🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 16 (from laksa157)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa016.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://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66173433\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66173433\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-66173433","crawl_time":1773566475,"first_indexed_time":1696287513,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,bbc!www,\/news\/world-asia-66173433 s443","src_root_hash":"1643509356818581016","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Marriage equality eludes Japan's same-sex couples","meta_descriptions":["Japan offers same-sex couples no clear legal protection, leaving them feeling nearly invisible."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"2 October 2023\nShaimaa Khalil\nTokyo correspondent\nBBC\nAki and Hikari have been together for seven years but have kept their relationship secret from many people\nWhen Aki and Hikari were looking to rent a house together in Tokyo, they were told by real estate agents that the places they liked \"were for couples\".\n\"We are a couple,\" they would respond. The answer they were given: \"This is a house for a man and woman couple.\"\nThe women, both in their 30s, have been together for seven years - now they are mothers to a baby. They coo and fuss over the infant, swap feeding and nappy-changing duties, and take turns to stay with him so one of them can get some sleep. They can't stop talking about their new baby formula machine.\nYet, in the eyes of the law, the government and a conservative Japanese society, they're not a legitimate couple. Despite the support around them, they have kept their relationship a secret from many people. It's why they don't want to reveal their real names. They say they are being extra-cautious for their son given that taboos around same-sex couples still persist.\n\"We're not recognised as a family of three,\" Aki says.\nJapan is the only G7 country not to fully recognise same-sex couples or offer them clear legal protection, leaving the country's LGBTQ+ community feeling vulnerable and nearly invisible.  We've changed Aki and Hikari's names to protect their identities.\nPressure has been growing to legalise same-sex unions after several district courts ruled that a ban on them was unconstitutional. But Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has struggled to pass reforms in the face of opposition from traditionally-minded political leadership.\nThere has been some progress in a nod to younger, louder voices demanding change. Some municipalities have\nintroduced partnership certificates\n, but they are not legally binding. A new government post that mainly focuses on LGBTQ+ rights has been created, and a new law targets discrimination against sexual minorities.\nBut the community is disappointed because the law, which met stiff opposition from conservative lawmakers, stops well short of recognising marriage equality.\nActivists were also infuriated because of language in the bill which said that in taking measures to \"promote understanding\" of sexual minorities, \"all citizens can live with peace of mind\".\nIt drew angry reactions from critics who say it prioritised the rights of the majority, and implied that the existence of the LGBTQ+ community could be a threat to others' peace of mind.\n\"There are already many politicians that want to use this law as a deterrent to restrict education and activities at schools and companies - so I'm very afraid of those intentions,\" says Akira Nishiyama, deputy secretary general of the Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation.\nSame-sex couples like Aki and Hikari say the lack of legal recognition is far from an abstract concern - it makes life harder for them every day.\nJiro Akiba\/BBC\nAki and Hikari say they want their son to grow up in a world where he can talk about his parents' relationship\nOne of the things they are struggling to get used to, for instance, is the fact that only Aki, who gave birth, has parental rights. \"When I gave birth, I wrote a will to appoint my partner as our son's legal guardian in case I died during labour. And even that didn't guarantee her custody,\" Aki says.\nIf one of them is hospitalised, the other has no legal right to fill paperwork or sign consent forms on her partner's behalf. Many couples cannot get a joint mortgage to buy a house. And if one partner dies, the other has no right to inherit.\nThey could apply for special permissions to circumvent each of these circumstances, but the decision depends on the discretion of officials.\nIt was parenthood that encouraged Hikari and Aki to come out to their families and their close circle of friends, and to consider marriage.\nThey wanted their son to be able to explain his mothers' relationship when he grows up. They knew they couldn't get married in Japan, but they filled out a marriage application anyway.\nWhen their application was rejected in Japan, they got married in Canada where Hikari went to university.\nGay couples sue Japan over marriage rights\nIndia same-sex marriage case tests judges\n\"We wanted to show we exist,\" Aki says. But in Japan, she says she and Hikari feel like they are being made invisible.\n\"I grew up in a small, conservative town,\" Aki says. \"I knew I was gay from a young age and felt strongly that I had to fix it. I lived in hiding… I've given up so much. I don't want to do this anymore.\"\nThere is room for progress, Ms Nishiyama says, but those in power are strongly resistant to change: \"Conservative politicians who want to protect the idea of traditional family… or the patriarchy.\"\n\"I have been actively working for the protection of LGBTQ+ people for almost 10 years - that's why I'm really frustrated because I feel that I need to really fight and I need to work hard every single day. I could live in other countries where LGBTQ+ people's rights are protected by law, but I have not chosen that path yet because I want to change Japanese society and I want to protect my own rights.\"\nGetty Images\nJapan is the only G7 country not to fully recognise same-sex couples\nShe says she will never stop fighting, but she is also exhausted and disheartened by the meagre progress.\nOlder gay couples are more hopeful. Keitaro and Hideki met at a ballet class more than a year ago and have been inseparable since then.\nThey were excited to get a partnership certificate. Even though it gives them no legal protection, they see it as a symbol of their union.  \"A true bond is beyond legal marriage.  If you find one, it matters less how society labels it,\" Keitaro said.\nNow in his early 40s, Keitaro came out when he was a teenager and has since lived openly as a gay man.\nHideki, who's 10 years older, has not come out to his family. He lives in a conservative rural area near Tokyo and commutes regularly to see his partner - he doesn't want to shock his 90-year-old mother whom he takes care of often.\n\"I think that discrimination is still very strong in Japan, as is the environment that surrounds me,\" Hideki says.\n\"I wish that more people would not have to live a double life,\" Keitaro says. \"I think [legal protection] matters, if there's recognition... and less prejudice people will feel safe to come out.\"\nAnd that's what Aki and Hikari want too - they are hopeful that one day they'll be legally married in Japan and their son will be at their wedding.\nThey worry for their child and wonder how he will navigate school and society. Aki says that's why she wants more not just for her family, but for others like them.\n\"Our wish is to have a society which is easier to live in for children of same-sex parents,\" she says. \"We want LGBTQ people to be protected, now and in the future. It is not right that we keep hiding ourselves.\"","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-66173433#main-content)\n\n[Register](https:\/\/session.bbc.com\/session?action=register&userOrigin=BBCS_BBC&ptrt=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fnews%2Fworld-asia-66173433)\n\n[Sign In](https:\/\/session.bbc.com\/session?userOrigin=BBCS_BBC&ptrt=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fnews%2Fworld-asia-66173433)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/)\n- [News](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news)\n- [Sport](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/sport)\n- [Business](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/business)\n- [Technology](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/technology)\n- [Health](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/health)\n- [Culture](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/culture)\n- [Arts](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/arts)\n- [Travel](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel)\n- [Earth](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/future-planet)\n- [Audio](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/audio)\n- [Video](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/video)\n- [Live](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/live)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/home)\n- [News](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news)\n  - [US & Canada](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/us-canada)\n  - [UK](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/uk)\n    - [UK Politics](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/politics)\n    - [England](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/england)\n    - [N. Ireland](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/northern_ireland)\n      - [N. Ireland Politics](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/northern_ireland\/northern_ireland_politics)\n    - [Scotland](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/scotland)\n      - [Scotland Politics](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/scotland\/scotland_politics)\n    - [Wales](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/wales)\n      - [Wales Politics](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/wales\/wales_politics)\n  - [Africa](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world\/africa)\n  - [Asia](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world\/asia)\n    - [China](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world\/asia\/china)\n    - [India](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world\/asia\/india)\n  - [Australia](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world\/australia)\n  - [Europe](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world\/europe)\n  - [Latin America](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world\/latin_america)\n  - [Middle East](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world\/middle_east)\n  - [In Pictures](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/in_pictures)\n  - [BBC InDepth](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/bbcindepth)\n  - [BBC Verify](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/bbcverify)\n- [Sport](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/sport)\n- [Business](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/business)\n  - [World of Business](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/business\/world-of-business)\n  - [Technology of Business](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/business\/technology-of-business)\n  - [NYSE Opening Bell](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/business\/opening-bell)\n- [Technology](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/technology)\n  - [Artificial Intelligence](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/technology\/artificial-intelligence)\n  - [AI v the Mind](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/technology\/ai-v-the-mind)\n- [Health](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/health)\n- [Culture](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/culture)\n  - [Film & TV](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/culture\/film-tv)\n  - [Music](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/culture\/music)\n  - [Art & Design](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/culture\/art)\n  - [Style](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/culture\/style)\n  - [Books](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/culture\/books)\n  - [Entertainment News](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/culture\/entertainment-news)\n- [Arts](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/arts)\n  - [Arts in Motion](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/arts\/arts-in-motion)\n- [Travel](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel)\n  - [Destinations](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel\/destinations)\n    - [Africa](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel\/destinations\/africa)\n    - [Antarctica](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel\/destinations\/antarctica)\n    - [Asia](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel\/destinations\/asia)\n    - [Australia and Pacific](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel\/destinations\/australia-and-pacific)\n    - [Caribbean & Bermuda](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel\/destinations\/caribbean)\n    - [Central America](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel\/destinations\/central-america)\n    - [Europe](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel\/destinations\/europe)\n    - [Middle East](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel\/destinations\/middle-east)\n    - [North America](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel\/destinations\/north-america)\n    - [South America](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel\/destinations\/south-america)\n  - [World’s Table](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel\/worlds-table)\n  - [Culture & Experiences](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel\/cultural-experiences)\n  - [Adventures](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel\/adventures)\n  - [The SpeciaList](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel\/specialist)\n- [Earth](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/future-planet)\n  - [Science](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/innovation\/science)\n  - [Natural Wonders](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/future-planet\/natural-wonders)\n  - [Climate Solutions](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/future-planet\/solutions)\n  - [Sustainable Business](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/future-planet\/sustainable-business)\n  - [Green Living](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/future-planet\/green-living)\n- [Audio](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/audio)\n  - [Podcast Categories](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/audio\/categories)\n  - [Radio](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/audio\/stations)\n  - [Audio FAQs](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/undefined)\n- [Video](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/video)\n  - [BBC Maestro](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/video\/bbc-maestro)\n  - [Discover the World](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/video\/discover-the-world)\n- [Live](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/live)\n  - [Live News](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/live\/news)\n  - [Live Sport](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/live\/sport)\n\n[Home](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/)\n\nNews\n\n[Sport](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/sport)\n\nBusiness\n\nTechnology\n\n[Health](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/health)\n\nCulture\n\nArts\n\nTravel\n\nEarth\n\nAudio\n\nVideo\n\nLive\n\n[Weather](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/weather)\n\n[Newsletters](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/newsletters)\n\n# Marriage equality eludes Japan's same-sex couples\n2 October 2023\n\nShare\n\nSave\n\nShaimaa KhalilTokyo correspondent\n\nShare\n\nSave\n\n![BBC Aki and Hikari hugging](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/1522\/production\/_130401450_cff6f3db-d2d2-40ec-bc78-e539d0395864.jpg.webp)BBC\n\nAki and Hikari have been together for seven years but have kept their relationship secret from many people\n\n**When Aki and Hikari were looking to rent a house together in Tokyo, they were told by real estate agents that the places they liked \"were for couples\".**\n\n\"We are a couple,\" they would respond. The answer they were given: \"This is a house for a man and woman couple.\"\n\nThe women, both in their 30s, have been together for seven years - now they are mothers to a baby. They coo and fuss over the infant, swap feeding and nappy-changing duties, and take turns to stay with him so one of them can get some sleep. They can't stop talking about their new baby formula machine.\n\nYet, in the eyes of the law, the government and a conservative Japanese society, they're not a legitimate couple. Despite the support around them, they have kept their relationship a secret from many people. It's why they don't want to reveal their real names. They say they are being extra-cautious for their son given that taboos around same-sex couples still persist.\n\n\"We're not recognised as a family of three,\" Aki says.\n\nJapan is the only G7 country not to fully recognise same-sex couples or offer them clear legal protection, leaving the country's LGBTQ+ community feeling vulnerable and nearly invisible. We've changed Aki and Hikari's names to protect their identities.\n\nPressure has been growing to legalise same-sex unions after several district courts ruled that a ban on them was unconstitutional. But Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has struggled to pass reforms in the face of opposition from traditionally-minded political leadership.\n\nThere has been some progress in a nod to younger, louder voices demanding change. Some municipalities have [introduced partnership certificates](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-63468752), but they are not legally binding. A new government post that mainly focuses on LGBTQ+ rights has been created, and a new law targets discrimination against sexual minorities.\n\nBut the community is disappointed because the law, which met stiff opposition from conservative lawmakers, stops well short of recognising marriage equality.\n\nActivists were also infuriated because of language in the bill which said that in taking measures to \"promote understanding\" of sexual minorities, \"all citizens can live with peace of mind\".\n\nIt drew angry reactions from critics who say it prioritised the rights of the majority, and implied that the existence of the LGBTQ+ community could be a threat to others' peace of mind.\n\n\"There are already many politicians that want to use this law as a deterrent to restrict education and activities at schools and companies - so I'm very afraid of those intentions,\" says Akira Nishiyama, deputy secretary general of the Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation.\n\nSame-sex couples like Aki and Hikari say the lack of legal recognition is far from an abstract concern - it makes life harder for them every day.\n\n![Jiro Akiba\/BBC Close up on the hand of Aki and Hikari's baby](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/1803F\/production\/_130376389_142268eb-264d-423e-b140-5e8825d037b3.jpg.webp)Jiro Akiba\/BBC\n\nAki and Hikari say they want their son to grow up in a world where he can talk about his parents' relationship\n\nOne of the things they are struggling to get used to, for instance, is the fact that only Aki, who gave birth, has parental rights. \"When I gave birth, I wrote a will to appoint my partner as our son's legal guardian in case I died during labour. And even that didn't guarantee her custody,\" Aki says.\n\nIf one of them is hospitalised, the other has no legal right to fill paperwork or sign consent forms on her partner's behalf. Many couples cannot get a joint mortgage to buy a house. And if one partner dies, the other has no right to inherit.\n\nThey could apply for special permissions to circumvent each of these circumstances, but the decision depends on the discretion of officials.\n\nIt was parenthood that encouraged Hikari and Aki to come out to their families and their close circle of friends, and to consider marriage.\n\nThey wanted their son to be able to explain his mothers' relationship when he grows up. They knew they couldn't get married in Japan, but they filled out a marriage application anyway.\n\nWhen their application was rejected in Japan, they got married in Canada where Hikari went to university.\n\n- [Gay couples sue Japan over marriage rights](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-47221934)\n- [India same-sex marriage case tests judges](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-india-65422377)\n\n\"We wanted to show we exist,\" Aki says. But in Japan, she says she and Hikari feel like they are being made invisible.\n\n\"I grew up in a small, conservative town,\" Aki says. \"I knew I was gay from a young age and felt strongly that I had to fix it. I lived in hiding… I've given up so much. I don't want to do this anymore.\"\n\nThere is room for progress, Ms Nishiyama says, but those in power are strongly resistant to change: \"Conservative politicians who want to protect the idea of traditional family… or the patriarchy.\"\n\n\"I have been actively working for the protection of LGBTQ+ people for almost 10 years - that's why I'm really frustrated because I feel that I need to really fight and I need to work hard every single day. I could live in other countries where LGBTQ+ people's rights are protected by law, but I have not chosen that path yet because I want to change Japanese society and I want to protect my own rights.\"\n\n![Getty Images Marriage for all activism campaign marching to court](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/C9CC\/production\/_131306615_gettyimages-1245221048.jpg.webp)Getty Images\n\nJapan is the only G7 country not to fully recognise same-sex couples\n\nShe says she will never stop fighting, but she is also exhausted and disheartened by the meagre progress.\n\nOlder gay couples are more hopeful. Keitaro and Hideki met at a ballet class more than a year ago and have been inseparable since then.\n\nThey were excited to get a partnership certificate. Even though it gives them no legal protection, they see it as a symbol of their union. \"A true bond is beyond legal marriage. If you find one, it matters less how society labels it,\" Keitaro said.\n\nNow in his early 40s, Keitaro came out when he was a teenager and has since lived openly as a gay man.\n\nHideki, who's 10 years older, has not come out to his family. He lives in a conservative rural area near Tokyo and commutes regularly to see his partner - he doesn't want to shock his 90-year-old mother whom he takes care of often.\n\n\"I think that discrimination is still very strong in Japan, as is the environment that surrounds me,\" Hideki says.\n\n\"I wish that more people would not have to live a double life,\" Keitaro says. \"I think \\[legal protection\\] matters, if there's recognition... and less prejudice people will feel safe to come out.\"\n\nAnd that's what Aki and Hikari want too - they are hopeful that one day they'll be legally married in Japan and their son will be at their wedding.\n\nThey worry for their child and wonder how he will navigate school and society. Aki says that's why she wants more not just for her family, but for others like them.\n\n\"Our wish is to have a society which is easier to live in for children of same-sex parents,\" she says. \"We want LGBTQ people to be protected, now and in the future. It is not right that we keep hiding ourselves.\"\n\n[Gay couples sue Japan over marriage rights](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-47221934)\n\n[Marriage](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/topics\/c51wxw0rr30t)\n\n[Asia](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/topics\/c5rznn0nvvyt)\n\n[Japan](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/topics\/cjnwl8q4g7nt)\n\n[Same-sex marriage](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/topics\/cjxv139mm9xt)\n\n[LGBT](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/topics\/cp7r8vgln2wt)\n\n***\nRelated\n\n[No-fault divorce to come into force in Jersey](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/c4g0pk7r57zo)\n\n['We tied the knot... then went for a coffee'](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/cpv8rw17207o)\n\n[France moves to abolish concept of marital duty to have sex](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/cgjwxdz45ywo)\n\n***\nMore from the BBC\n\n[1 day ago ![Daniel Jervis before his drag transformation.](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/48ea\/live\/225d9ae0-1f84-11f1-9f29-911411b43828.jpg.webp) Olympic swimmer makes a splash on RuPaul's Drag Race runway Daniel Jervis appeared on RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs the World where he underwent a full drag transformation. 1 day ago](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/cgqgdy1n4vgo)\n\n[1 day ago ![Louis XI chair ](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/58b0\/live\/46197c00-1ec2-11f1-b048-c9424b2cf5fd.jpg.webp) In photos: Tracing India's history through its chairs An exhibition in Mumbai displayed chairs that told the history of colonial invasions and art movements in India. 1 day ago](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/cx2lvyd609xo)\n\n[1 day ago ![Chinese President Xi Jinping](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/12ea\/live\/99535ca0-1f09-11f1-801d-ed3cff6bf876.jpg.webp) 'Tigers and flies': Millions of officials later, why is Xi's corruption purge still going? Critics say Xi's purges reveal a ruthless drive for absolute loyalty and total control of the military. 1 day ago](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/c78xxyyqwe7o)\n\n[2 days ago ![Indian employees at the Myna Mahila Foundation prepare sanitary pads at their office in Mumbai on April 10, 2018. ](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/2dc3\/live\/5ae05e40-1eba-11f1-a071-59d480923043.jpg.webp) 'No-one will hire women' - India's top court rejects menstrual leave petition The subject has polarised India for long, though some states and private companies offer menstrual leaves. 2 days ago](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/c0436qkegdqo)\n\n[2 days ago ![A man wearing a black and white overshirt stood in front of a multi-coloured quilt.](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/images\/ic\/1024x1024\/p0hq72jn.png.webp) Aids memorial quilt 'full of history, humanity and love' Parts of the quilt, previously shown at the Tate Modern, are being displayed at Brighton University. 2 days ago](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/c0e5jedw1lzo)\n***\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/)\n- [News](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news)\n- [Sport](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/sport)\n- [Business](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/business)\n- [Technology](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/technology)\n- [Health](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/health)\n- [Culture](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/culture)\n- [Arts](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/arts)\n- [Travel](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel)\n- [Earth](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/future-planet)\n- [Audio](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/audio)\n- [Video](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/video)\n- [Live](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/live)\n- [Weather](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/weather)\n- [BBC Shop](https:\/\/shop.bbc.com\/)\n- [BritBox](https:\/\/www.britbox.com\/?utm_source=bbc.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=footer)\n\nBBC in other languages\n\n### The BBC is in multiple languages\n#### Read the BBC In your own language\n[Oduu Afaan Oromootiin](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/afaanoromoo)\n\n[Amharic ዜና በአማርኛ](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/amharic)\n\n[Arabic عربي](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/arabic)\n\n[Azeri AZƏRBAYCAN](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/azeri)\n\n[Bangla বাংলা](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/bengali)\n\n[Burmese မြန်မာ](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/burmese)\n\n[Chinese 中文网](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/zhongwen\/simp)\n\n[Dari دری](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/dari)\n\n[French AFRIQUE](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/afrique)\n\n[Hausa HAUSA](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/hausa)\n\n[Hindi हिन्दी](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/hindi)\n\n[Gaelic NAIDHEACHDAN](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/naidheachdan)\n\n[Gujarati ગુજરાતીમાં સમાચાર](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/gujarati)\n\n[Igbo AKỤKỌ N’IGBO](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/igbo)\n\n[Indonesian INDONESIA](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/indonesia)\n\n[Japanese 日本語](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/japanese)\n\n[Kinyarwanda GAHUZA](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/gahuza)\n\n[Kirundi KIRUNDI](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/gahuza)\n\n[Korean 한국어](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/korean)\n\n[Kyrgyz Кыргыз](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/kyrgyz)\n\n[Marathi मराठी](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/marathi)\n\n[Nepali नेपाली](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/nepali)\n\n[Noticias para hispanoparlantes](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/mundo)\n\n[Pashto پښتو](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/pashto)\n\n[Persian فارسی](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/persian)\n\n[Pidgin](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/pidgin)\n\n[Polish PO POLSKU](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/polska)\n\n[Portuguese BRASIL](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/portuguese)\n\n[Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਖ਼ਬਰਾਂ](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/punjabi)\n\n[Russian НА РУССКОМ](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/russian)\n\n[Serbian NA SRPSKOM](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/serbian\/lat)\n\n[Sinhala සිංහල](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/sinhala)\n\n[Somali SOMALI](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/somali)\n\n[Swahili HABARI KWA KISWAHILI](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/swahili)\n\n[Tamil தமிழில் செய்திகள்](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/tamil)\n\n[Telugu తెలుగు వార్తలు](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/telugu)\n\n[Thai ข่าวภาษาไทย](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/thai)\n\n[Tigrinya ዜና ብትግርኛ](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/tigrinya)\n\n[Turkish TÜRKÇE](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/turkce)\n\n[Ukrainian УКРАЇНСЬКA](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/ukrainian)\n\n[Urdu اردو](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/urdu)\n\n[Uzbek O'ZBEK](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/uzbek)\n\n[Vietnamese TIẾNG VIỆT](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/vietnamese)\n\n[Welsh NEWYDDION](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/cymrufyw)\n\n[Yoruba ÌRÒYÌN NÍ YORÙBÁ](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/yoruba)\n\nFollow BBC on:\n\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/pages\/terms-of-use)\n- [Subscription Terms](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/pages\/subscription-terms)\n- [About the BBC](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/aboutthebbc)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/pages\/privacy-policy)\n- [Cookies](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/usingthebbc\/cookies\/)\n- [Accessibility Help](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/accessibility\/)\n- [Contact the BBC](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/contact)\n- [Advertise with us](https:\/\/advertising.bbcstudios.com\/)\n- [Do not share or sell my info](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/usingthebbc\/cookies\/how-can-i-change-my-bbc-cookie-settings\/)\n- [BBC.com Help & FAQs](https:\/\/help.bbc.com\/hc\/)\n- [Content Index](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/pages\/content-index)\n- [Set Preferred Source](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/future\/article\/20260128-how-to-make-google-put-trusted-sources-up-top-when-you-search)\n\nCopyright 2026 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. [**Read about our approach to external linking.**](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/editorialguidelines\/guidance\/feeds-and-links)","attrs_readable_markdown":"2 October 2023\n\nShaimaa KhalilTokyo correspondent\n\n![BBC Aki and Hikari hugging](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/1522\/production\/_130401450_cff6f3db-d2d2-40ec-bc78-e539d0395864.jpg.webp)BBC\n\nAki and Hikari have been together for seven years but have kept their relationship secret from many people\n\n**When Aki and Hikari were looking to rent a house together in Tokyo, they were told by real estate agents that the places they liked \"were for couples\".**\n\n\"We are a couple,\" they would respond. The answer they were given: \"This is a house for a man and woman couple.\"\n\nThe women, both in their 30s, have been together for seven years - now they are mothers to a baby. They coo and fuss over the infant, swap feeding and nappy-changing duties, and take turns to stay with him so one of them can get some sleep. They can't stop talking about their new baby formula machine.\n\nYet, in the eyes of the law, the government and a conservative Japanese society, they're not a legitimate couple. Despite the support around them, they have kept their relationship a secret from many people. It's why they don't want to reveal their real names. They say they are being extra-cautious for their son given that taboos around same-sex couples still persist.\n\n\"We're not recognised as a family of three,\" Aki says.\n\nJapan is the only G7 country not to fully recognise same-sex couples or offer them clear legal protection, leaving the country's LGBTQ+ community feeling vulnerable and nearly invisible. We've changed Aki and Hikari's names to protect their identities.\n\nPressure has been growing to legalise same-sex unions after several district courts ruled that a ban on them was unconstitutional. But Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has struggled to pass reforms in the face of opposition from traditionally-minded political leadership.\n\nThere has been some progress in a nod to younger, louder voices demanding change. Some municipalities have [introduced partnership certificates](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-63468752), but they are not legally binding. A new government post that mainly focuses on LGBTQ+ rights has been created, and a new law targets discrimination against sexual minorities.\n\nBut the community is disappointed because the law, which met stiff opposition from conservative lawmakers, stops well short of recognising marriage equality.\n\nActivists were also infuriated because of language in the bill which said that in taking measures to \"promote understanding\" of sexual minorities, \"all citizens can live with peace of mind\".\n\nIt drew angry reactions from critics who say it prioritised the rights of the majority, and implied that the existence of the LGBTQ+ community could be a threat to others' peace of mind.\n\n\"There are already many politicians that want to use this law as a deterrent to restrict education and activities at schools and companies - so I'm very afraid of those intentions,\" says Akira Nishiyama, deputy secretary general of the Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation.\n\nSame-sex couples like Aki and Hikari say the lack of legal recognition is far from an abstract concern - it makes life harder for them every day.\n\n![Jiro Akiba\/BBC Close up on the hand of Aki and Hikari's baby](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/1803F\/production\/_130376389_142268eb-264d-423e-b140-5e8825d037b3.jpg.webp)Jiro Akiba\/BBC\n\nAki and Hikari say they want their son to grow up in a world where he can talk about his parents' relationship\n\nOne of the things they are struggling to get used to, for instance, is the fact that only Aki, who gave birth, has parental rights. \"When I gave birth, I wrote a will to appoint my partner as our son's legal guardian in case I died during labour. And even that didn't guarantee her custody,\" Aki says.\n\nIf one of them is hospitalised, the other has no legal right to fill paperwork or sign consent forms on her partner's behalf. Many couples cannot get a joint mortgage to buy a house. And if one partner dies, the other has no right to inherit.\n\nThey could apply for special permissions to circumvent each of these circumstances, but the decision depends on the discretion of officials.\n\nIt was parenthood that encouraged Hikari and Aki to come out to their families and their close circle of friends, and to consider marriage.\n\nThey wanted their son to be able to explain his mothers' relationship when he grows up. They knew they couldn't get married in Japan, but they filled out a marriage application anyway.\n\nWhen their application was rejected in Japan, they got married in Canada where Hikari went to university.\n\n- [Gay couples sue Japan over marriage rights](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-47221934)\n- [India same-sex marriage case tests judges](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-india-65422377)\n\n\"We wanted to show we exist,\" Aki says. But in Japan, she says she and Hikari feel like they are being made invisible.\n\n\"I grew up in a small, conservative town,\" Aki says. \"I knew I was gay from a young age and felt strongly that I had to fix it. I lived in hiding… I've given up so much. I don't want to do this anymore.\"\n\nThere is room for progress, Ms Nishiyama says, but those in power are strongly resistant to change: \"Conservative politicians who want to protect the idea of traditional family… or the patriarchy.\"\n\n\"I have been actively working for the protection of LGBTQ+ people for almost 10 years - that's why I'm really frustrated because I feel that I need to really fight and I need to work hard every single day. I could live in other countries where LGBTQ+ people's rights are protected by law, but I have not chosen that path yet because I want to change Japanese society and I want to protect my own rights.\"\n\n![Getty Images Marriage for all activism campaign marching to court](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/C9CC\/production\/_131306615_gettyimages-1245221048.jpg.webp)Getty Images\n\nJapan is the only G7 country not to fully recognise same-sex couples\n\nShe says she will never stop fighting, but she is also exhausted and disheartened by the meagre progress.\n\nOlder gay couples are more hopeful. Keitaro and Hideki met at a ballet class more than a year ago and have been inseparable since then.\n\nThey were excited to get a partnership certificate. Even though it gives them no legal protection, they see it as a symbol of their union. \"A true bond is beyond legal marriage. If you find one, it matters less how society labels it,\" Keitaro said.\n\nNow in his early 40s, Keitaro came out when he was a teenager and has since lived openly as a gay man.\n\nHideki, who's 10 years older, has not come out to his family. He lives in a conservative rural area near Tokyo and commutes regularly to see his partner - he doesn't want to shock his 90-year-old mother whom he takes care of often.\n\n\"I think that discrimination is still very strong in Japan, as is the environment that surrounds me,\" Hideki says.\n\n\"I wish that more people would not have to live a double life,\" Keitaro says. \"I think \\[legal protection\\] matters, if there's recognition... and less prejudice people will feel safe to come out.\"\n\nAnd that's what Aki and Hikari want too - they are hopeful that one day they'll be legally married in Japan and their son will be at their wedding.\n\nThey worry for their child and wonder how he will navigate school and society. Aki says that's why she wants more not just for her family, but for others like them.\n\n\"Our wish is to have a society which is easier to live in for children of same-sex parents,\" she says. \"We want LGBTQ people to be protected, now and in the future. It is not right that we keep hiding ourselves.\"","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

26 days ago

🚫

ROBOTS BLOCKED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.9 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://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66173433
Last Crawled	2026-03-15 09:21:15 (26 days ago)
First Indexed	2023-10-02 22:58:33 (2 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Marriage equality eludes Japan's same-sex couples
Meta Description	Japan offers same-sex couples no clear legal protection, leaving them feeling nearly invisible.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	2 October 2023 Shaimaa Khalil Tokyo correspondent BBC Aki and Hikari have been together for seven years but have kept their relationship secret from many people When Aki and Hikari were looking to rent a house together in Tokyo, they were told by real estate agents that the places they liked "were for couples". "We are a couple," they would respond. The answer they were given: "This is a house for a man and woman couple." The women, both in their 30s, have been together for seven years - now they are mothers to a baby. They coo and fuss over the infant, swap feeding and nappy-changing duties, and take turns to stay with him so one of them can get some sleep. They can't stop talking about their new baby formula machine. Yet, in the eyes of the law, the government and a conservative Japanese society, they're not a legitimate couple. Despite the support around them, they have kept their relationship a secret from many people. It's why they don't want to reveal their real names. They say they are being extra-cautious for their son given that taboos around same-sex couples still persist. "We're not recognised as a family of three," Aki says. Japan is the only G7 country not to fully recognise same-sex couples or offer them clear legal protection, leaving the country's LGBTQ+ community feeling vulnerable and nearly invisible. We've changed Aki and Hikari's names to protect their identities. Pressure has been growing to legalise same-sex unions after several district courts ruled that a ban on them was unconstitutional. But Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has struggled to pass reforms in the face of opposition from traditionally-minded political leadership. There has been some progress in a nod to younger, louder voices demanding change. Some municipalities have introduced partnership certificates , but they are not legally binding. A new government post that mainly focuses on LGBTQ+ rights has been created, and a new law targets discrimination against sexual minorities. But the community is disappointed because the law, which met stiff opposition from conservative lawmakers, stops well short of recognising marriage equality. Activists were also infuriated because of language in the bill which said that in taking measures to "promote understanding" of sexual minorities, "all citizens can live with peace of mind". It drew angry reactions from critics who say it prioritised the rights of the majority, and implied that the existence of the LGBTQ+ community could be a threat to others' peace of mind. "There are already many politicians that want to use this law as a deterrent to restrict education and activities at schools and companies - so I'm very afraid of those intentions," says Akira Nishiyama, deputy secretary general of the Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation. Same-sex couples like Aki and Hikari say the lack of legal recognition is far from an abstract concern - it makes life harder for them every day. Jiro Akiba/BBC Aki and Hikari say they want their son to grow up in a world where he can talk about his parents' relationship One of the things they are struggling to get used to, for instance, is the fact that only Aki, who gave birth, has parental rights. "When I gave birth, I wrote a will to appoint my partner as our son's legal guardian in case I died during labour. And even that didn't guarantee her custody," Aki says. If one of them is hospitalised, the other has no legal right to fill paperwork or sign consent forms on her partner's behalf. Many couples cannot get a joint mortgage to buy a house. And if one partner dies, the other has no right to inherit. They could apply for special permissions to circumvent each of these circumstances, but the decision depends on the discretion of officials. It was parenthood that encouraged Hikari and Aki to come out to their families and their close circle of friends, and to consider marriage. They wanted their son to be able to explain his mothers' relationship when he grows up. They knew they couldn't get married in Japan, but they filled out a marriage application anyway. When their application was rejected in Japan, they got married in Canada where Hikari went to university. Gay couples sue Japan over marriage rights India same-sex marriage case tests judges "We wanted to show we exist," Aki says. But in Japan, she says she and Hikari feel like they are being made invisible. "I grew up in a small, conservative town," Aki says. "I knew I was gay from a young age and felt strongly that I had to fix it. I lived in hiding… I've given up so much. I don't want to do this anymore." There is room for progress, Ms Nishiyama says, but those in power are strongly resistant to change: "Conservative politicians who want to protect the idea of traditional family… or the patriarchy." "I have been actively working for the protection of LGBTQ+ people for almost 10 years - that's why I'm really frustrated because I feel that I need to really fight and I need to work hard every single day. I could live in other countries where LGBTQ+ people's rights are protected by law, but I have not chosen that path yet because I want to change Japanese society and I want to protect my own rights." Getty Images Japan is the only G7 country not to fully recognise same-sex couples She says she will never stop fighting, but she is also exhausted and disheartened by the meagre progress. Older gay couples are more hopeful. Keitaro and Hideki met at a ballet class more than a year ago and have been inseparable since then. They were excited to get a partnership certificate. Even though it gives them no legal protection, they see it as a symbol of their union. "A true bond is beyond legal marriage. If you find one, it matters less how society labels it," Keitaro said. Now in his early 40s, Keitaro came out when he was a teenager and has since lived openly as a gay man. Hideki, who's 10 years older, has not come out to his family. He lives in a conservative rural area near Tokyo and commutes regularly to see his partner - he doesn't want to shock his 90-year-old mother whom he takes care of often. "I think that discrimination is still very strong in Japan, as is the environment that surrounds me," Hideki says. "I wish that more people would not have to live a double life," Keitaro says. "I think [legal protection] matters, if there's recognition... and less prejudice people will feel safe to come out." And that's what Aki and Hikari want too - they are hopeful that one day they'll be legally married in Japan and their son will be at their wedding. They worry for their child and wonder how he will navigate school and society. Aki says that's why she wants more not just for her family, but for others like them. "Our wish is to have a society which is easier to live in for children of same-sex parents," she says. "We want LGBTQ people to be protected, now and in the future. It is not right that we keep hiding ourselves."
Markdown	[Skip to content](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66173433#main-content) [Register](https://session.bbc.com/session?action=register&userOrigin=BBCS_BBC&ptrt=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fnews%2Fworld-asia-66173433) [Sign In](https://session.bbc.com/session?userOrigin=BBCS_BBC&ptrt=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fnews%2Fworld-asia-66173433) - [Home](https://www.bbc.com/) - [News](https://www.bbc.com/news) - [Sport](https://www.bbc.com/sport) - [Business](https://www.bbc.com/business) - [Technology](https://www.bbc.com/technology) - [Health](https://www.bbc.com/health) - [Culture](https://www.bbc.com/culture) - [Arts](https://www.bbc.com/arts) - [Travel](https://www.bbc.com/travel) - [Earth](https://www.bbc.com/future-planet) - [Audio](https://www.bbc.com/audio) - [Video](https://www.bbc.com/video) - [Live](https://www.bbc.com/live) - [Home](https://www.bbc.com/home) - [News](https://www.bbc.com/news) - [US & Canada](https://www.bbc.com/news/us-canada) - [UK](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk) - [UK Politics](https://www.bbc.com/news/politics) - [England](https://www.bbc.com/news/england) - [N. Ireland](https://www.bbc.com/news/northern_ireland) - [N. Ireland Politics](https://www.bbc.com/news/northern_ireland/northern_ireland_politics) - [Scotland](https://www.bbc.com/news/scotland) - [Scotland Politics](https://www.bbc.com/news/scotland/scotland_politics) - [Wales](https://www.bbc.com/news/wales) - [Wales Politics](https://www.bbc.com/news/wales/wales_politics) - [Africa](https://www.bbc.com/news/world/africa) - [Asia](https://www.bbc.com/news/world/asia) - [China](https://www.bbc.com/news/world/asia/china) - [India](https://www.bbc.com/news/world/asia/india) - [Australia](https://www.bbc.com/news/world/australia) - [Europe](https://www.bbc.com/news/world/europe) - [Latin America](https://www.bbc.com/news/world/latin_america) - [Middle East](https://www.bbc.com/news/world/middle_east) - [In Pictures](https://www.bbc.com/news/in_pictures) - [BBC InDepth](https://www.bbc.com/news/bbcindepth) - [BBC Verify](https://www.bbc.com/news/bbcverify) - [Sport](https://www.bbc.com/sport) - [Business](https://www.bbc.com/business) - [World of Business](https://www.bbc.com/business/world-of-business) - [Technology of Business](https://www.bbc.com/business/technology-of-business) - [NYSE Opening Bell](https://www.bbc.com/business/opening-bell) - [Technology](https://www.bbc.com/technology) - [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.bbc.com/technology/artificial-intelligence) - [AI v the Mind](https://www.bbc.com/technology/ai-v-the-mind) - [Health](https://www.bbc.com/health) - [Culture](https://www.bbc.com/culture) - [Film & TV](https://www.bbc.com/culture/film-tv) - [Music](https://www.bbc.com/culture/music) - [Art & Design](https://www.bbc.com/culture/art) - [Style](https://www.bbc.com/culture/style) - [Books](https://www.bbc.com/culture/books) - [Entertainment News](https://www.bbc.com/culture/entertainment-news) - [Arts](https://www.bbc.com/arts) - [Arts in Motion](https://www.bbc.com/arts/arts-in-motion) - [Travel](https://www.bbc.com/travel) - [Destinations](https://www.bbc.com/travel/destinations) - [Africa](https://www.bbc.com/travel/destinations/africa) - [Antarctica](https://www.bbc.com/travel/destinations/antarctica) - [Asia](https://www.bbc.com/travel/destinations/asia) - [Australia and Pacific](https://www.bbc.com/travel/destinations/australia-and-pacific) - [Caribbean & Bermuda](https://www.bbc.com/travel/destinations/caribbean) - [Central America](https://www.bbc.com/travel/destinations/central-america) - [Europe](https://www.bbc.com/travel/destinations/europe) - [Middle East](https://www.bbc.com/travel/destinations/middle-east) - [North America](https://www.bbc.com/travel/destinations/north-america) - [South America](https://www.bbc.com/travel/destinations/south-america) - [World’s Table](https://www.bbc.com/travel/worlds-table) - [Culture & Experiences](https://www.bbc.com/travel/cultural-experiences) - [Adventures](https://www.bbc.com/travel/adventures) - [The SpeciaList](https://www.bbc.com/travel/specialist) - [Earth](https://www.bbc.com/future-planet) - [Science](https://www.bbc.com/innovation/science) - [Natural Wonders](https://www.bbc.com/future-planet/natural-wonders) - [Climate Solutions](https://www.bbc.com/future-planet/solutions) - [Sustainable Business](https://www.bbc.com/future-planet/sustainable-business) - [Green Living](https://www.bbc.com/future-planet/green-living) - [Audio](https://www.bbc.com/audio) - [Podcast Categories](https://www.bbc.com/audio/categories) - [Radio](https://www.bbc.com/audio/stations) - [Audio FAQs](https://www.bbc.com/undefined) - [Video](https://www.bbc.com/video) - [BBC Maestro](https://www.bbc.com/video/bbc-maestro) - [Discover the World](https://www.bbc.com/video/discover-the-world) - [Live](https://www.bbc.com/live) - [Live News](https://www.bbc.com/live/news) - [Live Sport](https://www.bbc.com/live/sport) [Home](https://www.bbc.com/) News [Sport](https://www.bbc.com/sport) Business Technology [Health](https://www.bbc.com/health) Culture Arts Travel Earth Audio Video Live [Weather](https://www.bbc.com/weather) [Newsletters](https://www.bbc.com/newsletters) # Marriage equality eludes Japan's same-sex couples 2 October 2023 Share Save Shaimaa KhalilTokyo correspondent Share Save ![BBC Aki and Hikari hugging](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/1522/production/_130401450_cff6f3db-d2d2-40ec-bc78-e539d0395864.jpg.webp)BBC Aki and Hikari have been together for seven years but have kept their relationship secret from many people When Aki and Hikari were looking to rent a house together in Tokyo, they were told by real estate agents that the places they liked "were for couples". "We are a couple," they would respond. The answer they were given: "This is a house for a man and woman couple." The women, both in their 30s, have been together for seven years - now they are mothers to a baby. They coo and fuss over the infant, swap feeding and nappy-changing duties, and take turns to stay with him so one of them can get some sleep. They can't stop talking about their new baby formula machine. Yet, in the eyes of the law, the government and a conservative Japanese society, they're not a legitimate couple. Despite the support around them, they have kept their relationship a secret from many people. It's why they don't want to reveal their real names. They say they are being extra-cautious for their son given that taboos around same-sex couples still persist. "We're not recognised as a family of three," Aki says. Japan is the only G7 country not to fully recognise same-sex couples or offer them clear legal protection, leaving the country's LGBTQ+ community feeling vulnerable and nearly invisible. We've changed Aki and Hikari's names to protect their identities. Pressure has been growing to legalise same-sex unions after several district courts ruled that a ban on them was unconstitutional. But Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has struggled to pass reforms in the face of opposition from traditionally-minded political leadership. There has been some progress in a nod to younger, louder voices demanding change. Some municipalities have [introduced partnership certificates](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-63468752), but they are not legally binding. A new government post that mainly focuses on LGBTQ+ rights has been created, and a new law targets discrimination against sexual minorities. But the community is disappointed because the law, which met stiff opposition from conservative lawmakers, stops well short of recognising marriage equality. Activists were also infuriated because of language in the bill which said that in taking measures to "promote understanding" of sexual minorities, "all citizens can live with peace of mind". It drew angry reactions from critics who say it prioritised the rights of the majority, and implied that the existence of the LGBTQ+ community could be a threat to others' peace of mind. "There are already many politicians that want to use this law as a deterrent to restrict education and activities at schools and companies - so I'm very afraid of those intentions," says Akira Nishiyama, deputy secretary general of the Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation. Same-sex couples like Aki and Hikari say the lack of legal recognition is far from an abstract concern - it makes life harder for them every day. ![Jiro Akiba/BBC Close up on the hand of Aki and Hikari's baby](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/1803F/production/_130376389_142268eb-264d-423e-b140-5e8825d037b3.jpg.webp)Jiro Akiba/BBC Aki and Hikari say they want their son to grow up in a world where he can talk about his parents' relationship One of the things they are struggling to get used to, for instance, is the fact that only Aki, who gave birth, has parental rights. "When I gave birth, I wrote a will to appoint my partner as our son's legal guardian in case I died during labour. And even that didn't guarantee her custody," Aki says. If one of them is hospitalised, the other has no legal right to fill paperwork or sign consent forms on her partner's behalf. Many couples cannot get a joint mortgage to buy a house. And if one partner dies, the other has no right to inherit. They could apply for special permissions to circumvent each of these circumstances, but the decision depends on the discretion of officials. It was parenthood that encouraged Hikari and Aki to come out to their families and their close circle of friends, and to consider marriage. They wanted their son to be able to explain his mothers' relationship when he grows up. They knew they couldn't get married in Japan, but they filled out a marriage application anyway. When their application was rejected in Japan, they got married in Canada where Hikari went to university. - [Gay couples sue Japan over marriage rights](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47221934) - [India same-sex marriage case tests judges](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-65422377) "We wanted to show we exist," Aki says. But in Japan, she says she and Hikari feel like they are being made invisible. "I grew up in a small, conservative town," Aki says. "I knew I was gay from a young age and felt strongly that I had to fix it. I lived in hiding… I've given up so much. I don't want to do this anymore." There is room for progress, Ms Nishiyama says, but those in power are strongly resistant to change: "Conservative politicians who want to protect the idea of traditional family… or the patriarchy." "I have been actively working for the protection of LGBTQ+ people for almost 10 years - that's why I'm really frustrated because I feel that I need to really fight and I need to work hard every single day. I could live in other countries where LGBTQ+ people's rights are protected by law, but I have not chosen that path yet because I want to change Japanese society and I want to protect my own rights." ![Getty Images Marriage for all activism campaign marching to court](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/C9CC/production/_131306615_gettyimages-1245221048.jpg.webp)Getty Images Japan is the only G7 country not to fully recognise same-sex couples She says she will never stop fighting, but she is also exhausted and disheartened by the meagre progress. Older gay couples are more hopeful. Keitaro and Hideki met at a ballet class more than a year ago and have been inseparable since then. They were excited to get a partnership certificate. Even though it gives them no legal protection, they see it as a symbol of their union. "A true bond is beyond legal marriage. If you find one, it matters less how society labels it," Keitaro said. Now in his early 40s, Keitaro came out when he was a teenager and has since lived openly as a gay man. Hideki, who's 10 years older, has not come out to his family. He lives in a conservative rural area near Tokyo and commutes regularly to see his partner - he doesn't want to shock his 90-year-old mother whom he takes care of often. "I think that discrimination is still very strong in Japan, as is the environment that surrounds me," Hideki says. "I wish that more people would not have to live a double life," Keitaro says. "I think \[legal protection\] matters, if there's recognition... and less prejudice people will feel safe to come out." And that's what Aki and Hikari want too - they are hopeful that one day they'll be legally married in Japan and their son will be at their wedding. They worry for their child and wonder how he will navigate school and society. Aki says that's why she wants more not just for her family, but for others like them. "Our wish is to have a society which is easier to live in for children of same-sex parents," she says. "We want LGBTQ people to be protected, now and in the future. It is not right that we keep hiding ourselves." [Gay couples sue Japan over marriage rights](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47221934) [Marriage](https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/c51wxw0rr30t) [Asia](https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/c5rznn0nvvyt) [Japan](https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/cjnwl8q4g7nt) [Same-sex marriage](https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/cjxv139mm9xt) [LGBT](https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/cp7r8vgln2wt) * Related [No-fault divorce to come into force in Jersey](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g0pk7r57zo) ['We tied the knot... then went for a coffee'](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpv8rw17207o) [France moves to abolish concept of marital duty to have sex](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgjwxdz45ywo) * More from the BBC [1 day ago ![Daniel Jervis before his drag transformation.](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/48ea/live/225d9ae0-1f84-11f1-9f29-911411b43828.jpg.webp) Olympic swimmer makes a splash on RuPaul's Drag Race runway Daniel Jervis appeared on RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs the World where he underwent a full drag transformation. 1 day ago](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgqgdy1n4vgo) [1 day ago ![Louis XI chair ](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/58b0/live/46197c00-1ec2-11f1-b048-c9424b2cf5fd.jpg.webp) In photos: Tracing India's history through its chairs An exhibition in Mumbai displayed chairs that told the history of colonial invasions and art movements in India. 1 day ago](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2lvyd609xo) [1 day ago ![Chinese President Xi Jinping](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/12ea/live/99535ca0-1f09-11f1-801d-ed3cff6bf876.jpg.webp) 'Tigers and flies': Millions of officials later, why is Xi's corruption purge still going? Critics say Xi's purges reveal a ruthless drive for absolute loyalty and total control of the military. 1 day ago](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78xxyyqwe7o) [2 days ago ![Indian employees at the Myna Mahila Foundation prepare sanitary pads at their office in Mumbai on April 10, 2018. ](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/2dc3/live/5ae05e40-1eba-11f1-a071-59d480923043.jpg.webp) 'No-one will hire women' - India's top court rejects menstrual leave petition The subject has polarised India for long, though some states and private companies offer menstrual leaves. 2 days ago](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0436qkegdqo) [2 days ago ![A man wearing a black and white overshirt stood in front of a multi-coloured quilt.](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1024x1024/p0hq72jn.png.webp) Aids memorial quilt 'full of history, humanity and love' Parts of the quilt, previously shown at the Tate Modern, are being displayed at Brighton University. 2 days ago](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0e5jedw1lzo) * - [Home](https://www.bbc.com/) - [News](https://www.bbc.com/news) - [Sport](https://www.bbc.com/sport) - [Business](https://www.bbc.com/business) - [Technology](https://www.bbc.com/technology) - [Health](https://www.bbc.com/health) - [Culture](https://www.bbc.com/culture) - [Arts](https://www.bbc.com/arts) - [Travel](https://www.bbc.com/travel) - [Earth](https://www.bbc.com/future-planet) - [Audio](https://www.bbc.com/audio) - [Video](https://www.bbc.com/video) - [Live](https://www.bbc.com/live) - [Weather](https://www.bbc.com/weather) - [BBC Shop](https://shop.bbc.com/) - [BritBox](https://www.britbox.com/?utm_source=bbc.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=footer) BBC in other languages ### The BBC is in multiple languages #### Read the BBC In your own language [Oduu Afaan Oromootiin](https://www.bbc.com/afaanoromoo) [Amharic ዜና በአማርኛ](https://www.bbc.com/amharic) [Arabic عربي](https://www.bbc.com/arabic) [Azeri AZƏRBAYCAN](https://www.bbc.com/azeri) [Bangla বাংলা](https://www.bbc.com/bengali) [Burmese မြန်မာ](https://www.bbc.com/burmese) [Chinese 中文网](https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp) [Dari دری](https://www.bbc.com/dari) [French AFRIQUE](https://www.bbc.com/afrique) [Hausa HAUSA](https://www.bbc.com/hausa) [Hindi हिन्दी](https://www.bbc.com/hindi) [Gaelic NAIDHEACHDAN](https://www.bbc.com/naidheachdan) [Gujarati ગુજરાતીમાં સમાચાર](https://www.bbc.com/gujarati) [Igbo AKỤKỌ N’IGBO](https://www.bbc.com/igbo) [Indonesian INDONESIA](https://www.bbc.com/indonesia) [Japanese 日本語](https://www.bbc.com/japanese) [Kinyarwanda GAHUZA](https://www.bbc.com/gahuza) [Kirundi KIRUNDI](https://www.bbc.com/gahuza) [Korean 한국어](https://www.bbc.com/korean) [Kyrgyz Кыргыз](https://www.bbc.com/kyrgyz) [Marathi मराठी](https://www.bbc.com/marathi) [Nepali नेपाली](https://www.bbc.com/nepali) [Noticias para hispanoparlantes](https://www.bbc.com/mundo) [Pashto پښتو](https://www.bbc.com/pashto) [Persian فارسی](https://www.bbc.com/persian) [Pidgin](https://www.bbc.com/pidgin) [Polish PO POLSKU](https://www.bbc.com/polska) [Portuguese BRASIL](https://www.bbc.com/portuguese) [Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਖ਼ਬਰਾਂ](https://www.bbc.com/punjabi) [Russian НА РУССКОМ](https://www.bbc.com/russian) [Serbian NA SRPSKOM](https://www.bbc.com/serbian/lat) [Sinhala සිංහල](https://www.bbc.com/sinhala) [Somali SOMALI](https://www.bbc.com/somali) [Swahili HABARI KWA KISWAHILI](https://www.bbc.com/swahili) [Tamil தமிழில் செய்திகள்](https://www.bbc.com/tamil) [Telugu తెలుగు వార్తలు](https://www.bbc.com/telugu) [Thai ข่าวภาษาไทย](https://www.bbc.com/thai) [Tigrinya ዜና ብትግርኛ](https://www.bbc.com/tigrinya) [Turkish TÜRKÇE](https://www.bbc.com/turkce) [Ukrainian УКРАЇНСЬКA](https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian) [Urdu اردو](https://www.bbc.com/urdu) [Uzbek O'ZBEK](https://www.bbc.com/uzbek) [Vietnamese TIẾNG VIỆT](https://www.bbc.com/vietnamese) [Welsh NEWYDDION](https://www.bbc.com/cymrufyw) [Yoruba ÌRÒYÌN NÍ YORÙBÁ](https://www.bbc.com/yoruba) Follow BBC on: - [Terms of Use](https://www.bbc.com/pages/terms-of-use) - [Subscription Terms](https://www.bbc.com/pages/subscription-terms) - [About the BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.bbc.com/pages/privacy-policy) - [Cookies](https://www.bbc.com/usingthebbc/cookies/) - [Accessibility Help](https://www.bbc.co.uk/accessibility/) - [Contact the BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/contact) - [Advertise with us](https://advertising.bbcstudios.com/) - [Do not share or sell my info](https://www.bbc.com/usingthebbc/cookies/how-can-i-change-my-bbc-cookie-settings/) - [BBC.com Help & FAQs](https://help.bbc.com/hc/) - [Content Index](https://www.bbc.com/pages/content-index) - [Set Preferred Source](https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260128-how-to-make-google-put-trusted-sources-up-top-when-you-search) Copyright 2026 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. [Read about our approach to external linking.**](https://www.bbc.co.uk/editorialguidelines/guidance/feeds-and-links)
Readable Markdown	2 October 2023 Shaimaa KhalilTokyo correspondent ![BBC Aki and Hikari hugging](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/1522/production/_130401450_cff6f3db-d2d2-40ec-bc78-e539d0395864.jpg.webp)BBC Aki and Hikari have been together for seven years but have kept their relationship secret from many people When Aki and Hikari were looking to rent a house together in Tokyo, they were told by real estate agents that the places they liked "were for couples". "We are a couple," they would respond. The answer they were given: "This is a house for a man and woman couple." The women, both in their 30s, have been together for seven years - now they are mothers to a baby. They coo and fuss over the infant, swap feeding and nappy-changing duties, and take turns to stay with him so one of them can get some sleep. They can't stop talking about their new baby formula machine. Yet, in the eyes of the law, the government and a conservative Japanese society, they're not a legitimate couple. Despite the support around them, they have kept their relationship a secret from many people. It's why they don't want to reveal their real names. They say they are being extra-cautious for their son given that taboos around same-sex couples still persist. "We're not recognised as a family of three," Aki says. Japan is the only G7 country not to fully recognise same-sex couples or offer them clear legal protection, leaving the country's LGBTQ+ community feeling vulnerable and nearly invisible. We've changed Aki and Hikari's names to protect their identities. Pressure has been growing to legalise same-sex unions after several district courts ruled that a ban on them was unconstitutional. But Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has struggled to pass reforms in the face of opposition from traditionally-minded political leadership. There has been some progress in a nod to younger, louder voices demanding change. Some municipalities have [introduced partnership certificates](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-63468752), but they are not legally binding. A new government post that mainly focuses on LGBTQ+ rights has been created, and a new law targets discrimination against sexual minorities. But the community is disappointed because the law, which met stiff opposition from conservative lawmakers, stops well short of recognising marriage equality. Activists were also infuriated because of language in the bill which said that in taking measures to "promote understanding" of sexual minorities, "all citizens can live with peace of mind". It drew angry reactions from critics who say it prioritised the rights of the majority, and implied that the existence of the LGBTQ+ community could be a threat to others' peace of mind. "There are already many politicians that want to use this law as a deterrent to restrict education and activities at schools and companies - so I'm very afraid of those intentions," says Akira Nishiyama, deputy secretary general of the Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation. Same-sex couples like Aki and Hikari say the lack of legal recognition is far from an abstract concern - it makes life harder for them every day. ![Jiro Akiba/BBC Close up on the hand of Aki and Hikari's baby](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/1803F/production/_130376389_142268eb-264d-423e-b140-5e8825d037b3.jpg.webp)Jiro Akiba/BBC Aki and Hikari say they want their son to grow up in a world where he can talk about his parents' relationship One of the things they are struggling to get used to, for instance, is the fact that only Aki, who gave birth, has parental rights. "When I gave birth, I wrote a will to appoint my partner as our son's legal guardian in case I died during labour. And even that didn't guarantee her custody," Aki says. If one of them is hospitalised, the other has no legal right to fill paperwork or sign consent forms on her partner's behalf. Many couples cannot get a joint mortgage to buy a house. And if one partner dies, the other has no right to inherit. They could apply for special permissions to circumvent each of these circumstances, but the decision depends on the discretion of officials. It was parenthood that encouraged Hikari and Aki to come out to their families and their close circle of friends, and to consider marriage. They wanted their son to be able to explain his mothers' relationship when he grows up. They knew they couldn't get married in Japan, but they filled out a marriage application anyway. When their application was rejected in Japan, they got married in Canada where Hikari went to university. - [Gay couples sue Japan over marriage rights](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47221934) - [India same-sex marriage case tests judges](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-65422377) "We wanted to show we exist," Aki says. But in Japan, she says she and Hikari feel like they are being made invisible. "I grew up in a small, conservative town," Aki says. "I knew I was gay from a young age and felt strongly that I had to fix it. I lived in hiding… I've given up so much. I don't want to do this anymore." There is room for progress, Ms Nishiyama says, but those in power are strongly resistant to change: "Conservative politicians who want to protect the idea of traditional family… or the patriarchy." "I have been actively working for the protection of LGBTQ+ people for almost 10 years - that's why I'm really frustrated because I feel that I need to really fight and I need to work hard every single day. I could live in other countries where LGBTQ+ people's rights are protected by law, but I have not chosen that path yet because I want to change Japanese society and I want to protect my own rights." ![Getty Images Marriage for all activism campaign marching to court](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/C9CC/production/_131306615_gettyimages-1245221048.jpg.webp)Getty Images Japan is the only G7 country not to fully recognise same-sex couples She says she will never stop fighting, but she is also exhausted and disheartened by the meagre progress. Older gay couples are more hopeful. Keitaro and Hideki met at a ballet class more than a year ago and have been inseparable since then. They were excited to get a partnership certificate. Even though it gives them no legal protection, they see it as a symbol of their union. "A true bond is beyond legal marriage. If you find one, it matters less how society labels it," Keitaro said. Now in his early 40s, Keitaro came out when he was a teenager and has since lived openly as a gay man. Hideki, who's 10 years older, has not come out to his family. He lives in a conservative rural area near Tokyo and commutes regularly to see his partner - he doesn't want to shock his 90-year-old mother whom he takes care of often. "I think that discrimination is still very strong in Japan, as is the environment that surrounds me," Hideki says. "I wish that more people would not have to live a double life," Keitaro says. "I think \[legal protection\] matters, if there's recognition... and less prejudice people will feel safe to come out." And that's what Aki and Hikari want too - they are hopeful that one day they'll be legally married in Japan and their son will be at their wedding. They worry for their child and wonder how he will navigate school and society. Aki says that's why she wants more not just for her family, but for others like them. "Our wish is to have a society which is easier to live in for children of same-sex parents," she says. "We want LGBTQ people to be protected, now and in the future. It is not right that we keep hiding ourselves."
Shard	16 (laksa)
Root Hash	1643509356818581016
Unparsed URL	com,bbc!www,/news/world-asia-66173433 s443