🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 147 (from laksa034)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa147.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://unseen-japan.com/japan-same-sex-couples-24-rights/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://unseen-japan.com/japan-same-sex-couples-24-rights/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/japan-same-sex-couples-24-rights\/","crawl_time":1776427851,"first_indexed_time":1737503801,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,unseen-japan!\/japan-same-sex-couples-24-rights\/ s443","src_root_hash":"5277812844777071747","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Japan Recognizes 24 Laws That Cover LGBTQ Couples - Unseen Japan","meta_descriptions":["The government is still investigating whether same-sex couples in common-law marriages are covered by an additional 130 laws.","The government is still investigating whether same-sex couples in common-law marriages are covered by an additional 130 laws."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Japan’s conservative-leaning government continues to drag its feet on passing marriage equality despite broad public support. However, in a surprise move, the government today said that same-sex couples were covered by 24 laws usually reserved for legally recognized marriages.\nThe decision follows a court ruling last March in the case of a man in Nagoya, Uchiyama Yasuhide (49), whose partner had been murdered. The man sued Aichi Prefecture when it denied him a spousal survivor benefit, arguing that the two men had a common-law marriage.\nTwo lower courts ruled against the man. However, in a 4-1 decision, Japan’s Supreme Court found\ntheir relationship “amounted to a common-law marriage”\nand sent the case back to the lower court for reconsideration.\nAs a result of the decision, Japan’s central government considered whether to recognize other legal rights for same-sex partners. As a result,\nit’s determined that 24 additional law apply to same-sex partners\nin common-law marriages, including protection from domestic violence, lease\/rental laws, and access to child abuse prevention services.\nWhile a step forward, there are still 130 laws under which same-sex partnerships might apply.  These include Japan’s pension law, public health care system law, and childcare allowances, among others.\nPlanning a trip to Japan? Get an authentic, interpreted experience from\nUnseen Japan Tours\nand see a side of the country others miss!\nMiura Junko, the head of Japan’s Children and Families Agency, says the government is expediting consideration of whether, and how, these laws apply to same-sex couples.\nA majority of people in Japan support marriage equality\n. However, conservative elements of Japan’s long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) vociferously oppose it.\nLast October’s election\n, however, knocked the LDP from the seat of majority power, forcing it into a coalition government. It’s possible now, say some, that\na marriage equality bill would have enough votes to pass in Japan’s Diet\n.\nAround three-quarters of Japan’s population is\ncurrently covered by local partnership systems\n. These confer some rights to same-sex couples at the municipal level but aren’t a substitute for full marriage rights.\nGet More UJ\nSupport our work by\nsubscribing to Unseen Japan Insider\n. You’ll get a bonus article, just for members, emailed to you every week. Plus, you’ll get access to our\nInsider back issues archive\n, “ask us anything” privileges, and a voice in our future editorial direction.\nSubscribe to Insider\nWhat to read next\nLGBTQ\nSmall City, Big Pride: Japanese Prefecture Gets Its First Pride Parade\nThe parade in Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, shows how Japan’s LGBTQ+ citizens are committed to raising awareness in smaller cities and towns.\nRead More »\nLGBTQ\nLGBTQ People, Advocates Ask Japan’s Politicians to Legalize Marriage Equality Swiftly\nAfter a bitter court loss, LGBTQ people in Japan continue pressing politicians for fast action.\nRead More »\nLGBTQ\nSurprise, Anger, and Frustration as Tokyo’s High Court Rules Against Marriage Equality\nSupporters of marriage equality in Japan were met with an unexpected setback after a series of affirmative rulings.\nRead More »","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/japan-same-sex-couples-24-rights\/#content)\n\n[Bluesky-icon-bluesky-logo](https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/unseenjapan.com)     [Youtube](https:\/\/youtube.com\/c\/unseenjapan)     [Discord](https:\/\/discord.gg\/uPwBhuBCwQ)\n\n[UNSEEN JAPAN](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/)\n\n- [Japan News](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/latest)\n- [Tours](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/unseen-japan-tours\/)\n- [Members](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/category\/insider\/)\n- [Newsletter](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/newsletter)\n- [About](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/about)\n\n- [Japan News](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/latest)\n- [Tours](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/unseen-japan-tours\/)\n- [Members](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/category\/insider\/)\n- [Newsletter](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/newsletter)\n- [About](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/about)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/)\n- Category:   [LGBTQ](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/category\/news\/lgbtq\/)\n- Tags:   [aichi prefecture](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/tag\/aichi-prefecture\/), [children and families agency](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/tag\/children-and-families-agency\/), [marriage equality](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/tag\/marriage-equality\/)\n- [Posted on January 21, 2025](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/2025\/01\/21\/)\n# Japan Recognizes 24 Laws That Cover LGBTQ Couples\n![Gavel on LGBTQ flag](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/pixta_109083555_M.jpg)\n\nPicture: sweettomato \/ PIXTA(ピクスタ)\n\n[![follow on google news](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/follow-on-google-news.png)](https:\/\/news.google.com\/search?q=unseen%20japan&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen)\n\n[![follow on google news](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/follow-on-google-news.png)](https:\/\/news.google.com\/search?q=unseen%20japan&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen)\n\nThe government is still investigating whether same-sex couples in common-law marriages are covered by an additional 130 laws.\n\nDon’t miss a thing – get our [free newsletter](https:\/\/us20.campaign-archive.com\/home\/?u=e9c0d2fc400d4b96cabfca61a&id=c22bae80d3)\n\n![Picture of Jay Allen](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/422281ee5e9177e8ef2c60272c65e57bb13c9aa632a95390dd837cf7aa92e42a?s=300&d=mm&r=g)\n\n#### Jay Allen\n[More By This Author](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/author\/unseenjapanpress\/)\n\n![Picture of Jay Allen](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/422281ee5e9177e8ef2c60272c65e57bb13c9aa632a95390dd837cf7aa92e42a?s=300&d=mm&r=g)\n\n#### Jay Allen\n[More By This Author](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/author\/unseenjapanpress\/)\n\nJapan’s conservative-leaning government continues to drag its feet on passing marriage equality despite broad public support. However, in a surprise move, the government today said that same-sex couples were covered by 24 laws usually reserved for legally recognized marriages.\n\nThe decision follows a court ruling last March in the case of a man in Nagoya, Uchiyama Yasuhide (49), whose partner had been murdered. The man sued Aichi Prefecture when it denied him a spousal survivor benefit, arguing that the two men had a common-law marriage.\n\nTwo lower courts ruled against the man. However, in a 4-1 decision, Japan’s Supreme Court found [their relationship “amounted to a common-law marriage”](https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/tokai-news\/20240326\/3000034829.html) and sent the case back to the lower court for reconsideration.\n\nAs a result of the decision, Japan’s central government considered whether to recognize other legal rights for same-sex partners. As a result, [it’s determined that 24 additional law apply to same-sex partners](https:\/\/digital.asahi.com\/articles\/AST1P2JHST1PUTFL008M.html?iref=pc_national_top__n) in common-law marriages, including protection from domestic violence, lease\/rental laws, and access to child abuse prevention services.\n\nWhile a step forward, there are still 130 laws under which same-sex partnerships might apply. These include Japan’s pension law, public health care system law, and childcare allowances, among others.\n\n#### Planning a trip to Japan? Get an authentic, interpreted experience from [Unseen Japan Tours](https:\/\/unseenjapan.com\/unseen-japan-tours\/) and see a side of the country others miss\\!\n[![](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/uj-tours-unseen-seen-12-2024.png)](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/unseen-japan-tours\/?utm_medium=web&utm_source=uj&utm_campaign=uj_inarticle)\n\nMiura Junko, the head of Japan’s Children and Families Agency, says the government is expediting consideration of whether, and how, these laws apply to same-sex couples.\n\n[A majority of people in Japan support marriage equality](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/japan-marriage-equality-support-2023\/). However, conservative elements of Japan’s long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) vociferously oppose it.\n\n[Last October’s election](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/japan-house-representatives-women-highest\/), however, knocked the LDP from the seat of majority power, forcing it into a coalition government. It’s possible now, say some, that [a marriage equality bill would have enough votes to pass in Japan’s Diet](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/marriage-equality-japan-votes\/).\n\nAround three-quarters of Japan’s population is [currently covered by local partnership systems](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/japan-partnership-systems-70-percent\/). These confer some rights to same-sex couples at the municipal level but aren’t a substitute for full marriage rights.\n\n## Get More UJ\nSupport our work by [subscribing to Unseen Japan Insider](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/subscribe). You’ll get a bonus article, just for members, emailed to you every week. Plus, you’ll get access to our [Insider back issues archive](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/category\/insider), “ask us anything” privileges, and a voice in our future editorial direction.\n\n[Subscribe to Insider](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/subscribe)\n\n## What to read next\n[![](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769584047184-1024x768.jpg)](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/ibaraki-prefecture-first-pride-parade\/)\n\nLGBTQ\n\n[Small City, Big Pride: Japanese Prefecture Gets Its First Pride Parade](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/ibaraki-prefecture-first-pride-parade\/)\n\nThe parade in Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, shows how Japan’s LGBTQ+ citizens are committed to raising awareness in smaller cities and towns.\n\n[Read More »](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/ibaraki-prefecture-first-pride-parade\/)\n\n[![Picture from Marriage For All Japan event](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1765906441965-1024x768.jpg)](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/marriage-equality-rally-tokyo\/)\n\nLGBTQ\n\n[LGBTQ People, Advocates Ask Japan’s Politicians to Legalize Marriage Equality Swiftly](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/marriage-equality-rally-tokyo\/)\n\nAfter a bitter court loss, LGBTQ people in Japan continue pressing politicians for fast action.\n\n[Read More »](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/marriage-equality-rally-tokyo\/)\n\n[![Picture outside of court after marriage equality decision handed down](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1764475956978-1024x768.jpg)](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/marriage-equality-tokyo-court-ruling\/)\n\nLGBTQ\n\n[Surprise, Anger, and Frustration as Tokyo’s High Court Rules Against Marriage Equality](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/marriage-equality-tokyo-court-ruling\/)\n\nSupporters of marriage equality in Japan were met with an unexpected setback after a series of affirmative rulings.\n\n[Read More »](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/marriage-equality-tokyo-court-ruling\/)\n\nDon’t miss a thing – get our [free newsletter](https:\/\/us20.campaign-archive.com\/home\/?u=e9c0d2fc400d4b96cabfca61a&id=c22bae80d3)\n\n![Picture of Jay Allen](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/422281ee5e9177e8ef2c60272c65e57bb13c9aa632a95390dd837cf7aa92e42a?s=300&d=mm&r=g)\n\n#### Jay Allen\nJay is a resident of Tokyo where he reports and conducts tours for Unseen Japan. His work on Japan has been cited in numerous publications, including USA Today, the Washington Post, Fortune, TIME, NPR, The Guardian, and The World. In his spare time, he loves reading Japanese novels. You can [follow Jay on Bluesky](https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/jayallenuj.bsky.social).\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/)\n- [Tours](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/unseen-japan-tours\/)\n- [Plan Your Japan Trip](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/japan-trip-preparing\/)\n- [UJ Tours Affiliate Program](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/unseen-japan-tours-affiliate\/)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/privacy-policy\/)\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/terms-of-use\/)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/contact\/)\n- [Submissions](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/submissions\/)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/)\n- [Tours](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/unseen-japan-tours\/)\n- [Plan Your Japan Trip](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/japan-trip-preparing\/)\n- [UJ Tours Affiliate Program](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/unseen-japan-tours-affiliate\/)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/privacy-policy\/)\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/terms-of-use\/)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/contact\/)\n- [Submissions](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/submissions\/)\n\n**Unseen Japan is proudly hosted by Rocket.net. [Get your first month of WordPress hosting on Rocket.net](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/recommends\/hosting) for just \\$1.**\n\nLinks on Unseen Japan may point to affiliate programs from which we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, [read our privacy policy](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/privacy-policy\/).\n\n[Mastodon](https:\/\/mstdn.jp\/@unseenjapan)\n\nCopyright © 2026 UJ Media Services. All rights reserved.\n\n![](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/unseen-japan-avatar-150-transparent-1.png)\n\n## Before You Go...\n\nLet’s stay in touch. Get our **free** newsletter to get a weekly update on our best stories (all human-generated, we promise). You’ll also help keep UJ independent of Google and the social media giants.\n\nWant a preview? [Read our archives](https:\/\/us20.campaign-archive.com\/home\/?u=e9c0d2fc400d4b96cabfca61a&id=c22bae80d3).\n\nRead our [privacy policy](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/privacy-policy)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Japan’s conservative-leaning government continues to drag its feet on passing marriage equality despite broad public support. However, in a surprise move, the government today said that same-sex couples were covered by 24 laws usually reserved for legally recognized marriages.\n\nThe decision follows a court ruling last March in the case of a man in Nagoya, Uchiyama Yasuhide (49), whose partner had been murdered. The man sued Aichi Prefecture when it denied him a spousal survivor benefit, arguing that the two men had a common-law marriage.\n\nTwo lower courts ruled against the man. However, in a 4-1 decision, Japan’s Supreme Court found [their relationship “amounted to a common-law marriage”](https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/tokai-news\/20240326\/3000034829.html) and sent the case back to the lower court for reconsideration.\n\nAs a result of the decision, Japan’s central government considered whether to recognize other legal rights for same-sex partners. As a result, [it’s determined that 24 additional law apply to same-sex partners](https:\/\/digital.asahi.com\/articles\/AST1P2JHST1PUTFL008M.html?iref=pc_national_top__n) in common-law marriages, including protection from domestic violence, lease\/rental laws, and access to child abuse prevention services.\n\nWhile a step forward, there are still 130 laws under which same-sex partnerships might apply. These include Japan’s pension law, public health care system law, and childcare allowances, among others.\n\n#### Planning a trip to Japan? Get an authentic, interpreted experience from [Unseen Japan Tours](https:\/\/unseenjapan.com\/unseen-japan-tours\/) and see a side of the country others miss\\!\n[![](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/uj-tours-unseen-seen-12-2024.png)](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/unseen-japan-tours\/?utm_medium=web&utm_source=uj&utm_campaign=uj_inarticle)\n\nMiura Junko, the head of Japan’s Children and Families Agency, says the government is expediting consideration of whether, and how, these laws apply to same-sex couples.\n\n[A majority of people in Japan support marriage equality](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/japan-marriage-equality-support-2023\/). However, conservative elements of Japan’s long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) vociferously oppose it.\n\n[Last October’s election](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/japan-house-representatives-women-highest\/), however, knocked the LDP from the seat of majority power, forcing it into a coalition government. It’s possible now, say some, that [a marriage equality bill would have enough votes to pass in Japan’s Diet](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/marriage-equality-japan-votes\/).\n\nAround three-quarters of Japan’s population is [currently covered by local partnership systems](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/japan-partnership-systems-70-percent\/). These confer some rights to same-sex couples at the municipal level but aren’t a substitute for full marriage rights.\n\nGet More UJ\n\nSupport our work by [subscribing to Unseen Japan Insider](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/subscribe). You’ll get a bonus article, just for members, emailed to you every week. Plus, you’ll get access to our [Insider back issues archive](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/category\/insider), “ask us anything” privileges, and a voice in our future editorial direction.\n\n[Subscribe to Insider](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/subscribe)\n\nWhat to read next\n\n[![](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769584047184-1024x768.jpg)](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/ibaraki-prefecture-first-pride-parade\/)\n\nLGBTQ\n\n[Small City, Big Pride: Japanese Prefecture Gets Its First Pride Parade](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/ibaraki-prefecture-first-pride-parade\/)\n\nThe parade in Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, shows how Japan’s LGBTQ+ citizens are committed to raising awareness in smaller cities and towns.\n\n[Read More »](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/ibaraki-prefecture-first-pride-parade\/)\n\n[![Picture from Marriage For All Japan event](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1765906441965-1024x768.jpg)](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/marriage-equality-rally-tokyo\/)\n\nLGBTQ\n\n[LGBTQ People, Advocates Ask Japan’s Politicians to Legalize Marriage Equality Swiftly](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/marriage-equality-rally-tokyo\/)\n\nAfter a bitter court loss, LGBTQ people in Japan continue pressing politicians for fast action.\n\n[Read More »](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/marriage-equality-rally-tokyo\/)\n\n[![Picture outside of court after marriage equality decision handed down](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1764475956978-1024x768.jpg)](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/marriage-equality-tokyo-court-ruling\/)\n\nLGBTQ\n\n[Surprise, Anger, and Frustration as Tokyo’s High Court Rules Against Marriage Equality](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/marriage-equality-tokyo-court-ruling\/)\n\nSupporters of marriage equality in Japan were met with an unexpected setback after a series of affirmative rulings.\n\n[Read More »](https:\/\/unseen-japan.com\/marriage-equality-tokyo-court-ruling\/)","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

6 hours ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://unseen-japan.com/japan-same-sex-couples-24-rights/
Last Crawled	2026-04-17 12:10:51 (6 hours ago)
First Indexed	2025-01-21 23:56:41 (1 year ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Japan Recognizes 24 Laws That Cover LGBTQ Couples - Unseen Japan
Meta Description	The government is still investigating whether same-sex couples in common-law marriages are covered by an additional 130 laws., The government is still investigating whether same-sex couples in common-law marriages are covered by an additional 130 laws.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	Japan’s conservative-leaning government continues to drag its feet on passing marriage equality despite broad public support. However, in a surprise move, the government today said that same-sex couples were covered by 24 laws usually reserved for legally recognized marriages. The decision follows a court ruling last March in the case of a man in Nagoya, Uchiyama Yasuhide (49), whose partner had been murdered. The man sued Aichi Prefecture when it denied him a spousal survivor benefit, arguing that the two men had a common-law marriage. Two lower courts ruled against the man. However, in a 4-1 decision, Japan’s Supreme Court found their relationship “amounted to a common-law marriage” and sent the case back to the lower court for reconsideration. As a result of the decision, Japan’s central government considered whether to recognize other legal rights for same-sex partners. As a result, it’s determined that 24 additional law apply to same-sex partners in common-law marriages, including protection from domestic violence, lease/rental laws, and access to child abuse prevention services. While a step forward, there are still 130 laws under which same-sex partnerships might apply. These include Japan’s pension law, public health care system law, and childcare allowances, among others. Planning a trip to Japan? Get an authentic, interpreted experience from Unseen Japan Tours and see a side of the country others miss! Miura Junko, the head of Japan’s Children and Families Agency, says the government is expediting consideration of whether, and how, these laws apply to same-sex couples. A majority of people in Japan support marriage equality . However, conservative elements of Japan’s long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) vociferously oppose it. Last October’s election , however, knocked the LDP from the seat of majority power, forcing it into a coalition government. It’s possible now, say some, that a marriage equality bill would have enough votes to pass in Japan’s Diet . Around three-quarters of Japan’s population is currently covered by local partnership systems . These confer some rights to same-sex couples at the municipal level but aren’t a substitute for full marriage rights. Get More UJ Support our work by subscribing to Unseen Japan Insider . You’ll get a bonus article, just for members, emailed to you every week. Plus, you’ll get access to our Insider back issues archive , “ask us anything” privileges, and a voice in our future editorial direction. Subscribe to Insider What to read next LGBTQ Small City, Big Pride: Japanese Prefecture Gets Its First Pride Parade The parade in Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, shows how Japan’s LGBTQ+ citizens are committed to raising awareness in smaller cities and towns. Read More » LGBTQ LGBTQ People, Advocates Ask Japan’s Politicians to Legalize Marriage Equality Swiftly After a bitter court loss, LGBTQ people in Japan continue pressing politicians for fast action. Read More » LGBTQ Surprise, Anger, and Frustration as Tokyo’s High Court Rules Against Marriage Equality Supporters of marriage equality in Japan were met with an unexpected setback after a series of affirmative rulings. Read More »
Markdown	[Skip to content](https://unseen-japan.com/japan-same-sex-couples-24-rights/#content) [Bluesky-icon-bluesky-logo](https://bsky.app/profile/unseenjapan.com) [Youtube](https://youtube.com/c/unseenjapan) [Discord](https://discord.gg/uPwBhuBCwQ) [UNSEEN JAPAN](https://unseen-japan.com/) - [Japan News](https://unseen-japan.com/latest) - [Tours](https://unseen-japan.com/unseen-japan-tours/) - [Members](https://unseen-japan.com/category/insider/) - [Newsletter](https://unseen-japan.com/newsletter) - [About](https://unseen-japan.com/about) - [Japan News](https://unseen-japan.com/latest) - [Tours](https://unseen-japan.com/unseen-japan-tours/) - [Members](https://unseen-japan.com/category/insider/) - [Newsletter](https://unseen-japan.com/newsletter) - [About](https://unseen-japan.com/about) - [Home](https://unseen-japan.com/) - Category: [LGBTQ](https://unseen-japan.com/category/news/lgbtq/) - Tags: [aichi prefecture](https://unseen-japan.com/tag/aichi-prefecture/), [children and families agency](https://unseen-japan.com/tag/children-and-families-agency/), [marriage equality](https://unseen-japan.com/tag/marriage-equality/) - [Posted on January 21, 2025](https://unseen-japan.com/2025/01/21/) # Japan Recognizes 24 Laws That Cover LGBTQ Couples ![Gavel on LGBTQ flag](https://unseen-japan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/pixta_109083555_M.jpg) Picture: sweettomato / PIXTA(ピクスタ) [![follow on google news](https://unseen-japan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/follow-on-google-news.png)](https://news.google.com/search?q=unseen%20japan&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen) [![follow on google news](https://unseen-japan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/follow-on-google-news.png)](https://news.google.com/search?q=unseen%20japan&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen) The government is still investigating whether same-sex couples in common-law marriages are covered by an additional 130 laws. Don’t miss a thing – get our [free newsletter](https://us20.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=e9c0d2fc400d4b96cabfca61a&id=c22bae80d3) ![Picture of Jay Allen](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/422281ee5e9177e8ef2c60272c65e57bb13c9aa632a95390dd837cf7aa92e42a?s=300&d=mm&r=g) #### Jay Allen [More By This Author](https://unseen-japan.com/author/unseenjapanpress/) ![Picture of Jay Allen](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/422281ee5e9177e8ef2c60272c65e57bb13c9aa632a95390dd837cf7aa92e42a?s=300&d=mm&r=g) #### Jay Allen [More By This Author](https://unseen-japan.com/author/unseenjapanpress/) Japan’s conservative-leaning government continues to drag its feet on passing marriage equality despite broad public support. However, in a surprise move, the government today said that same-sex couples were covered by 24 laws usually reserved for legally recognized marriages. The decision follows a court ruling last March in the case of a man in Nagoya, Uchiyama Yasuhide (49), whose partner had been murdered. The man sued Aichi Prefecture when it denied him a spousal survivor benefit, arguing that the two men had a common-law marriage. Two lower courts ruled against the man. However, in a 4-1 decision, Japan’s Supreme Court found [their relationship “amounted to a common-law marriage”](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/tokai-news/20240326/3000034829.html) and sent the case back to the lower court for reconsideration. As a result of the decision, Japan’s central government considered whether to recognize other legal rights for same-sex partners. As a result, [it’s determined that 24 additional law apply to same-sex partners](https://digital.asahi.com/articles/AST1P2JHST1PUTFL008M.html?iref=pc_national_top__n) in common-law marriages, including protection from domestic violence, lease/rental laws, and access to child abuse prevention services. While a step forward, there are still 130 laws under which same-sex partnerships might apply. These include Japan’s pension law, public health care system law, and childcare allowances, among others. #### Planning a trip to Japan? Get an authentic, interpreted experience from [Unseen Japan Tours](https://unseenjapan.com/unseen-japan-tours/) and see a side of the country others miss\! [![](https://unseen-japan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/uj-tours-unseen-seen-12-2024.png)](https://unseen-japan.com/unseen-japan-tours/?utm_medium=web&utm_source=uj&utm_campaign=uj_inarticle) Miura Junko, the head of Japan’s Children and Families Agency, says the government is expediting consideration of whether, and how, these laws apply to same-sex couples. [A majority of people in Japan support marriage equality](https://unseen-japan.com/japan-marriage-equality-support-2023/). However, conservative elements of Japan’s long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) vociferously oppose it. [Last October’s election](https://unseen-japan.com/japan-house-representatives-women-highest/), however, knocked the LDP from the seat of majority power, forcing it into a coalition government. It’s possible now, say some, that [a marriage equality bill would have enough votes to pass in Japan’s Diet](https://unseen-japan.com/marriage-equality-japan-votes/). Around three-quarters of Japan’s population is [currently covered by local partnership systems](https://unseen-japan.com/japan-partnership-systems-70-percent/). These confer some rights to same-sex couples at the municipal level but aren’t a substitute for full marriage rights. ## Get More UJ Support our work by [subscribing to Unseen Japan Insider](https://unseen-japan.com/subscribe). You’ll get a bonus article, just for members, emailed to you every week. Plus, you’ll get access to our [Insider back issues archive](https://unseen-japan.com/category/insider), “ask us anything” privileges, and a voice in our future editorial direction. [Subscribe to Insider](https://unseen-japan.com/subscribe) ## What to read next [![](https://unseen-japan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1769584047184-1024x768.jpg)](https://unseen-japan.com/ibaraki-prefecture-first-pride-parade/) LGBTQ [Small City, Big Pride: Japanese Prefecture Gets Its First Pride Parade](https://unseen-japan.com/ibaraki-prefecture-first-pride-parade/) The parade in Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, shows how Japan’s LGBTQ+ citizens are committed to raising awareness in smaller cities and towns. [Read More »](https://unseen-japan.com/ibaraki-prefecture-first-pride-parade/) [![Picture from Marriage For All Japan event](https://unseen-japan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1765906441965-1024x768.jpg)](https://unseen-japan.com/marriage-equality-rally-tokyo/) LGBTQ [LGBTQ People, Advocates Ask Japan’s Politicians to Legalize Marriage Equality Swiftly](https://unseen-japan.com/marriage-equality-rally-tokyo/) After a bitter court loss, LGBTQ people in Japan continue pressing politicians for fast action. [Read More »](https://unseen-japan.com/marriage-equality-rally-tokyo/) [![Picture outside of court after marriage equality decision handed down](https://unseen-japan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1764475956978-1024x768.jpg)](https://unseen-japan.com/marriage-equality-tokyo-court-ruling/) LGBTQ [Surprise, Anger, and Frustration as Tokyo’s High Court Rules Against Marriage Equality](https://unseen-japan.com/marriage-equality-tokyo-court-ruling/) Supporters of marriage equality in Japan were met with an unexpected setback after a series of affirmative rulings. [Read More »](https://unseen-japan.com/marriage-equality-tokyo-court-ruling/) Don’t miss a thing – get our [free newsletter](https://us20.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=e9c0d2fc400d4b96cabfca61a&id=c22bae80d3) ![Picture of Jay Allen](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/422281ee5e9177e8ef2c60272c65e57bb13c9aa632a95390dd837cf7aa92e42a?s=300&d=mm&r=g) #### Jay Allen Jay is a resident of Tokyo where he reports and conducts tours for Unseen Japan. His work on Japan has been cited in numerous publications, including USA Today, the Washington Post, Fortune, TIME, NPR, The Guardian, and The World. In his spare time, he loves reading Japanese novels. 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Readable Markdown	Japan’s conservative-leaning government continues to drag its feet on passing marriage equality despite broad public support. However, in a surprise move, the government today said that same-sex couples were covered by 24 laws usually reserved for legally recognized marriages. The decision follows a court ruling last March in the case of a man in Nagoya, Uchiyama Yasuhide (49), whose partner had been murdered. The man sued Aichi Prefecture when it denied him a spousal survivor benefit, arguing that the two men had a common-law marriage. Two lower courts ruled against the man. However, in a 4-1 decision, Japan’s Supreme Court found [their relationship “amounted to a common-law marriage”](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/tokai-news/20240326/3000034829.html) and sent the case back to the lower court for reconsideration. As a result of the decision, Japan’s central government considered whether to recognize other legal rights for same-sex partners. As a result, [it’s determined that 24 additional law apply to same-sex partners](https://digital.asahi.com/articles/AST1P2JHST1PUTFL008M.html?iref=pc_national_top__n) in common-law marriages, including protection from domestic violence, lease/rental laws, and access to child abuse prevention services. While a step forward, there are still 130 laws under which same-sex partnerships might apply. These include Japan’s pension law, public health care system law, and childcare allowances, among others. #### Planning a trip to Japan? Get an authentic, interpreted experience from [Unseen Japan Tours](https://unseenjapan.com/unseen-japan-tours/) and see a side of the country others miss\! [![](https://unseen-japan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/uj-tours-unseen-seen-12-2024.png)](https://unseen-japan.com/unseen-japan-tours/?utm_medium=web&utm_source=uj&utm_campaign=uj_inarticle) Miura Junko, the head of Japan’s Children and Families Agency, says the government is expediting consideration of whether, and how, these laws apply to same-sex couples. [A majority of people in Japan support marriage equality](https://unseen-japan.com/japan-marriage-equality-support-2023/). However, conservative elements of Japan’s long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) vociferously oppose it. [Last October’s election](https://unseen-japan.com/japan-house-representatives-women-highest/), however, knocked the LDP from the seat of majority power, forcing it into a coalition government. It’s possible now, say some, that [a marriage equality bill would have enough votes to pass in Japan’s Diet](https://unseen-japan.com/marriage-equality-japan-votes/). Around three-quarters of Japan’s population is [currently covered by local partnership systems](https://unseen-japan.com/japan-partnership-systems-70-percent/). These confer some rights to same-sex couples at the municipal level but aren’t a substitute for full marriage rights. Get More UJ Support our work by [subscribing to Unseen Japan Insider](https://unseen-japan.com/subscribe). You’ll get a bonus article, just for members, emailed to you every week. Plus, you’ll get access to our [Insider back issues archive](https://unseen-japan.com/category/insider), “ask us anything” privileges, and a voice in our future editorial direction. [Subscribe to Insider](https://unseen-japan.com/subscribe) What to read next [![](https://unseen-japan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1769584047184-1024x768.jpg)](https://unseen-japan.com/ibaraki-prefecture-first-pride-parade/) LGBTQ [Small City, Big Pride: Japanese Prefecture Gets Its First Pride Parade](https://unseen-japan.com/ibaraki-prefecture-first-pride-parade/) The parade in Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, shows how Japan’s LGBTQ+ citizens are committed to raising awareness in smaller cities and towns. [Read More »](https://unseen-japan.com/ibaraki-prefecture-first-pride-parade/) [![Picture from Marriage For All Japan event](https://unseen-japan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1765906441965-1024x768.jpg)](https://unseen-japan.com/marriage-equality-rally-tokyo/) LGBTQ [LGBTQ People, Advocates Ask Japan’s Politicians to Legalize Marriage Equality Swiftly](https://unseen-japan.com/marriage-equality-rally-tokyo/) After a bitter court loss, LGBTQ people in Japan continue pressing politicians for fast action. [Read More »](https://unseen-japan.com/marriage-equality-rally-tokyo/) [![Picture outside of court after marriage equality decision handed down](https://unseen-japan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1764475956978-1024x768.jpg)](https://unseen-japan.com/marriage-equality-tokyo-court-ruling/) LGBTQ [Surprise, Anger, and Frustration as Tokyo’s High Court Rules Against Marriage Equality](https://unseen-japan.com/marriage-equality-tokyo-court-ruling/) Supporters of marriage equality in Japan were met with an unexpected setback after a series of affirmative rulings. [Read More »](https://unseen-japan.com/marriage-equality-tokyo-court-ruling/)
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