) [Mie Prefecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mie_Prefecture "Mie Prefecture") passed a similar "anti-outing" law in March 2021.[\[87\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-92)[\[88\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-93) ### LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=11 "Edit section: LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act")\] In June 2019, after three years of consultations, a special committee of the ruling [Liberal Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\(Japan\) "Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)") (LDP) announced the LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Bill, which aims to improve understanding of LGBTQ issues, would be introduced to the National Diet. However, LGBTQ rights activists criticized the bill for falling short by not mentioning [same-sex marriage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage "Same-sex marriage") or anti-discrimination protections.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-94)[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-95) In April 2021, the LDP announced it would pass the LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Bill during the 204th National Diet session, set to end in June for the [2020 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Summer_Olympics "2020 Summer Olympics") and [Paralympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Summer_Paralympics "2020 Summer Paralympics") in [Tokyo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo "Tokyo"). The bill only requires the government to "promote understanding of LGBT people" and does not actually ban discrimination.[\[91\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-96) However, the bill was not enacted in 2021. On 16 June 2023, the "watered down" [private member's bill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_member%27s_bill "Private member's bill") on enhancement of LGBTQ understanding formally passed both houses of the [National Diet of Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Diet_of_Japan "National Diet of Japan") for the [49th G7 summit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/49th_G7_summit "49th G7 summit") in [Hiroshima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshima "Hiroshima"), with majority support from the [Liberal Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\(Japan\) "Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)"), [Komeito](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komeito "Komeito"), [Nippon Ishin no Kai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nippon_Ishin_no_Kai "Nippon Ishin no Kai") and [Democratic Party for the People](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Party_for_the_People "Democratic Party for the People").[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-97)[\[93\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-98)[\[94\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-99) [The Act on Enhancement of Public Understanding of Diversity in Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_Understanding_Promotion_Act "LGBT Understanding Promotion Act") ([Japanese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_language "Japanese language"): [性的指向及びジェンダーアイデンティティの多様性に関する国民の理解の増進に関する法律](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%80%A7%E7%9A%84%E6%8C%87%E5%90%91%E5%8F%8A%E3%81%B3%E3%82%B8%E3%82%A7%E3%83%B3%E3%83%80%E3%83%BC%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%87%E3%83%B3%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3%E3%81%AE%E5%A4%9A%E6%A7%98%E6%80%A7%E3%81%AB%E9%96%A2%E3%81%99%E3%82%8B%E5%9B%BD%E6%B0%91%E3%81%AE%E7%90%86%E8%A7%A3%E3%81%AE%E5%A2%97%E9%80%B2%E3%81%AB%E9%96%A2%E3%81%99%E3%82%8B%E6%B3%95%E5%BE%8B "ja:性的指向及びジェンダーアイデンティティの多様性に関する国民の理解の増進に関する法律")),[\[f\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-100) LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Act ([Japanese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_language "Japanese language"): LGBT理解増進法)[\[g\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-101) (in short title) came into effect on 23 June 2023. ### Passage of the law on gender recognition \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=13 "Edit section: Passage of the law on gender recognition")\] In 2003, a law was passed allowing transgender people to change their gender marker on legal documents. Approval required being over 18 years old, unmarried, undergoing [sex reassignment surgery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_reassignment_surgery "Sex reassignment surgery"), [sterilization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sterilization_\(medicine\) "Sterilization (medicine)") (until 2023), and having no children under 18 (the majority age, which changed from 20 to 18 on 1 April 2022). The law, known as the Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder ([Japanese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_language "Japanese language"): 性同一性障害者の性別の取扱いの特例に関する法律)[\[h\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-102) or simply Law 111, went into effect in July 2004,[\[95\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-103) and was upheld by the [Supreme Court of Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_Japan "Supreme Court of Japan") in January 2019.[\[96\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-104) By that date, 7,000 persons had legally changed gender. The court wanted to prevent "confusion" within parent-child relations, as well as "abrupt changes" in Japanese society. Two of the [majority](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majority_opinion "Majority opinion") judges still issued a call for society to "embrace the diversity of sexual identity", also adding that the requirements were invasive and encouraged the National Diet to review them.[\[97\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-105) The legislation has been the subject of criticism on the grounds that its pathologising terminology and restrictive conditions violate the human rights of transgender individuals.[\[98\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-106) ### Socio-cultural background \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=14 "Edit section: Socio-cultural background")\] Yale University professor Karen Nakamura notes in a discussion held October 2015 that "Japanese transgender activists present their gender identity as a disability in order to achieve more social and legal change in Japanese society", employing the medical diagnostic term of "gender identity disability" (性同一性障害, seidoitsusei shougai), instead of "gender identity disorder", which is more common in English-medium materials. This in part arises from what Nakamura calls a "translation fluke"; shougai can be fluidly interpreted as (among other things) either "disability" or "disorder". According to Nakamura, this is because there is a strong protection in Japanese society and laws for disabled persons; therefore, identifying more as members of the disability community rather than the queer community has allowed transgender Japanese to assert their rights in law and society more strongly without social ostracization, more so than cisgender LGB Japanese.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-:3-107)[\[100\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-108) ### Conflict of private international law \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=15 "Edit section: Conflict of private international law")\] Even though surgery is required as a condition to change one's registered gender in the Japanese courts, this only applies to Japanese nationals. Foreign nationals change their registered gender with the country of their nationality, then report the change to the Immigration Services Agency to be reflected on their residence card. This [conflict of laws](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflict_of_laws "Conflict of laws") can lead to bureaucratic breakdown. In 2018, U.S. national and Aoyama Gakuin University lecturer [Elin McCready](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elin_McCready "Elin McCready") changed her legal gender to female in the United States. After the change, municipal offices in the Meguro and Ota wards of Tokyo refused to recognize it, citing her subsisting marriage to Midori Morita-McCready, a Japanese national - which the legal gender recognition would make a same-sex marriage. This led them to pursue a lawsuit against the local and central governments. Their attorney, Toshimasa Yamashita, said that following the precedent set in the 2018 Sapporo court case on same-sex marriage, this refusal was unconstitutional.[\[101\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-109)[\[102\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-110) On 24 February 2012, the Hyogo Lawyers' Association recommended that a transgender woman in a male prison be transferred to a female institution.[\[103\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-111) According to this report, she had been placed in a male institution because of her legal sex, despite having undergone sex reassignment surgery prior to her detention, and was not treated as a woman in any way. She was subject to body checks by male staff, had her hair shaved, and was denied feminine clothing. Since April 2018, transgender people have been covered for sex reassignment surgery as long as they are not receiving hormone treatment.[\[104\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-112) The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has also allowed transgender people to use their preferred names on their health insurance cards. In June 2018, the Japanese Government enacted a new law lowering the age of majority in Japan from 20 to 18, which took effect on 1 April 2022. Among others, the new law sets the age of marriage at 18 for both men and women (previously women could marry at the age of 16) and allows 18-year-olds to obtain valid passports, credit cards, etc. The law also allowed people diagnosed with [gender dysphoria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_dysphoria "Gender dysphoria") and who have undergone irreversible sterilization to legally change their sex at the age of 18.[\[105\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-bbc-113) In October 2020, [Human Rights Watch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Rights_Watch "Human Rights Watch") wrote a letter urging Japan officials to allow transgender women to enroll in public women's universities in the country.[\[106\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-114) Ochanomizu University in Tokyo became the first public women's university in Japan to admit transgender women who had not changed their legal gender to 'female'.[\[107\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-115) In January 2022, a transgender individual was arrested for "using the wrong bathroom" in [Osaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka,_Japan "Osaka, Japan"). The Osaka Prefectural Police has declined to pursue charges, instead leaving that decision up to state prosecutors. Mikiya Nakatsuka, professor of health sciences at Okayama University and president of the Japanese Society of Gender Identity Disorder, stated that most transgender persons in Japan "paid attention when they used toilets at public facilities so they \[could\] stay out of trouble", and expressed concern that this single case would be applied erroneously to the wider transgender community, creating unwarranted prejudice and discrimination.[\[108\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-116)[\[109\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-117) ### 2023 Supreme Court ruling \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan&action=edit&section=17 "Edit section: 2023 Supreme Court ruling")\] In October 2023, the Japanese Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the part of the 2003 law that requires sterilization before a change of sex or gender on an individual's [family register](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koseki "Koseki") can be legally made was unconstitutional.[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-118) The Supreme Court has asked a lower court to review the requirement to have "genitalia that closely resemble the physical form of an alternative gender".[\[111\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-119) Gender reassignment surgery has been covered by insurance since 2018. However, hormone therapy is still not covered by insurance.[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-jspn.or.jp-120) Children aged 15 and over can receive hormone therapy in Japan with parental consent.[\[113\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-121) The Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology (JSPN) published its updated guidelines in August 2024 on the treatment of gender dysphoria. The guidelines continued to recommend puberty suppression in trans patients, noting that it "is medically self-evident that bodily features of the undesired sex will become permanent if [AMAB](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans_woman "Trans woman") individuals who would require puberty suppression do not receive it". However, they also asked doctors administering such treatment to report more detailed information on it going forward.[\[114\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-122)[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-jspn.or.jp-120) Gay and bisexual men are allowed to donate blood in Japan following a six-month abstinence from sex[\[115\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-123) while women and heterosexual men only need to wait six-months after being with a new partner of the opposite sex.[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-124) The [Japan Self-Defense Forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Self-Defense_Forces "Japan Self-Defense Forces"), when being asked about their policy toward people who are gay or lesbian following the U.S. debate during the [presidency of Bill Clinton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidency_of_Bill_Clinton "Presidency of Bill Clinton"), answered that it was not an issue, and individuals within the forces indicated that as long as same-sex relations did not lead to fights or other trouble, there were few, if any, barriers to their inclusion in the armed services.[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-125) While representations of homosexuals in the Japanese media tend towards caricature on the basis of stereotypes of sexual or behavioral deviance (e.g. the actually straight [Hard Gay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_Gay "Hard Gay")), there are several examples of transgender and non-binary celebrities in Japan such as [Haruna Ai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haruna_Ai "Haruna Ai"), [Kayo Satoh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayo_Satoh "Kayo Satoh"), [Ataru Nakamura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ataru_Nakamura "Ataru Nakamura"), [Kaba-chan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaba-chan "Kaba-chan"), [Hikaru Utada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hikaru_Utada "Hikaru Utada") and [Ikko](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikko_\(make-up_artist\) "Ikko (make-up artist)"). Several prominent musicians including Yoshinori Kanemoto and [Ayumi Hamasaki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayumi_Hamasaki "Ayumi Hamasaki") have large LGBTQ fanbases as a result of their support for the LGBTQ community; among other activities, Hikaru Utada featured a gay teddybear called Kuma who she introduced as far back as 2010,[\[118\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-126) and Ayumi Hamasaki headlined at Tokyo's 2018 Pride festival (incidentally, Hamasaki starred in the LGBTQ-themed movie Nagisa no Shindobaddo in the 1990s).[\[119\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-127) In 2023, [Shinjiro Atae](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinjiro_Atae "Shinjiro Atae") came out as openly gay.[\[120\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-128) Various celebrities have dedicated airtime on radios and podcasts to LGBTQ topics and supporting LGBTQ issues. [Sho Sakurai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sho_Sakurai "Sho Sakurai") of [Arashi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arashi "Arashi") held an interview with drag queens in 2015 in [Shinjuku Ni-chōme](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinjuku_Ni-ch%C5%8Dme "Shinjuku Ni-chōme") and was given the nickname "Cherry Shoko in the Sky".[\[121\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-129) [Matsuko Deluxe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsuko_Deluxe "Matsuko Deluxe") is a famous and well-respected drag queen TV personality along the lines of Lily Savage (UK) and Dame Edna (Australia). The education specialist Naoki Ogi (more colloquially known by teachers across Japan by his nickname "Ogimama") has in past years given focus to LGBTQ issues in schools.[\[122\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-130) Support for LGBTQ rights has been expressed by corporate executives and Olympic athlete [Dai Tamesue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dai_Tamesue "Dai Tamesue").[\[123\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-j-today-131) One of famous Japanese director [Hirokazu Kore-eda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hirokazu_Kore-eda "Hirokazu Kore-eda")'s earliest movies, a documentary called "August without Him", released in 1994, follows Hirata Yutaka, the first openly gay [AIDS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIDS "AIDS") sufferer in Japan. Filmed over a series of months, it contrasts his public life as an outspoken figure on the lecture circuit with his personal descent into illness and death. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7e/TokyoRainbowPrideParade-maingate-side-sunny-may8-2016.jpg/250px-TokyoRainbowPrideParade-maingate-side-sunny-may8-2016.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:TokyoRainbowPrideParade-maingate-side-sunny-may8-2016.jpg) Tokyo Rainbow Pride in 2016 [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/Sapporo_Rainbow_Pride_2019%3B_September_2019.jpg/250px-Sapporo_Rainbow_Pride_2019%3B_September_2019.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sapporo_Rainbow_Pride_2019;_September_2019.jpg) [Sapporo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo "Sapporo") Rainbow Pride in September 2019 Japan's society and government are predominantly conservative.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-BBC-7) Most political parties in Japan have formal positions in favor or against LGBTQ rights in their party's platform or manifesto. The [Liberal Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\(Japan\) "Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)") (LDP) has indicated opposition to legalizing [same-sex marriage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage "Same-sex marriage"), whereas the [Constitutional Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitutional_Democratic_Party_of_Japan "Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan") (CDP), the [Japanese Communist Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Communist_Party "Japanese Communist Party") (JCP), the [Japan Innovation Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nippon_Ishin_no_Kai "Nippon Ishin no Kai"),[\[124\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-132) and the [Social Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Democratic_Party_\(Japan\) "Social Democratic Party (Japan)") have indicated support for legalization.[\[125\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-133) In a 2023 survey, [Pew Research Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pew_Research_Center "Pew Research Center") estimated that nearly 70% of Japanese people support same-sex marriage, the highest percentage of acceptance out of the Asian countries surveyed.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-PewResearch-24) In 2001, the Council for Human Rights Promotion, under the Ministry of Justice, recommended that [sexual orientation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_orientation "Sexual orientation") be included in the nation's civil rights code, but the National Diet refused to adopt the recommendation. In 2003, [Aya Kamikawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aya_Kamikawa "Aya Kamikawa") became the first openly [transgender](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender "Transgender") politician to be elected to public office in Japan, winning a seat on the Setagaya Ward Assembly. She initially ran as an independent but expressed support for the now-defunct [Rainbow and Greens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_and_Greens "Rainbow and Greens").[\[126\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-134) In 2005, [Kanako Otsuji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanako_Otsuji "Kanako Otsuji"), from the [Osaka Prefectural Assembly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka_Prefectural_Assembly "Osaka Prefectural Assembly") (2003–2007), became the first openly gay politician in Japan, when she formally came out at the Tokyo Gay Pride Festival. She later briefly served on the [House of Councillors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Councillors_\(Japan\) "House of Councillors (Japan)") in 2013. Following the [2017 general election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Japanese_general_election "2017 Japanese general election"), Otsuji became the first openly lesbian member of the [House of Representatives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Representatives_\(Japan\) "House of Representatives (Japan)").[\[127\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-135) In 2010, [Tokyo Governor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor_of_Tokyo "Governor of Tokyo") [Shintaro Ishihara](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shintaro_Ishihara "Shintaro Ishihara") faced international criticism for controversial comments he made, in which he said that gays and lesbians were "deficient somehow. It may be attributed to something genetic. I feel sorry for them being a minority."[\[128\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-136) In 2011, [Taiga Ishikawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiga_Ishikawa "Taiga Ishikawa") became the first openly gay man elected to office in Japan, winning a seat in the local assembly of [Toshima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toshima "Toshima") Ward.[\[129\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-137) He came out publicly in his book Where Is My Boyfriend (2002), and started a non-profit organization that sponsors social events for gay men in Japan. At the [2019 House of Councillors election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Japanese_House_of_Councillors_election "2019 Japanese House of Councillors election"), Ishikawa won a seat in the House of Councillors as a member of the CDP, the first openly gay man to do so.[\[130\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-138)[\[131\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-139) After his election, he vowed to legalize same-sex marriage and enact anti-discrimination laws within the six years of his term.[\[132\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-140)[\[133\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-141)[\[134\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-142) At the [2016 House of Councillors election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Japanese_House_of_Councillors_election "2016 Japanese House of Councillors election"), the conservative governing LDP included in its manifesto, that "same-sex marriage is incompatible with the Constitution".[\[135\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-143) However, it also included "promoting understanding of sexual diversity" in its platform, a move that would have been "unthinkable" in earlier times and that lawmaker [Gaku Hashimoto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaku_Hashimoto "Gaku Hashimoto") attributed in part to burnishing the country's international image in advance of the [2020 Summer Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Summer_Olympics "2020 Summer Olympics") in Tokyo.[\[136\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-scmp-2016-144) In 2019, former Defense Minister [Tomomi Inada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomomi_Inada "Tomomi Inada") said she was unsure whether she would be able to introduce new legislation seeking greater tolerance of same-sex relationships amid opposition from her LDP colleagues. While Inada announced she wishes to "promote understanding" of LGBTQ people, she stated she is not trying to get Japan to legalize same-sex marriage or ban discrimination against LGBTQ citizens. Some LDP members have made controversial statements, such as [Katsuei Hirasawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katsuei_Hirasawa "Katsuei Hirasawa") who argued in a speech in February 2019 that the "nation would collapse" if everyone were gay. Another ruling party lawmaker, [Mio Sugita](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mio_Sugita "Mio Sugita"), published a magazine article in 2018 describing same-sex couples as "unproductive" because they do not have children.[\[137\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-145) In March 2017, [Tomoya Hosoda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomoya_Hosoda "Tomoya Hosoda") was elected to the [Iruma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iruma,_Saitama "Iruma, Saitama") Assembly, in the prefecture of [Saitama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saitama_Prefecture "Saitama Prefecture"). Hosoda is believed to be the first openly transgender man elected to public office in the world.[\[138\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-146) During the country's [2017 general election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Japanese_general_election "2017 Japanese general election"), Tokyo Governor [Yuriko Koike](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuriko_Koike "Yuriko Koike")'s newly launched [Party of Hope](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kib%C5%8D_no_T%C5%8D "Kibō no Tō") pledged the elimination of LGBTQ discrimination in its manifesto.[\[139\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-147) In January 2019, trans woman Maria Akasaka became a member of the [Kameoka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kameoka,_Kyoto "Kameoka, Kyoto") City Assembly, in [Kyoto Prefecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto_Prefecture "Kyoto Prefecture").[\[140\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-148) In April 2019, another trans woman, [Ayako Fuchigami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayako_Fuchigami "Ayako Fuchigami"), won a seat on the Hokkaido Prefectural Assembly representing [Sapporo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo "Sapporo")'s [Higashi-ku](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higashi-ku,_Sapporo "Higashi-ku, Sapporo") ward. She became the first openly transgender person to hold a prefectural assembly position in Japan.[\[141\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-149) In June 2019, the CDP added introducing legislation aimed at ending discrimination against the LGBTQ community and legalising same-sex marriage to its party platform ahead of the [2019 Japanese House of Councillors election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Japanese_House_of_Councillors_election "2019 Japanese House of Councillors election").[\[142\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-150) In May 2021, Japan's conservative governing LDP has been accused of violating the Olympic charter after it failed to approve a bill to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community, during discussions marred by homophobic outbursts from conservative MPs. Closed meetings held in May to discuss a bill, proposed by opposition parties, ended without agreement after some LDP MPs said the rights of sexual minorities had "gone too far". An unnamed lawmaker described LGBTQ people as "morally unacceptable", while another MP, Kazuo Yana, said sexual minorities were "resisting the preservation of the species that occurs naturally in biological terms", media reports said. The failure to back a proposed law to protect LGBTQ rights was condemned by human rights groups, which said the party deserved a "gold medal for homophobia".[\[143\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-151) In July 2022, LGBTQ rights activists and supporters protested in front of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's headquarters after an intra-party panel meeting circulated a booklet claiming that "homosexuality is a mental disease or addiction." The text was packed with false information, including "It's not the case that high suicide rates among LGBTQ people can be attributed to discrimination within society," and, "We should not legitimatize the sexual lifestyles of sexual minorities as it will become a social problem which will destroy families and society."[\[144\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-152) In 2023, [Prime Minister](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Japan "Prime Minister of Japan") [Fumio Kishida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fumio_Kishida "Fumio Kishida") of the [Liberal Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Democratic_Party_\(Japan\) "Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)") met with LGBTQ groups in the [Prime Minister's Official Residence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister%27s_Official_Residence_\(Japan\) "Prime Minister's Official Residence (Japan)") and apologized for comments made by his former aide, Masayoshi Arai, based on [homophobia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homophobia "Homophobia") and anti-[same-sex marriage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage "Same-sex marriage").[\[145\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-153) \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Same-sex sexual activity legal \| [![Never criminalized](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Never criminalized") (Since 1882) \| \| Equal age of consent (16) \| [![Yes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Yes") (Since 1882) \| \| Anti-discrimination laws in employment \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No")/[![Yes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Yes") (In [Tokyo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo "Tokyo"), [Ibaraki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibaraki_Prefecture "Ibaraki Prefecture") and [Akita](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akita_Prefecture "Akita Prefecture")) \| \| Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No")/[![Yes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Yes") (In Tokyo and Ibaraki) \| \| Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech) \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") \| \| [Civil unions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_union "Civil union") \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") \| \| Same-sex marriage \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") (Ban declared unconstitutional in some lower courts)[\[i\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-154)[\[146\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-155) \| \| Recognition of same-sex couples \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No")/[![Yes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Yes") (Several jurisdictions offer partnership certificates) \| \| Stepchild adoption by same-sex couples \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No")/[![Yes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Yes") (Some jurisdictions offer partnership certificates including identifying biological children of one partner) \| \| Joint adoption by same-sex couples \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") \| \| [Legal recognition of intersex people](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_recognition_of_intersex_people "Legal recognition of intersex people") \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg) \| \| [Intersex human rights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intersex_human_rights "Intersex human rights") \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg) \| \| Lesbian, gay and bisexual people allowed to serve in the military \| [![Yes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Yes") \| \| Transgender people allowed to serve openly in the military \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/Emblem-question.svg/20px-Emblem-question.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Emblem-question.svg) \| \| Right to change legal gender \| [![Yes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Yes") (Since 2004; under certain restrictions: must undergo [surgery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_reassignment_surgery "Sex reassignment surgery"), be unmarried, and have no children under 18) \| \| [Gender self-identification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_self-identification "Gender self-identification") \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") \| \| [Legal recognition of non-binary gender](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_recognition_of_non-binary_gender "Legal recognition of non-binary gender") \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") \| \| Conversion therapy on minors banned \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") \| \| Access to IVF for lesbian couples \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No")[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-hrw.org-60)[\[147\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-156) \| \| Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples \| [![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") (Banned regardless of sexual orientation) \| \| [MSM](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men_who_have_sex_with_men "Men who have sex with men") allowed to [donate blood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSM_blood_donor_controversy "MSM blood donor controversy") \| [![Yes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg "Yes")/[![No](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/X_mark.svg/20px-X_mark.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:X_mark.svg "No") (6-month deferral period) \| - [LGBTQ rights in Tokyo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Tokyo "LGBT rights in Tokyo") - [Human rights in Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Japan "Human rights in Japan") - [Situation of homosexuals in the Japanese military (JSDF)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_orientation_and_military_service_by_country#Japan "Sexual orientation and military service by country") - [LGBTQ rights in Asia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Asia "LGBT rights in Asia") - [LGBT and politics in Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBT_and_politics_in_Japan&action=edit&redlink=1 "LGBT and politics in Japan (page does not exist)") \[[ja](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E3%81%AB%E3%81%8A%E3%81%91%E3%82%8BLGBT%E3%81%A8%E6%94%BF%E6%B2%BB "ja:日本におけるLGBTと政治")\] 1. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-64) The 50 other municipalities are [Koga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koga,_Fukuoka "Koga, Fukuoka") (July 2021), [Toyota](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota,_Aichi "Toyota, Aichi") (July 2021), [Iruma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iruma,_Saitama "Iruma, Saitama") (September 2021), [Miyoshi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miyoshi,_Tokushima "Miyoshi, Tokushima") (September 2021), [Kawajima](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawajima,_Saitama "Kawajima, Saitama") (October 2021), [Kōnosu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C5%8Dnosu "Kōnosu") (December 2021), [Sōja](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C5%8Dja "Sōja") (December 2021), [Hannō](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hann%C5%8D "Hannō") (January 2022), [Hidaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hidaka,_Saitama "Hidaka, Saitama") (January 2022), [Tokorozawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokorozawa,_Saitama "Tokorozawa, Saitama") (January 2022), [Mitoyo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitoyo,_Kagawa "Mitoyo, Kagawa") (January 2022), [Ichikawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichikawa,_Chiba "Ichikawa, Chiba") (February 2022), [Anan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anan,_Tokushima "Anan, Tokushima") (April 2022), [Bungo-Ōno](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bungo-%C5%8Cno "Bungo-Ōno") (April 2022), [Kan'onji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kan%27onji,_Kagawa "Kan'onji, Kagawa") (April 2022), [Kanuma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanuma,_Tochigi "Kanuma, Tochigi") (April 2022), [Kasaoka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasaoka "Kasaoka") (April 2022), [Kasuya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasuya,_Fukuoka "Kasuya, Fukuoka") (April 2022), [Kosai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosai,_Shizuoka "Kosai, Shizuoka") (April 2022), [Miyashiro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miyashiro,_Saitama "Miyashiro, Saitama") (April 2022), [Okazaki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okazaki,_Aichi "Okazaki, Aichi") (April 2022), [Yoshimi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshimi,_Saitama "Yoshimi, Saitama") (April 2022), [Tosashimizu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tosashimizu,_K%C5%8Dchi "Tosashimizu, Kōchi") (June 2022), [Tondabayashi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tondabayashi "Tondabayashi") (July 2022), [Osaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka "Osaka") (August 2022), [Ichinomiya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichinomiya,_Aichi "Ichinomiya, Aichi") (September 2022), [Toyoyama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyoyama "Toyoyama") (September 2022), [Naha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naha "Naha") (October 2022), [Toda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toda,_Saitama "Toda, Saitama") (October 2022), [Ikeda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikeda,_Osaka "Ikeda, Osaka") (October 2022), [Setagaya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setagaya "Setagaya") (November 2022), [Nagoya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagoya "Nagoya") (December 2022), [Ichinoseki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichinoseki,_Iwate "Ichinoseki, Iwate") (December 2022), [Wako](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wako,_Saitama "Wako, Saitama") (January 2023), [Komaki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komaki "Komaki") (February 2023), [Nagaoka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagaoka,_Niigata "Nagaoka, Niigata") (February 2023), [Ranzan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranzan,_Saitama "Ranzan, Saitama") (March 2023), [Kashiwa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashiwa "Kashiwa") (March 2023), [Takasago](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takasago,_Hy%C5%8Dgo "Takasago, Hyōgo") (April 2023), [Namegawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namegawa,_Saitama "Namegawa, Saitama") (April 2023), [Asaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asaka,_Saitama "Asaka, Saitama") (April 2023), [Kasukabe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasukabe,_Saitama "Kasukabe, Saitama") (April 2023), [Niiza](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niiza,_Saitama "Niiza, Saitama") (April 2023), [Shiki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiki,_Saitama "Shiki, Saitama") (April 2023), [Nachikatsuura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nachikatsuura "Nachikatsuura") (April 2023), [Maibara](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maibara,_Shiga "Maibara, Shiga") (April 2023), [Kaizu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaizu,_Gifu "Kaizu, Gifu") (April 2023), [Matsudo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsudo,_Chiba "Matsudo, Chiba") (April 2023), [Chiba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiba,_Chiba "Chiba, Chiba") (April 2023), [Sapporo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo "Sapporo") (April 2023) and [Morioka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morioka "Morioka") (May 2023).[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_note-listcities-62) 2. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-67) [Rōmaji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanization_of_Japanese "Romanization of Japanese"): haigūsha kara no bōryoku no bōshi oyobi higaisha no hogo tō ni kansuru hōritsu 3. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-78) [Rōmaji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanization_of_Japanese "Romanization of Japanese"): seiteki shikō mata wa sei jinin o riyū to suru sabetsu no kaishō tō no suishin ni kansuru houritsu an 4. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-85) Rōmaji: danjo koyō kikai kintō hō 5. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-87) Rōmaji: moderu shūgyō kisoku 6. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-100) [Rōmaji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanization_of_Japanese "Romanization of Japanese"): seiteki shikō oyobi gender identity no tayōsei ni kansuru kokumin no rikai no zōshin ni kansuru hōritsu 7. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-101) [Rōmaji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanization_of_Japanese "Romanization of Japanese"): LGBT rikai zōshin hō 8. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-102) Rōmaji: seidōitsusei shōgaisha no seibetsu no toriatsukai no tokurei ni kansuru hōritsu 9. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-154) Article 24 of the [Japanese Constitution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Constitution "Japanese Constitution") describes marriage in heteronormative phrasing. 1. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-1) ["ILGA State sponsored homophobia 2008.doc"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090306021141/http://www.ilga.org/statehomophobia/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2008.pdf) (PDF). Ilga.org. Archived from [the original](http://www.ilga.org/statehomophobia/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2008.pdf) (PDF) on 6 March 2009. Retrieved 20 January 2011. 2. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-2) Lee, Michelle; Inuma, Julia. ["Japan is hostile for LGBTQ people, but attitudes are shifting. Slowly"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/04/12/japan-lgbt-rights-same-sex-marriage/). The Washington Post. Retrieved 7 August 2023. 3. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-3) McCurry, Justin (8 June 2023). ["Japan court falls short of calling same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional"](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/08/japan-court-falls-short-of-calling-same-sex-marriage-ban-unconstitutional). The Guardian. 4. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-4) Joplin, Kat (10 December 2023). ["Politics and pageantry for Japan's LGBTQ community in 2023"](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2023/12/10/lifestyle/2023-gender-japan-drag-culture/). The Japan Times. Retrieved 10 December 2023. 5. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-5) ["H-Net Reviews"](http://www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=4126). H-net.org. May 2000. Retrieved 16 June 2014. 6. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-Justin_McCurry_6-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-Justin_McCurry_6-1) Justin McCurry (30 October 2020). ["Japan's 'love hotels' accused of anti-gay discrimination"](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/30/japans-love-hotels-accused-of-anti-gay-discrimination). The Guardian. 7. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-BBC_7-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-BBC_7-1) Khalil, Shaimaa (2 October 2023). ["Marriage equality eludes Japan's same-sex couples"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-66173433). [BBC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC "BBC"). Retrieved 3 October 2023. 8. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-8)* 日本放送協会. ["同性婚認めないのは違憲の初判断国への賠償は退ける札幌地裁"](https://www.nhk.or.jp/politics/articles/statement/55909.html). NHK政治マガジン (in Japanese). Retrieved 27 February 2023. 9. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-9) 日本放送協会. ["同性婚認めないのは憲法違反違憲判断は全国2件目名古屋地裁"](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20230530/k10014082521000.html). NHK NEWS WEB (in Japanese). Retrieved 16 October 2023. `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service "Category:CS1 maint: deprecated archival service")) 10. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-10) 日本放送協会. [""同性婚認められないのは憲法に違反せず" 大阪地裁 \\| NHK"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220620053223/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20220620/k10013679951000.html). NHKニュース. Archived from [the original](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20220620/k10013679951000.html) on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2023. 11. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-11) 日本放送協会. ["同性婚法制度ないのは違憲状態も憲法には違反せず東京地裁 \\| NHK"](https://web.archive.org/web/20221130060822/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20221130/k10013908001000.html). NHKニュース. Archived from [the original](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20221130/k10013908001000.html) on 30 November 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2023. 12. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-12) ["Japan court rules same-sex marriage ban constitutional, but advocates hold out hope"](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/11/30/national/crime-legal/court-same-sex-marriage-ruling/). The Japan Times. 30 November 2022. Retrieved 24 February 2023. 13. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-13) Lies, Elaine (8 June 2023). ["Japan ruling on same-sex marriage disappoints but 'a step forward'"](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-court-rules-that-not-allowing-same-sex-marriage-is-state-2023-06-08/). Reuters. Retrieved 15 November 2023. "A Japanese court on Thursday said a ban on same-sex marriage was constitutional" 14. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-14) [""Legislation of same-sex marriage is essential" to promote understanding of LGBTQ people: Second lawsuit argument at Tokyo District Court"](https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/280381). 東京新聞 TOKYO Web. Retrieved 28 September 2023. 15. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-15) Sam Shoushi (25 March 2008). ["Japan and Sexual Minorities \\| ヒューライツ大阪"](http://www.hurights.or.jp/archives/focus/section2/2008/06/japan-and-sexual-minorities.html). Hurights.or.jp. Retrieved 16 June 2014. 16. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-16) ["The Global Divide on Homosexuality Persists"](https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2020/06/25/global-divide-on-homosexuality-persists/). Pew Research Center. 25 June 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2021. 17. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-17) Lies, Elaine; Pomfret, James (31 August 2023). ["More LGBTQ rights could help Asia financial hubs draw global talent"](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/more-lgbtq-rights-could-help-asia-financial-hubs-draw-global-talent-2023-08-31/). Reuters. Retrieved 31 August 2023. 18. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-PinkNews_18-0) Condon, Ali (16 October 2023). ["Japan: Family court rules it's unconstitutional to require surgery for gender change"](https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/10/16/japan-surgery-gender-change-unconstitutional/). PinkNews. Retrieved 16 October 2023. 19. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-apnews_19-0) ["Japan's top court strikes down required sterilization surgery to officially change gender"](https://apnews.com/article/japan-lgbtq-transgender-ruling-gender-change-decdbdca9c8dd3658ae86b63ec40c53d). [Associated Press News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Associated_Press_News "Associated Press News"). 25 October 2023. 20. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-20) ["Archived copy"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131116211018/http://ilga.org/historic/Statehomophobia/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2008.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http://ilga.org/historic/Statehomophobia/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2008.pdf) (PDF) on 16 November 2013. Retrieved 14 October 2013. `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_archived_copy_as_title "Category:CS1 maint: archived copy as title")) 21. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-21) ["12 pictures of Tokyo Pride which will make your day"](http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2017/05/08/here-are-12-pictures-of-tokyo-pride-which-will-make-your-day/). 8 May 2017. Retrieved 8 April 2018. 22. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-22) Chisaki Watanabe (29 November 2015). ["Majority of Japanese Support Same-Sex Marriage, Poll Shows - Bloomberg Business"](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-29/majority-of-japanese-support-same-sex-marriage-poll-shows). Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 27 December 2015. 23. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-23) ["Survey: 78% of Japanese in 20s to 50s favor legal gay marriages"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220611002001/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13053805). The Asahi Shimbun. 28 January 2019. Archived from [the original](https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13053805) on 11 June 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2022. 24. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-PewResearch_24-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-PewResearch_24-1) Gubbala, Sneha; Poushter, Jacob; Huang, Christine (27 November 2023). ["How people around the world view same-sex marriage"](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/11/27/how-people-around-the-world-view-same-sex-marriage/). Pew Research Center. Retrieved 28 November 2023. 25. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-25)* ["38% of LGBT people in Japan sexually harassed or assaulted: survey"](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/12/2cfe9ff21ca8-38-of-lgbt-people-sexually-harassed-or-assaulted-survey.html). Kyodo News. 27 December 2020. 26. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-26) ["UN votes to renew LGBTQ+ expert's mandate just after the US withdrew from Human Rights Council"](https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/07/un-votes-to-renew-lgbtq-experts-mandate-just-after-the-us-withdrew-from-human-rights-council/). lgbtqnation.com. Retrieved 8 July 2025. 27. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-27) Roy, Deblina (June 2019). ["Homosexuality and Mythology"](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338402252). Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture. 5 (1): 60. Retrieved 17 April 2023. 28. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-28) Childs, Margaret (1980). "Chigo Monogatari: Love Stories or Buddhist Sermons?". Monumenta Nipponica. Sophia University. 35: 127–51. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_object_identifier "Digital object identifier"):[10\.2307/2384336](https://doi.org/10.2307%2F2384336). 29. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-:2_29-0) Pflugfelder, Gregory M. (1997). Cartographies of desire: male–male sexuality in Japanese discourse, 1600–1950. University of California Press. p. 26, 39–42, 75, 70-71, 252, 30. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-:0_30-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-:0_30-1) Furukawa, Makoto. The Changing Nature of Sexuality: The Three Codes Framing Homosexuality in Modern Japan. pp. 99, 100, 108, 112. 31. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-:1_31-0)* [Leupp, Gary (1997).](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_Japan#CITEREFLeupp1997 "Homosexuality in Japan") [Male Colors: The Construction of Homosexuality in Tokugawa Japan](https://books.google.com/books?id=a6q-PqPDAmIC). University of California Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-520-91919-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-520-91919-8 "Special:BookSources/978-0-520-91919-8") ., p. 26, 32, 53, 69-78, 88, 90- 92, 95-97, 102, 132-135. 32. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-32) Kinkade, Tyler; Endo, Shunpei (2021). ["LGBT who? Crosslinguistic influence in sociosexual and gender literacy"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210508152327/https://gale-sig.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/GALE-Journal-2021-Vol-13.pdf) (PDF). Gender Awareness in Language Education Journal. 13: 9. Archived from [the original](https://gale-sig.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/GALE-Journal-2021-Vol-13.pdf) (PDF) on 8 May 2021. Retrieved 18 March 2021. 33. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-33) ["Intersections: Male Homosexuality and Popular Culture in Modern Japan"](http://intersections.anu.edu.au/issue3/mclelland2.html). intersections.anu.edu.au. Retrieved 8 April 2018. 34. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-34) Fian, Andi (2 December 2022). ["BUDDHISM AND CONFUCIANISM ON HOMOSEXUALITY: THE ACCEPTANCE AND REJECTION BASED ON THE ARGUMENTS OF RELIGIOUS TEXTS"](https://philarchive.org/archive/ALFBAC). Journal of Religious Studies. 3 (2). Sekolah Pascasarjana, Universitas Gadjah Mada: Center for Religious and Cross-cultural Studies (CRCS): 73–82 – via Phil. 35. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-35) ["H-Net Reviews"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070627003627/http://h-net.org/reviews/showrev.cgi?path=6956959187889). H-net.org. Archived from [the original](http://www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.cgi?path=6956959187889) on 27 June 2007. Retrieved 20 January 2011. 36. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-36) ["Japan raises age of consent from 13 to 16 in reform of sex crimes law"](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/16/japan-raises-age-of-consent-from-13-to-16-in-reform-of-sex-crimes-law#:~:text=Japan%20has%20raised%20the%20age,house%20in%20a%20unanimous%20vote.). The Guardian. Agence France-Presse. 16 June 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023. 37. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Japan#cite_ref-37) ["The Violations of the Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Persons in Japan"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101230220003/http://www.globalrights.org/site/DocServer/Shadow_Report_Japan.pdf?docID=10043) (PDF). [Global Rights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Rights "Global Rights"). October 2008. Archived from [the original](http://www.globalrights.org/site/DocServer/Shadow_Report_Japan.pdf?docID=10043) (PDF) on 30 December 2010. Retrieved 12 January 2015. 38. 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