🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 44 (from laksa057)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa044.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.equaldex.com/region/japan\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.equaldex.com/region/japan\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/japan","crawl_time":1776325792,"first_indexed_time":1514519240,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,equaldex!www,\/region\/japan s443","src_root_hash":"15300614204789318644","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"LGBT Rights in Japan | Equaldex","meta_descriptions":["LGBT Rights in Japan: homosexuality, gay marriage, gay adoption, serving in the military, sexual orientation discrimination protection, changing legal gender, donating blood, age of consent, and more."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Public Opinion\nIn Japan, public opinion seems to reflect a lack of acceptance or understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.\nHave you lived in or visited Japan?\nShare your experience of being LGBTQ+ in Japan.\nTake Survey\nHistory\nHomosexual activity in Japan\n?\nHomosexual activity in Japan is legal.\nCurrent status\nLegal\nAnal sodomy was decriminalized in\n1881\nwhen the provision was dropped from Japan's Penal Code. It was eliminated by supervision of Gustave Boissonade, a French legal scholar who served as an advisor to develop the legal system in Japan.\nIllegal (other penalty)\nSodomy (\"keikan\") was criminalized in\n1873\nwith article 266 of the Meiji Legal Code, however, it was hardly ever punished, with only 20 recorded instances of sodomy during\n1876\nto\n1881\n.\nSame-sex marriage in Japan\n?\nSame-sex marriage in Japan is unregistered cohabitation.\nCurrent status\nSince Mar 26,\n2024\nUnregistered cohabitation\nfederal law\nIn March\n2024\n, Japan's Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to compensation if one partner is the victim of a crime. This ruling broadens the interpretation of the law on benefits for crime victims, considering that same-sex couples can be included within the category of \"persons in a situation equivalent to a de facto marriage.\"\nFollowing this decision, the government reported on January 21,\n2025\n, that various ministries and agencies had identified similar language in 24 laws and regulations. These include the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, the Land and Housing Tenancy Act, the Child Abuse Prevention Act, and the Public Housing Act.\nOn September 30,\n2025\n, the government announced that nine new laws containing the same phrase could include same-sex couples within their scope. They also announced that 120 laws, primarily related to social security, do not cover same-sex couples.\nBanned\nfederal law\nArticle 24 of Japan’s constitution states that “Marriage shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes” which is interpreted to define marriage as between two people of the opposite sex.\nBeginning in March of\n2021\n, district courts and high courts across Japan have ruled that Japan restricting marriage to opposite-sex couples is unconstitutional. However, these court rulings do not have any actual effect on the law.\nMore than 200 municipalities across Japan have introduced partnership systems which give same-sex couples the ability to register their relationships. However, the registration is not legally binding and it does not grant any of the rights of marriage.\nCensorship of LGBT issues in Japan\n?\nCensorship of LGBT issues in Japan is no censorship.\nCurrent status\nNo censorship\nIn Japan, there are no laws restricting to discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics.\nRight to change legal gender in Japan\n?\nRight to change legal gender in Japan is legal, but requires surgery.\nCurrent status\nSince Apr 1,\n2022\nLegal, but requires surgery\nAmended Act No.111 of\n2003\nrequires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 18 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child less than 18 years, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist.\nOn October 16th\n2023\n, a Japanese transgender man won his case in court to allow him to change his legal gender without sterilization. The law was deemed unconstitutional. It remains to be seen what changes will be made to the law and when they will come in effect.\nLegal, but requires surgery\nAmended Act No.111 of\n2003\nrequires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 20 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child less than 20 years, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist.\nLegal, but requires surgery\nAct No.111 of\n2003\nrequires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 20 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist.\nIllegal\nUntil\n2004\n, there was no legal gender recognition provided in Japan.\nGender-affirming care in Japan\n?\nGender-affirming care in Japan is legal, but restricted for minors.\nCurrent status\nSince May 28,\n1997\nLegal, but restricted for minors\nfederal law\nThe Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology (JSPN) allows Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for those aged 15 and over with parental consent. The law considered to have potentially banned it was the Eugenics Protection Law but in\n1998\nit was ruled that when done in accordance of JSPN regulations it was not in violation of the law.\nBanned\nfederal law\nUntil\n1998\n, under Clause 28 of the Eugenics Protection Law, gender reassignment surgery was banned. The law prohibited any surgery deemed unnecessary that caused sterilization. This was highlighted in the\n1965\n\"Blue Boy Trial\" - Blue Boy was a Japanese slang term for trans women.\nLegal\nfederal law\nUntil\n1948\n, there were no known legal restrictions on gender-affirming care in Japan.\nLegal recognition of non-binary gender in Japan\n?\nLegal recognition of non-binary gender in Japan is not legally recognized.\nCurrent status\nNot legally recognized\nNon-binary gender is not legally recognized in Japan.\nHowever, the city of Yokosuka recognizes the relationships of people of all genders, including \"x-gender\", the common term for non-binary in Japan.\nHate crime protections in Japan\n?\nHate crime protections in Japan is no protections.\nCurrent status\nNo protections\nfederal law\nJapan does not provide hate crime protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity.\nLGBT discrimination in Japan\n?\nLGBT discrimination in Japan is illegal in some contexts.\nCurrent status\nIllegal in some contexts\nHousing discrimination is illegal in Japan. Japan does not have national employment anti-discrimination laws, although Tokyo, Ibaraki and Akita offer local protections.\nIllegal\nHousing discrimination is illegal in Japan, and employment discrimination is illegal in Tokyo, Ibaraki and Akita (Nationwide pending)\nLGBT employment discrimination in Japan\n?\nLGBT employment discrimination in Japan is varies by region.\nCurrent status\nVaries by Region\nWhile the Equal Employment Opportunity Law has been revised several times over the years to address sex discrimination and harassment in the workplace, the government has refused to expand the law to address discrimination against gender or sexual identity. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has passed legislation banning discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.\nCompanies in Japan consisting of ten or more employees are required to establish work regulations. In January\n2018\n, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare revised the Model Rules of Employment which \"stands as the example framework for work regulations\", to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and \"gender identification\". Article 15 reads:\nIn addition to what are provided for from Article 12 to the preceding paragraph, employees are prohibited from any other forms of harassment at the workplace that are damaging to the work environment of other employees such as by way of speech or behaviour related to sexual orientation or gender identification.\nLGBT housing discrimination in Japan\n?\nLGBT housing discrimination in Japan is sexual orientation and gender identity.\nCurrent status\nSexual orientation and gender identity\nSince autumn\n2003\n, the Urban Renaissance Agency, the government agency that operates government housing has allowed same-sex couples to rent units the same way as heterosexual couples at any one of the over 300 properties that it operates. This opened the way for more such action, as the Osaka Government in September\n2005\nopened the doors of its government housing to same-sex couples.\nIn February\n2018\n, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare created provisions addressing discrimination in housing, stating that \"consideration must be taken to not deny lodging on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.\"\nSame-sex adoption in Japan\n?\nSame-sex adoption in Japan is ambiguous.\nCurrent status\nAmbiguous\nThe US State Department states: \"there are no laws regulating or addressing same-sex couples adopting in Japan.\"\nIt was reported  in\n2016\nthat many same-sex couples have been rejected by public authorities and are told “Children will never be fostered” by same-sex couples and “couples of friends are not accepted.”\nThere is however one documented case from\n2016\nof same-sex foster parents in Osaka.\nIntersex infant surgery in Japan\n?\nIntersex infant surgery in Japan is not banned.\nCurrent status\nNot banned\nfederal law\nSurgery on intersex infants is legal in Japan.\nServing openly in military in Japan\n?\nServing openly in military in Japan is legal.\nCurrent status\nSince May 3,\n1947\nLegal\nJapan has a Self Defense Force in place of a traditional military. There is no specific policy either banning or encouraging LGBT participation in the Self Defense Forces. Research by Sabine Fruhstuck has shown that many Japanese do not object to open LGBT service in the military provided it does not interfere with their performance.\nBlood donations by MSMs in Japan\n?\nBlood donations by MSMs in Japan is banned (6-month deferral).\nCurrent status\nSince Apr 1,\n2011\nBanned (6-month deferral)\nRed Cross Japan reduces deferral for high HIV risk individual from 12 months to 6 months.\nBanned (1-year deferral)\nGay men in Japan are banned from donating blood following one (1) year after male-male sexual contact. Japanese Red Cross opposses this practice.\nConversion therapy in Japan\n?\nConversion therapy in Japan is not banned.\nCurrent status\nNot banned\nThere are no laws banning conversion therapy in Japan.\nEqual age of consent in Japan\n?\nEqual age of consent in Japan is equal.\nCurrent status\nSince May 3,\n1947\nEqual\nThe national age of consent is equal for both same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples. Cities and prefectures may set higher ages of consent.","attrs_markdown":"#\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/ \"Home\")\n- [Equality Index](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/equality-index \"LGBT Equality Index\")\n- [Issues](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/issue\/homosexuality \"LGBT Issues\")\n- [Timeline](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline \"Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n- [Public Opinion](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys \"LGBT Rights Surveys\")\n- [More ▾]()\n  - [⭐️ Rate Your Region](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/rate)\n  - [Compare](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/compare)\n  - [Organizations](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/organizations)\n  - [Editor Dashboard](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/edit)\n  - [Help](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/help)\n- [Login \/ Join](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/login?redirect=%2Fregion%2Fjapan)\n\n[Regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/)\n\n▸\n\n[Asia](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/equality-index?continent=Asia)\n# [LGBT Rights in Japan](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/japan) ![](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/media\/flag\/smc360\/jp.svg)\n\n💬 Join Equaldex's **[LGBTQ+ Discord](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/discord)** to discuss LGBT rights and chat\\!\n\n## Public Opinion\n[Suggest Public Opinion Data](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/suggest-data?region=JP)\n\nIn Japan, public opinion seems to reflect a lack of acceptance or understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.\n\nOPPOSE\n\nSUPPORT\n\n### Support for LGBT people being open about their sexual orientation or gender identity (2025)\nRanked \\#22 of [26 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-lgbt-people-being-open-sexual-orientation-gender-identity)\n\nQuestion: To what extent do you support or oppose the following: LGBT people being open about their sexual orientation or gender identity with everyone\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-ca\/ipsos-pride-survey-2025), April 2025*\n\nOppose\n\n11%\n\n16\\.1%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nSupport\n\n26%\n\n48\\.2%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Acceptance of LGBT public displays of affection (2025)\nRanked \\#18 of [26 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/acceptance-of-lgbt-public-displays-of-affection)\n\nQuestion: To what extent do you support or oppose the following: LGBT people displaying affection in public (e.g., kissing or holding hands)\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-ca\/ipsos-pride-survey-2025), April 25-May 9, 2025*\n\nOppose\n\n18%\n\n26%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nSupport\n\n23%\n\n37\\.5%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Perceptions of local area as a \"good place\" for gay and lesbian people (2024)\nRanked \\#50 of [121 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/perceptions-of-local-area-as-a-quot-good-place-quot-for-gay-and-lesbian-2024)\n\nQuestion: Is the city or area where you live a good place or not a good place to live for gay or lesbian people?\n\n*Source: [Gallup](https:\/\/news.gallup.com\/poll\/691457\/world-split-treatment-gay-lesbian-people.aspx), April 10th to December 13th*\n\nGood place\n\n46%\n\n40\\.3%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for LGBT people to be open about their sexual orientation or gender identity (2024)\nRanked \\#23 of [26 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-lgbt-people-to-be-open-about-their-sexual-orientation-or-gender)\n\nQuestion: To what extent do you support or oppose the following: LGBT people being open about their sexual orientation or gender identity with everyone\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024*\n\nOppose\n\n9%\n\n14\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nSupport\n\n29%\n\n50\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for LGBT rights and protections (2024)\nRanked \\#19 of [26 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-lgbt-rights-and-protections)\n\nQuestion: To what extent do you support or oppose the following: Laws banning discrimination against LGBT people when it comes to employment, access to education, housing and social services, etc.\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024*\n\nOppose\n\n10%\n\n17\\.3%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nSupport\n\n42%\n\n54%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for teens' access to gender-affirming care (2024)\nRanked \\#4 of [26 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-teens-access-to-genderaffirming-care)\n\nQuestion: How much do you agree or disagree with the following?: With parental consent, transgender teenagers should be allowed to receive gender-affirming care (e.g., counselling and hormone replacement treatment)\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024*\n\nOppose\n\n17%\n\n29\\.9%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nSupport\n\n62%\n\n56%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for access to facilities matching gender identity (2024)\nRanked \\#18 of [26 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-access-to-facilities-matching-gender-identity)\n\nQuestion: How much do you agree or disagree with the following?: Transgender people should be allowed to use single-sex facilities (e.g., public restrooms) that correspond to the gender they identify with\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024*\n\nOppose\n\n35%\n\n33\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nSupport\n\n43%\n\n51\\.1%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for other-gender option on official documents (2024)\nRanked \\#2 of [26 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-othergender-option-on-official-documents)\n\nQuestion: Q. How much do you agree or disagree with the following?: Government-issued documents such as passports should include an option other than \"male\" and \"female\" for people who do not identify as either\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024*\n\nOppose\n\n23%\n\n35\\.4%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nSupport\n\n56%\n\n50%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for transgender athletes (2024)\nRanked \\#12 of [26 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-transgender-athletes)\n\nQuestion: To what extent do you support or oppose the following: Transgender athletes competing based on the gender they identify with rather the sex they were assigned at birth\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024*\n\nOppose\n\n30%\n\n39\\.2%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nSupport\n\n19%\n\n28%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for same-sex marriage (2024)\nRanked \\#15 of [26 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-same-sex-marriage-2024)\n\nQuestion: When you think about the rights of same-sex couples, which of the following comes closest to your personal opinion?: \"Same-sex couples should be allowed to marry legally\" \"Same-sex couples should be allowed to obtain some kind of legal recognition, but not to marry\" \"Not Sure\", \"Same-sex couples should not be allowed to marry or obtain any kind of legal recognition\"\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024*\n\nOppose\n\n6%\n\n13\\.4%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nSupport\n\n67%\n\n71\\.3%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for same-sex adoption (2024)\nRanked \\#10 of [26 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-samesex-adoption)\n\nQuestion: To what extent do you agree or disagree that: Same-sex couples should have the same rights to adopt children as heterosexual couples do\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024*\n\nOppose\n\n18%\n\n27\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nSupport\n\n64%\n\n63\\.3%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for same-sex couples' parenting (2024)\nRanked \\#18 of [26 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-samesex-couples-parenting)\n\nQuestion: To what extent do you agree or disagree that: Same-sex couples are just as likely as other parents to successfully raise children\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024*\n\nOppose\n\n20%\n\n26\\.5%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nSupport\n\n58%\n\n64\\.3%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Perceptions of local area as a \"good place\" for gay and lesbian people (2023)\nRanked \\#69 of [124 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/perceptions-of-local-area-as-a-good-place-for-gay-lesbian-people-2023)\n\nQuestion: Is the city or area where you live a good place or not a good place to live for gay or lesbian people?\n\n*Source: [Gallup](https:\/\/news.gallup.com\/poll\/507518\/majority-worldwide-say-area-good-gay-people.aspx), June 21, 2023*\n\nGood Place\n\n34%\n\n40\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support of same-sex marriage (2023)\nRanked \\#10 of [32 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-same-sex-marriage-2023)\n\nQuestion: Do you strongly favor, somewhat favor, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally?\n\n*Source: [Pew Research Center](https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/short-reads\/2023\/06\/13\/how-people-in-24-countries-view-same-sex-marriage\/), Feb. 21, 2023 – April 15, 2023*\n\nOppose\n\n26%\n\n42\\.2%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nFavor\n\n68%\n\n53\\.7%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for same-sex adoption (2023)\nRanked \\#13 of [30 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-same-sex-adoption)\n\nQuestion: Still thinking about same-sex marriage, to what extent do you agree or disagree that: Same-sex couples should have the same rights to adopt children as heterosexual couples do.\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en\/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023*\n\nStrongly\/somewhat disagree\n\n19%\n\n28\\.4%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nStrongly\/somewhat agree\n\n66%\n\n63\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for same-sex marriage or legal recognition (2023)\nRanked \\#18 of [30 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-same-sex-marriage-or-legal-recognition)\n\nQuestion: When you think about the rights of same-sex couples, which of the following comes closest to your personal opinion?\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en\/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023*\n\nAgainst\n\n9%\n\n13\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nSupport marriage or legal recognition\n\n69%\n\n72\\.4%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Views about same-sex couples' parenting (2023)\nRanked \\#20 of [30 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/views-about-same-sex-couples-parenting)\n\nQuestion: Still thinking about same-sex marriage, to what extent do you agree or disagree that: Same-sex couples are just as likely as other parents to successfully raise children\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en\/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023*\n\nStrongly\/somewhat disagree\n\n22%\n\n27%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nStrongly\/somewhat agree\n\n59%\n\n64\\.7%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Perceived prevalence of transgender discrimination (2023)\nRanked \\#3 of [30 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/perceived-prevalence-of-transgender-discrimination)\n\nQuestion: In your opinion, how much discrimination do transgender people face in our society today?\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en\/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023*\n\nA great deal\/fair amount\n\n46%\n\n66\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nNot much\/not at all\n\n27%\n\n18\\.6%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for transgender discrimination protection (2023)\nRanked \\#23 of [30 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-teens-access-to-gender-affirming-care)\n\nQuestion: How much do you agree or disagree with the following? Transgender people should be protected from discrimination in employment, housing, and access to businesses such as restaurants and stores.\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en\/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023*\n\nStrongly\/somewhat disagree\n\n16%\n\n15\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nStrongly\/somewhat agree\n\n69%\n\n75\\.9%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for teens’ access to gender-affirming care (2023)\nRanked \\#8 of [30 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-teens-access-to-gender-affirming-care)\n\nQuestion: How much do you agree or disagree with the following? With parental consent, transgender teenagers should be allowed to receive gender-affirming care (e.g., counseling and hormone replacement treatment).\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en\/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023*\n\nStrongly\/somewhat disagree\n\n17%\n\n27\\.3%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nStrongly\/somewhat agree\n\n65%\n\n60%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for trans access to facilities matching gender identity (2023)\nRanked \\#13 of [30 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-trans-access-to-facilities-matching-gender-identity)\n\nQuestion: How much do you agree or disagree with the following? Transgender people should be allowed to use single-sex facilities (e.g., public restrooms) that correspond to the gender they identify with.\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en\/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023*\n\nStrongly\/somewhat disagree\n\n26%\n\n30\\.2%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nStrongly\/somewhat agree\n\n52%\n\n54\\.7%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for non-binary gender option on official documents (2023)\nRanked \\#2 of [30 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-non-binary-gender-option-on-official-documents)\n\nQuestion: How much do you agree or disagree with the following? Government-issued documents such as passports should include an option other than \"male\" and \"female\" for people who do not identify as either.\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en\/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023*\n\nStrongly\/somewhat disagree\n\n22%\n\n33\\.4%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nStrongly\/somewhat agree\n\n58%\n\n52\\.5%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for insurance coverage of gender transition costs (2023)\nRanked \\#18 of [30 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-insurance-coverage-of-gender-transition-costs)\n\nQuestion: How much do you agree or disagree with the following? Health insurance systems should cover the costs of gender transition no differently than the costs of other medical procedures.\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en\/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023*\n\nStrongly\/somewhat disagree\n\n38%\n\n39\\.4%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nStrongly\/somewhat agree\n\n41%\n\n47\\.1%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Justifiability of homosexuality (2022)\nRanked \\#18 of [88 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/justifiability-of-homosexuality)\n\nQuestion: Please tell me for each of the following statements whether you think it can always be justified, never be justified, or something in between.\n\n*Source: [World Values Survey](https:\/\/www.worldvaluessurvey.org\/WVSContents.jsp), 2017-2022*\n\nNot justifiable\n\n15\\.08%\n\n51\\.3%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nJustifiable\n\n43\\.31%\n\n22\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Acceptance of homosexuals as neighbors (2022)\nRanked \\#31 of [88 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/acceptance-of-homosexuals-as-neighbors)\n\nQuestion: On this list are various groups of people. Could you please mention any that you would not like to have as neighbors?\n\n*Source: [World Values Survey](https:\/\/www.worldvaluessurvey.org\/WVSContents.jsp), 2017-2022*\n\nMentioned homosexuals\n\n26\\.39%\n\n41\\.2%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nDid not mention homosexuals\n\n70\\.81%\n\n57%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Views on same-sex marriage or other legal recognition (2021)\nRanked \\#13 of [27 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/ipsos-lgbt-pride-2021-global-survey)\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/news-polls\/ipsos-lgbt-pride-2021-global-survey), April–May, 2021*\n\nAgainst\n\n6%\n\n16\\.1%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nSupport\n\n69%\n\n69\\.4%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Views on same-sex couples' right to adopt (2021)\nRanked \\#10 of [27 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/ipsos-lgbt-pride-2021-global-survey-adoption)\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/news-polls\/ipsos-lgbt-pride-2021-global-survey), April–May, 2021*\n\nDisagree\n\n20%\n\n31\\.3%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nAgree\n\n68%\n\n61%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Opinion on same-sex couples as parents (2020)\nRanked \\#16 of [74 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/opinion-on-same-sex-couples-as-parents)\n\nQuestion: Homosexual couples are as good parents as other couples\n\n*Source: [World Values Survey](https:\/\/www.worldvaluessurvey.org\/WVSContents.jsp), 2017-2020*\n\nDisagree\n\n10%\n\n42\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nAgree\n\n43\\.8%\n\n32\\.6%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### \"Should society accept homosexuality?\" (2019)\nRanked \\#13 of [34 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/pew-global-attitudes-on-homosexuality-2019)\n\nQuestion: Should society accept homosexuality?\n\n*Source: [Pew Research Center](https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/global\/2020\/06\/25\/global-divide-on-homosexuality-persists\/), May–October, 2019*\n\nNo\n\n22%\n\n38\\.5%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nYes\n\n68%\n\n52\\.7%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Attitude toward transgender people (2017)\nRanked \\#11 of [27 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/attitude-toward-transgender-people)\n\nQuestion: Transgender people are \"natural occurrence\"\n\n*Source: [Ipsos \/ The Williams Institute](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/news-polls\/global-attitudes-toward-transgender-people), October-November 2017*\n\nDisagree\n\n26%\n\n34\\.4%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nAgree\n\n48%\n\n51\\.4%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Attitude toward gender reassignment surgery (2017)\nRanked \\#20 of [27 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/attitude-toward-gender-reassignment-surgery)\n\nQuestion: Transgender people should be allowed to have surgery so their body matches their identity\n\n*Source: [Ipsos \/ The Williams Institute](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/news-polls\/global-attitudes-toward-transgender-people), October-November 2017*\n\nDisagree\n\n20%\n\n22\\.6%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nAgree\n\n54%\n\n66%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Allowing transgender people to adopt (2017)\nRanked \\#12 of [27 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/allowing-transgender-people-to-adopt)\n\nQuestion: Transgender people should be allowed to adopt children\n\n*Source: [Ipsos \/ The Williams Institute](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/news-polls\/global-attitudes-toward-transgender-people), October-November 2017*\n\nDisagree\n\n22%\n\n35\\.4%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nAgree\n\n52%\n\n54%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Transgender people's bathroom choice (2017)\nRanked \\#15 of [27 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/transgender-peoples-bathroom-choice)\n\nQuestion: Transgender people should be allowed to use the restroom of the sex they identify with\n\n*Source: [Ipsos \/ The Williams Institute](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/news-polls\/global-attitudes-toward-transgender-people), October-November 2017*\n\nDisagree\n\n29%\n\n35\\.9%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nAgree\n\n43%\n\n51%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Belief that transgender people have a form of mental illness (2017)\nRanked \\#15 of [27 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/belief-that-transgender-people-have-a-form-of-mental-illness)\n\nQuestion: Transgender people have a form of mental illness\n\n*Source: [Ipsos \/ The Williams Institute](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/news-polls\/global-attitudes-toward-transgender-people), October-November 2017*\n\nAgree\n\n17%\n\n26\\.4%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nDisagree\n\n57%\n\n60\\.6%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Belief that transgender people are violating country's culture (2017)\nRanked \\#5 of [27 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/belief-that-transgender-people-are-violating-countrys-culture)\n\nQuestion: Transgender people are violating the traditions of my culture\n\n*Source: [Ipsos \/ The Williams Institute](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/news-polls\/global-attitudes-toward-transgender-people), October-November 2017*\n\nAgree\n\n10%\n\n28\\.7%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nDisagree\n\n65%\n\n60%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Belief that transgender people should be allowed to marry a person of their birth sex (2017)\nRanked \\#19 of [27 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/belief-that-transgender-people-should-be-allowed-to-marry-a-person-of-their)\n\nQuestion: Transgender people should be allowed to marry a person of their birth sex\n\n*Source: [Ipsos \/ The Williams Institute](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/news-polls\/global-attitudes-toward-transgender-people), October-November 2017*\n\nDisagree\n\n25%\n\n29\\.7%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nAgree\n\n47%\n\n58\\.7%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Transgender people in the military (2017)\nRanked \\#19 of [26 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/transgender-people-in-the-military)\n\nQuestion: Transgender people should be allowed to serve in the military\n\n*Source: [Ipsos \/ The Williams Institute](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-us\/news-polls\/global-attitudes-toward-transgender-people), October-November 2017*\n\nDisagree\n\n24%\n\n27\\.3%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nAgree\n\n48%\n\n60\\.2%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for same-sex marriage (2016)\nRanked \\#17 of [54 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-same-sex-marriage-2016)\n\nQuestion: Should same-sex marriage be legal?\n\n*Source: [ILGA \/ RIWI](https:\/\/riwi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Ilga_Riwi_Attitudes_LGBTI_survey_Logo_personal_political.pdf), October 2016*\n\nNo\n\n27%\n\n44\\.3%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nYes\n\n33%\n\n32\\.1%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### How accepted are transgender girls around the world? (2016)\nRanked \\#7 of [54 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/how-accepted-are-transgender-girls-around-the-world)\n\nQuestion: If a male child always dressed and expressed himself as a girl, would you find that acceptable?\n\n*Source: [ILGA](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20170510154118\/http:\/\/ilga.org\/downloads\/Ilga_Riwi_Attitudes_LGBTI_survey_Logo_personal_political.pdf), Early 2016*\n\nNo\n\n24%\n\n47\\.1%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nYes\n\n41%\n\n28\\.3%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### How accepted are transgender boys in the world? (2016)\nRanked \\#3 of [54 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/how-accepted-are-transgender-boys-in-the-world)\n\nQuestion: If a female child always dressed and expressed herself as a boy, would you find that acceptable?\n\n*Source: [ILGA](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20170510154118\/http:\/\/ilga.org\/downloads\/Ilga_Riwi_Attitudes_LGBTI_survey_Logo_personal_political.pdf), Early 2016*\n\nNo\n\n18%\n\n42%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nYes\n\n48%\n\n33\\.4%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for gender affirming surgery (2016)\nRanked \\#18 of [23 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-gender-affirming-surgery-2015)\n\n*Source: [Ipsos \/ The Williams Institute](https:\/\/williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu\/publications\/trans-rights-23-country-survey\/), July-August 2016*\n\nOppose\n\n17\\.6%\n\n18\\.2%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nSupport\n\n55\\.9%\n\n69\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for transgender discrimination protection (2016)\nRanked \\#17 of [23 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-transgender-discrimination-protection)\n\nQuestion: Do you support Transgender Discrimination Protection?\n\n*Source: [Ipsos \/ The Williams Institute](https:\/\/williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu\/publications\/trans-rights-23-country-survey\/), July-August 2016*\n\nAgainst\n\n16\\.4%\n\n18%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nSupport\n\n61\\.8%\n\n71\\.1%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Allowing transgender people to adopt (2016)\nRanked \\#12 of [23 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/allowing-transgender-people-to-adopt-2016)\n\nQuestion: Transgender people should be allowed to adopt children\n\n*Source: [Ipsos \/ The Williams Institute](https:\/\/williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu\/publications\/trans-rights-23-country-survey\/), July-August 2016*\n\nDisagree\n\n18\\.9%\n\n32\\.2%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nAgree\n\n53%\n\n55%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Allowing transgender people to give birth (2016)\nRanked \\#14 of [23 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/allowing-transgender-people-to-give-birth)\n\nQuestion: Transgender people should be allowed to give birth\n\n*Source: [Ipsos \/ The Williams Institute](https:\/\/williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu\/publications\/trans-rights-23-country-survey\/), July-August 2016*\n\nDisagree\n\n20\\.6%\n\n26\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nAgree\n\n50\\.4%\n\n58\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for restroom access by current gender identity (2016)\nRanked \\#13 of [23 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-restroom-access-by-current-gender-identity)\n\nQuestion: Transgender people should be allowed to use the restroom of the sex they identify with\n\n*Source: [Ipsos \/ The Williams Institute](https:\/\/williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu\/publications\/trans-rights-23-country-survey\/), July-August 2016*\n\nDisagree\n\n28\\.1%\n\n30\\.4%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nAgree\n\n42\\.5%\n\n54\\.7%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Allowing transgender people to marry (2016)\nRanked \\#15 of [23 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/allowing-transgender-people-to-marry)\n\nQuestion: Transgender people should be allowed to marry a person of their birth sex\n\n*Source: [Ipsos \/ The Williams Institute](https:\/\/williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu\/publications\/trans-rights-23-country-survey\/), July-August 2016*\n\nDisagree\n\n21\\.3%\n\n25\\.3%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nAgree\n\n51\\.6%\n\n60\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Belief that transgender people are a natural occurrence (2016)\nRanked \\#13 of [23 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/belief-that-transgender-people-are-a-natural-occurrence)\n\nQuestion: Transgender people are natural occurrence\n\n*Source: [Ipsos \/ The Williams Institute](https:\/\/williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu\/publications\/trans-rights-23-country-survey\/), July-August 2016*\n\nDisagree\n\n25\\.1%\n\n32\\.7%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nAgree\n\n45\\.8%\n\n50\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Belief that transgender people have a form of mental illness (2016)\nRanked \\#15 of [23 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/belief-that-transgender-people-have-a-form-of-mental-illness-2016)\n\nQuestion: Transgender people have a form of mental illness\n\n*Source: [Ipsos \/ The Williams Institute](https:\/\/williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu\/publications\/trans-rights-23-country-survey\/), July-August 2016*\n\nAgree\n\n20\\.5%\n\n25\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nDisagree\n\n53\\.9%\n\n59\\.5%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Belief that transgender people are violating country's culture (2016)\nRanked \\#6 of [23 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/belief-that-transgender-people-are-violating-countrys-culture-2016)\n\nQuestion: Transgender people are violating the traditions of my culture\n\n*Source: [Ipsos \/ The Williams Institute](https:\/\/williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu\/publications\/trans-rights-23-country-survey\/), July-August 2016*\n\nAgree\n\n9\\.1%\n\n26\\.1%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nDisagree\n\n64\\.6%\n\n60\\.6%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Justifiability of homosexuality (2014)\nRanked \\#11 of [58 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/justifiability-of-homosexuality-2014)\n\nQuestion: Please tell me for each of the following statements whether you think it can always be justified, never be justified, or something in between.\n\n*Source: [World Values Survey](https:\/\/www.worldvaluessurvey.org\/WVSContents.jsp), 2010-2014*\n\nNot justifiable\n\n28\\.04%\n\n61\\.9%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nJustifiable\n\n22\\.72%\n\n13\\.4%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for same-sex marriage (2014)\nRanked \\#16 of [49 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-same-sex-marriage-2014)\n\nQuestion: Should same-sex marriage be legal?\n\n*Source: [ILGA \/ RIWI](https:\/\/riwi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/RIWI_ILGA_Report_Marriage_c.pdf), April-June 2014*\n\nNo\n\n30%\n\n45\\.7%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nYes\n\n28%\n\n33\\.1%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Perceptions of local area as a \"good place\" for gay and lesbian people (2013)\nRanked \\#44 of [119 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/perceived-acceptance-of-gay-people)\n\nQuestion: Is the city or area where you live a good place or not a good place for homosexuals?\n\n*Source: [Gallup](https:\/\/news.gallup.com\/poll\/175520\/nearly-worldwide-areas-good-gays.aspx), 2013*\n\nNot a good place\n\n39%\n\n54%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nGood place\n\n28%\n\n29\\.2%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### \"Should society accept homosexuality?\" (2013)\nRanked \\#15 of [39 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/pew-global-attitudes-on-homosexuality-2013)\n\nQuestion: Should society accept homosexuality?\n\n*Source: [Pew Research Center](http:\/\/www.pewglobal.org\/2013\/06\/04\/the-global-divide-on-homosexuality\/), June, 2013*\n\nNo\n\n36%\n\n55\\.1%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nYes\n\n54%\n\n39\\.3%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Views on Same-Sex Marriage (2013)\nRanked \\#1 of [16 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/views-on-same-sex-marriage)\n\nQuestion: Same-sex marriage is or could be harmful to society\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/sites\/default\/files\/news_and_polls\/2013-06\/6151-ppt.pdf), May 2013*\n\nAgree\n\n27%\n\n28\\.2%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Support for same-sex marriage or other legal recognition (2013)\nRanked \\#15 of [16 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/support-for-samesex-marriage-or-other-legal-recognition)\n\nQuestion: When you think about the rights of same-sex couples, which of the following comes closest to your personal opinion?\n\n*Source: [Ipsos](https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/sites\/default\/files\/news_and_polls\/2013-06\/6151-ppt.pdf), May 2013*\n\nSupport\n\n51%\n\n73\\.4%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Justifiability of homosexuality (2009)\nRanked \\#18 of [54 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/justifiability-of-homosexuality-2009)\n\nQuestion: Please tell me for each of the following statements whether you think it can always be justified, never be justified, or something in between.\n\n*Source: [World Values Survey](https:\/\/www.worldvaluessurvey.org\/WVSContents.jsp), 2005-2009*\n\nNot justifiable\n\n33\\.85%\n\n52\\.3%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nJustifiable\n\n19\\.25%\n\n19\\.6%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Views on homosexuality (2007)\nRanked \\#14 of [45 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/views-on-homosexuality)\n\nQuestion: Should society accept homosexuality?\n\n*Source: [Pew Research Center](https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/global\/2007\/10\/04\/chapter-3-views-of-religion-and-morality\/), April 6th to May 29th 2007*\n\nReject homosexuality\n\n28%\n\n58\\.3%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nAccept homosexuality\n\n49%\n\n33\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Justifiability of homosexuality (2004)\nRanked \\#7 of [38 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/justifiability-of-homosexuality-2004)\n\nQuestion: Please tell me for each of the following statements whether you think it can always be justified, never be justified, or something in between.\n\n*Source: [World Values Survey](https:\/\/www.worldvaluessurvey.org\/WVSContents.jsp), 2000-2004*\n\nNot justifiable\n\n39\\.35%\n\n71\\.6%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nJustifiable\n\n16\\.01%\n\n9\\.2%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Justifiability of homosexuality (1999)\nRanked \\#20 of [51 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/justifiability-of-homosexuality-1999)\n\nQuestion: Please tell me for each of the following statements whether you think it can always be justified, never be justified, or something in between.\n\n*Source: [World Values Survey](https:\/\/www.worldvaluessurvey.org\/WVSContents.jsp), 1995-1999*\n\nNot justifiable\n\n52\\.94%\n\n60\\.8%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nJustifiable\n\n9\\.96%\n\n13\\.2%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Justifiability of homosexuality (1994)\nRanked \\#9 of [20 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/justifiability-of-homosexuality-1994)\n\nQuestion: Please tell me for each of the following statements whether you think it can always be justified, never be justified, or something in between.\n\n*Source: [World Values Survey](https:\/\/www.worldvaluessurvey.org\/WVSContents.jsp), 1990-1994*\n\nNot justifiable\n\n68\\.05%\n\n71\\.3%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nJustifiable\n\n3\\.96%\n\n9\\.7%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Acceptance of homosexuals as neighbors (1994)\nRanked \\#9 of [17 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/acceptance-of-homosexuals-as-neighbors-1994)\n\nQuestion: On this list are various groups of people. Could you please mention any that you would not like to have as neighbors?\n\n*Source: [World Values Survey](https:\/\/www.worldvaluessurvey.org\/WVSContents.jsp), 1990-1994*\n\nMentioned homosexuals\n\n68\\.55%\n\n61\\.6%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nDid not mention homosexuals\n\n31\\.45%\n\n38\\.4%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n### Justifiability of homosexuality (1984)\nRanked \\#5 of [11 regions](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/surveys\/justifiability-of-homosexuality-1984)\n\nQuestion: Please tell me for each of the following statements whether you think it can always be justified, never be justified, or something in between.\n\n*Source: [World Values Survey](https:\/\/www.worldvaluessurvey.org\/WVSContents.jsp), 1981-1984*\n\nNot justifiable\n\n60\\.88%\n\n66\\.1%\n\nstudy avg.\n\nJustifiable\n\n2\\.66%\n\n8\\.4%\n\nstudy avg.\n\n[Show 56 More]()\n\n#### [Support for Same-Sex Marriage](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/survey\/211\/support-for-same-sex-marriage)\n*([Asahi Shimbun](https:\/\/www.asahi.com\/ajw\/articles\/14844573), 2023)*\n\nof voters support the legalization of gay marriage\n\ndo not support it\n\n#### [Support for Same-Sex Marriage](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/survey\/28\/support-for-same-sex-marriage)\n*([Dentsu](http:\/\/www.asahi.com\/ajw\/articles\/AJ201901280009.html), 2019)*\n\nSupport the legalization of same-sex marriage (ages 20-59)\n\n#### [LGBT Demographics](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/survey\/29\/lgbt-demographics)\n*([Dentsu](http:\/\/www.dentsu.co.jp\/news\/release\/2019\/0110-009728.html), 2018)*\n\nof Japanese people, age 20 to 59, identify as LGBT\n\n#### [LGBT Demographics](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/survey\/18\/lgbt-demographics)\n*([Dentsu (online survey)](http:\/\/globalvoicesonline.org\/2015\/05\/08\/more-and-more-lgbt-japanese-are-coming-out-of-the-closet\/), 2015)*\n\nof Japanese people between 20 and 59 identify as LGBT\n\n#### [Support for Same-Sex Marriage](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/survey\/19\/support-for-same-sex-marriage)\n*([Nihon Yoro Chosa-kai](http:\/\/www.pinknews.co.uk\/2014\/03\/18\/poll-half-people-japan-oppose-sex-marriage\/), 2015)*\n\nAdults support or somewhat supported same-sex marriage\n\n### Have you lived in or visited Japan?\nShare your experience of being LGBTQ+ in Japan.\n\n[Take Survey](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/rate)\n## History\n### Homosexual activity in Japan\n?\n\nHomosexual activity in Japan is legal.\n\n**Current status**\n\nSince [1881](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1881 \"1881 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nLegal\n\nAnal sodomy was decriminalized in [1881](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1881 \"1881 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") when the provision was dropped from Japan's Penal Code. It was eliminated by supervision of Gustave Boissonade, a French legal scholar who served as an advisor to develop the legal system in Japan.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.daynews.com\/world\/socie…](http:\/\/www.daynews.com\/world\/society\/2013\/04\/gay-rights-around-the-world-exploring-the-history-impact-and-effect-on-society-and-current-status-3rd-of-6-parts-2-18877)  \n [www.h-net.org\/reviews\/showr…](http:\/\/www.h-net.org\/reviews\/showrev.php?id=4126)  \n [scholarship.law.cornell.edu…](http:\/\/scholarship.law.cornell.edu\/cgi\/viewcontent.cgi?article=1063&context=lps_LLMGRP)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/187)\n\n[1873](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1873 \"1873 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")–[1881](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1881 \"1881 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nIllegal (other penalty)\n\nSodomy (\"keikan\") was criminalized in [1873](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1873 \"1873 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") with article 266 of the Meiji Legal Code, however, it was hardly ever punished, with only 20 recorded instances of sodomy during [1876](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1876 \"1876 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") to [1881](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1881 \"1881 Timeline of LGBT Rights\").\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \nHomosexuality in Modern Japan: Cultural Myths and Social Realities by Mark J. McLelland  \n [books.google.com\/books?id=d…](https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=dc2nHC_YLHoC&printsec=frontcover) Male  \n [iglhrc.org\/sites\/default\/fi…](https:\/\/iglhrc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/87-1.pdf)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/1687)\n\n### Same-sex marriage in Japan\n?\n\nSame-sex marriage in Japan is unregistered cohabitation.\n\n**Current status**\n\nSince Mar 26, [2024](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2024 \"2024 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nUnregistered cohabitation federal law\n\nIn March [2024](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2024 \"2024 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), Japan's Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to compensation if one partner is the victim of a crime. This ruling broadens the interpretation of the law on benefits for crime victims, considering that same-sex couples can be included within the category of \"persons in a situation equivalent to a de facto marriage.\"  \n   \n Following this decision, the government reported on January 21, [2025](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2025 \"2025 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), that various ministries and agencies had identified similar language in 24 laws and regulations. These include the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, the Land and Housing Tenancy Act, the Child Abuse Prevention Act, and the Public Housing Act.  \n   \n On September 30, [2025](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2025 \"2025 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), the government announced that nine new laws containing the same phrase could include same-sex couples within their scope. They also announced that 120 laws, primarily related to social security, do not cover same-sex couples.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2…](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2024\/03\/26\/japan\/crime-legal\/same-sex-partners-benefits\/)  \n [english.kyodonews.net\/artic…](https:\/\/english.kyodonews.net\/articles\/-\/46406)  \n [www.asahi.com\/articles\/AST1…](https:\/\/www.asahi.com\/articles\/AST1P2JHST1PUTFL008M.html)  \n [lgbtetc.jp\/news\/4336\/](https:\/\/lgbtetc.jp\/news\/4336\/)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/19847)\n\nMay 3, [1947](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1947 \"1947 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")–Mar 26, [2024](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2024 \"2024 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nBanned federal law\n\nArticle 24 of Japan’s constitution states that “Marriage shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes” which is interpreted to define marriage as between two people of the opposite sex.  \n   \n Beginning in March of [2021](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2021 \"2021 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), district courts and high courts across Japan have ruled that Japan restricting marriage to opposite-sex couples is unconstitutional. However, these court rulings do not have any actual effect on the law.  \n   \n More than 200 municipalities across Japan have introduced partnership systems which give same-sex couples the ability to register their relationships. However, the registration is not legally binding and it does not grant any of the rights of marriage.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.constituteproject.org\/c…](https:\/\/www.constituteproject.org\/constitution\/Japan_1946)  \n [metropolisjapan.com\/gay-mar…](https:\/\/metropolisjapan.com\/gay-marriage-in-japan\/)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/13651)\n\n### Censorship of LGBT issues in Japan\n?\n\nCensorship of LGBT issues in Japan is no censorship.\n\n**Current status**\n\nNo censorship\n\nIn Japan, there are no laws restricting to discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.state.gov\/reports\/2023-…](https:\/\/www.state.gov\/reports\/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices\/japan\/)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/10098)\n\n### Right to change legal gender in Japan\n?\n\nRight to change legal gender in Japan is legal, but requires surgery.\n\n**Current status**\n\nSince Apr 1, [2022](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2022 \"2022 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nLegal, but requires surgery\n\nAmended Act No.111 of [2003](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2003 \"2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") requires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 18 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child less than 18 years, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist.  \n   \n On October 16th [2023](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2023 \"2023 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), a Japanese transgender man won his case in court to allow him to change his legal gender without sterilization. The law was deemed unconstitutional. It remains to be seen what changes will be made to the law and when they will come in effect.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[elaws.e-gov.go.jp\/document?…](https:\/\/elaws.e-gov.go.jp\/document?lawid=415AC0100000111)  \n [www.courts.go.jp\/saiban\/syu…](https:\/\/www.courts.go.jp\/saiban\/syurui\/syurui_kazi\/kazi_06_23\/index.html)  \n [www.moj.go.jp\/content\/00130…](https:\/\/www.moj.go.jp\/content\/001300586.pdf)  \n [www.hrw.org\/news\/2023\/10\/16…](https:\/\/www.hrw.org\/news\/2023\/10\/16\/japan-court-rules-against-mandatory-transgender-sterilization)  \n (These contents are in Japanese)  \n   \n [apnews.com\/article\/japan-lg…](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-lgbtq-transgender-ruling-gender-change-decdbdca9c8dd3658ae86b63ec40c53d)  \n (The English version)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/12652)\n\nDec 19, [2008](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2008 \"2008 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")–Mar 31, [2022](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2022 \"2022 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nLegal, but requires surgery\n\nAmended Act No.111 of [2003](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2003 \"2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") requires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 20 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child less than 20 years, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.japaneselawtranslation.…](https:\/\/www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp\/en\/laws\/view\/2542\/tb#je_s2)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/12651)\n\nJul 16, [2004](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2004 \"2004 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")–Dec 18, [2008](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2008 \"2008 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nLegal, but requires surgery\n\nAct No.111 of [2003](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2003 \"2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") requires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 20 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.japaneselawtranslation.…](https:\/\/www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp\/ja\/laws\/view\/2542)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/193)\n\nUntil Jul 16, [2004](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2004 \"2004 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nIllegal\n\nUntil [2004](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2004 \"2004 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), there was no legal gender recognition provided in Japan.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.japaneselawtranslation.…](https:\/\/www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp\/ja\/laws\/view\/2542)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/15275)\n\n### Gender-affirming care in Japan\n?\n\nGender-affirming care in Japan is legal, but restricted for minors.\n\n**Current status**\n\nSince May 28, [1997](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1997 \"1997 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nLegal, but restricted for minors federal law\n\nThe Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology (JSPN) allows Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for those aged 15 and over with parental consent. The law considered to have potentially banned it was the Eugenics Protection Law but in [1998](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1998 \"1998 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") it was ruled that when done in accordance of JSPN regulations it was not in violation of the law.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.jspn.or.jp\/uploads\/uplo…](https:\/\/www.jspn.or.jp\/uploads\/uploads\/files\/activity\/gid_guideline_no5.pdf-) page 13 (age limit & requirements)  \n   \n [www.jspn.or.jp\/uploads\/uplo…](https:\/\/www.jspn.or.jp\/uploads\/uploads\/files\/activity\/gid_guideline_no5.pdf-) pages 9 & 10 (legality)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/14252)\n\nJul 14, [1948](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1948 \"1948 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")–May 28, [1997](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1997 \"1997 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nBanned federal law\n\nUntil [1998](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1998 \"1998 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), under Clause 28 of the Eugenics Protection Law, gender reassignment surgery was banned. The law prohibited any surgery deemed unnecessary that caused sterilization. This was highlighted in the [1965](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1965 \"1965 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") \"Blue Boy Trial\" - Blue Boy was a Japanese slang term for trans women.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[newhistories.sites.sheffiel…](https:\/\/newhistories.sites.sheffield.ac.uk\/volumes\/2022-23\/volume-23\/long-read-a-history-of-the-japanese-lgbtq-community) - paragraph 30  \n   \n [books.google.co.uk\/books?hl…](https:\/\/books.google.co.uk\/books?hl=en&lr=&id=UrcFreVIyaQC&oi=fnd&pg=PP8&ots=1zTYDnyklV&sig=ZnWwh98zIftga1IgywJnEaBCaD8&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false) - pages 115 & 205  \n   \n [www.jspn.or.jp\/uploads\/uplo…](https:\/\/www.jspn.or.jp\/uploads\/uploads\/files\/activity\/gid_guideline_no5.pdf) - pages 9 & 10  \n [www.ipss.go.jp\/history\/Engl…](https:\/\/www.ipss.go.jp\/history\/EnglishPamphletSeries\/pdf\/J000008736.pdf)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/14251)\n\nUntil Jul 13, [1948](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1948 \"1948 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nLegal federal law\n\nUntil [1948](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1948 \"1948 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), there were no known legal restrictions on gender-affirming care in Japan.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.ipss.go.jp\/history\/Engl…](https:\/\/www.ipss.go.jp\/history\/EnglishPamphletSeries\/pdf\/J000008736.pdf)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/19113)\n\n### Legal recognition of non-binary gender in Japan\n?\n\nLegal recognition of non-binary gender in Japan is not legally recognized.\n\n**Current status**\n\nNot legally recognized\n\nNon-binary gender is not legally recognized in Japan.  \n   \n However, the city of Yokosuka recognizes the relationships of people of all genders, including \"x-gender\", the common term for non-binary in Japan.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.hrw.org\/report\/2021\/05\/…](https:\/\/www.hrw.org\/report\/2021\/05\/25\/law-undermines-dignity\/momentum-revise-japans-legal-gender-recognition-process,) [www.hrw.org\/report\/2019\/03\/…](https:\/\/www.hrw.org\/report\/2019\/03\/19\/really-high-hurdle\/japans-abusive-transgender-legal-recognition-process)  \n [www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/…](https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/backstories\/576\/)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/12113)\n\n### Hate crime protections in Japan\n?\n\nHate crime protections in Japan is no protections.\n\n**Current status**\n\nNo protections federal law\n\nJapan does not provide hate crime protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.amnesty.org\/es\/wp-conte…](https:\/\/www.amnesty.org\/es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ASA2259552017ENGLISH.pdf)  \n   \n [www.oecd.org\/content\/dam\/oe…](https:\/\/www.oecd.org\/content\/dam\/oecd\/en\/publications\/reports\/2025\/07\/over-the-rainbow-the-road-to-lgbti-inclusion-country-notes_247c0764\/japan_b310342b\/c64958dc-en.pdf)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/19356)\n\n### LGBT discrimination in Japan\n?\n\nLGBT discrimination in Japan is illegal in some contexts.\n\n**Current status**\n\nSince [2018](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2018 \"2018 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nIllegal in some contexts\n\nHousing discrimination is illegal in Japan. Japan does not have national employment anti-discrimination laws, although Tokyo, Ibaraki and Akita offer local protections.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.hrw.org\/news\/2023\/07\/12…](https:\/\/www.hrw.org\/news\/2023\/07\/12\/japan-passes-law-promote-understanding-lgbt-people)  \n [elaws.e-gov.go.jp\/document?…](https:\/\/elaws.e-gov.go.jp\/document?lawid=505AC1000000068) (in Japanese)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/12414)\n\nUntil [2018](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2018 \"2018 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nIllegal\n\nHousing discrimination is illegal in Japan, and employment discrimination is illegal in Tokyo, Ibaraki and Akita (Nationwide pending)\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.amnesty.org\/en\/wp-conte…](https:\/\/www.amnesty.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ASA2259552017ENGLISH.pdf)  \n [documents-dds-ny.un.org\/doc…](https:\/\/documents-dds-ny.un.org\/doc\/UNDOC\/GEN\/G23\/036\/60\/PDF\/G2303660.pdf)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/192)\n\n### LGBT employment discrimination in Japan\n?\n\nLGBT employment discrimination in Japan is varies by region.\n\n**Current status**\n\nVaries by Region\n\nWhile the Equal Employment Opportunity Law has been revised several times over the years to address sex discrimination and harassment in the workplace, the government has refused to expand the law to address discrimination against gender or sexual identity. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has passed legislation banning discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.  \n   \n Companies in Japan consisting of ten or more employees are required to establish work regulations. In January [2018](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2018 \"2018 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare revised the Model Rules of Employment which \"stands as the example framework for work regulations\", to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and \"gender identification\". Article 15 reads:  \n   \n In addition to what are provided for from Article 12 to the preceding paragraph, employees are prohibited from any other forms of harassment at the workplace that are damaging to the work environment of other employees such as by way of speech or behaviour related to sexual orientation or gender identification.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[equalityactjapan.org\/wp-con…](https:\/\/equalityactjapan.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/declaration_en.pdf)  \n [www.amnesty.org\/en\/wp-conte…](https:\/\/www.amnesty.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ASA2259552017ENGLISH.pdf)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/1816)\n\n### LGBT housing discrimination in Japan\n?\n\nLGBT housing discrimination in Japan is sexual orientation and gender identity.\n\n**Current status**\n\nSince [2003](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2003 \"2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nSexual orientation and gender identity\n\nSince autumn [2003](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2003 \"2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), the Urban Renaissance Agency, the government agency that operates government housing has allowed same-sex couples to rent units the same way as heterosexual couples at any one of the over 300 properties that it operates. This opened the way for more such action, as the Osaka Government in September [2005](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2005 \"2005 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") opened the doors of its government housing to same-sex couples.  \n   \n In February [2018](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2018 \"2018 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare created provisions addressing discrimination in housing, stating that \"consideration must be taken to not deny lodging on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.\"\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[iglhrc.org\/sites\/default\/fi…](https:\/\/iglhrc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/Japan_Fact_Sheet.pdf)  \n [iglhrc.org\/sites\/iglhrc.org…](http:\/\/iglhrc.org\/sites\/iglhrc.org\/files\/Japan_forUpload.pdf)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/1815)\n\n### Same-sex adoption in Japan\n?\n\nSame-sex adoption in Japan is ambiguous.\n\n**Current status**\n\nAmbiguous\n\nThe US State Department states: \"there are no laws regulating or addressing same-sex couples adopting in Japan.\"   \n It was reported in [2016](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2016 \"2016 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") that many same-sex couples have been rejected by public authorities and are told “Children will never be fostered” by same-sex couples and “couples of friends are not accepted.”  \n There is however one documented case from [2016](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2016 \"2016 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") of same-sex foster parents in Osaka.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[travel.state.gov\/content\/tr…](https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/Intercountry-Adoption\/Intercountry-Adoption-Country-Information\/Japan.html)  \n [www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2…](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2017\/04\/06\/national\/social-issues\/osaka-becomes-first-japanese-city-recognize-sex-couple-foster-parents)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/190)\n\n### Intersex infant surgery in Japan\n?\n\nIntersex infant surgery in Japan is not banned.\n\n**Current status**\n\nNot banned federal law\n\nSurgery on intersex infants is legal in Japan.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.state.gov\/reports\/2023-…](https:\/\/www.state.gov\/reports\/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices\/japan\/)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/13702)\n\n### Serving openly in military in Japan\n?\n\nServing openly in military in Japan is legal.\n\n**Current status**\n\nSince May 3, [1947](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1947 \"1947 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nLegal\n\nJapan has a Self Defense Force in place of a traditional military. There is no specific policy either banning or encouraging LGBT participation in the Self Defense Forces. Research by Sabine Fruhstuck has shown that many Japanese do not object to open LGBT service in the military provided it does not interfere with their performance.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.palmcenter.org\/press\/da…](http:\/\/www.palmcenter.org\/press\/dadt\/releases\/asias_silence_on_gays_in_military_broken_by_taiwan)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/191)\n\n### Blood donations by MSMs in Japan\n?\n\nBlood donations by MSMs in Japan is banned (6-month deferral).\n\n**Current status**\n\nSince Apr 1, [2011](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2011 \"2011 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nBanned (6-month deferral)\n\nRed Cross Japan reduces deferral for high HIV risk individual from 12 months to 6 months.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.jrc.or.jp\/donation\/info…](http:\/\/www.jrc.or.jp\/donation\/information\/detail_01\/)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/1987)\n\n[2005](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2005 \"2005 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")–Apr 1, [2011](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2011 \"2011 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nBanned (1-year deferral)\n\nGay men in Japan are banned from donating blood following one (1) year after male-male sexual contact. Japanese Red Cross opposses this practice.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.huffingtonpost.com\/anai…](http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/anai-rhoads\/gay-men-donating-blood_b_3598533.html)  \n [hpm.org\/en\/Surveys\/IPSS\\_-\\_J…](http:\/\/hpm.org\/en\/Surveys\/IPSS_-_Japan\/05\/Tightening_and_easing_blood_donor_ban_over_vCJD.html)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/194)\n\n### Conversion therapy in Japan\n?\n\nConversion therapy in Japan is not banned.\n\n**Current status**\n\nNot banned\n\nThere are no laws banning conversion therapy in Japan.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.oecd.org\/japan\/OECD-LGB…](https:\/\/www.oecd.org\/japan\/OECD-LGBTI-2020-Over-The-Rainbow-JAPAN.pdf)  \n [www.state.gov\/reports\/2023-…](https:\/\/www.state.gov\/reports\/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices\/japan\/) - Section 6, paragraph 51\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/11336)\n\n### Equal age of consent in Japan\n?\n\nEqual age of consent in Japan is equal.\n\n**Current status**\n\nSince May 3, [1947](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1947 \"1947 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nEqual\n\nThe national age of consent is equal for both same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples. Cities and prefectures may set higher ages of consent.\n\n[Details]()\n\nSources:  \n[www.ageofconsent.com\/japan.htm](http:\/\/www.ageofconsent.com\/japan.htm)\n\nReport error · [Log](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/log\/195)\n***\n\n***\n## LGBT Rights by Perfecture\nView the LGBT laws in each individual perfecture of Japan.\n\n- [Aiti](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/aiti)\n- [Akita](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/akita)\n- [Aomori](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/aomori)\n- [Ehime](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/ehime)\n- [Gihu](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/gihu)\n- [Gunma](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/gunma)\n- [Hirosima](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/hirosima)\n- [Hukui](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/hukui)\n- [Hukuoka](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/hukuoka)\n- [Hukusima](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/hukusima)\n- [Hyôgo](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/hy%C3%B4go)\n- [Ibaraki](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/ibaraki)\n- [Isikawa](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/isikawa)\n- [Iwate](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/iwate)\n- [Kagawa](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/kagawa)\n- [Kagosima](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/kagosima)\n\n- [Kanagawa](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/kanagawa)\n- [Kumamoto](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/kumamoto)\n- [Kôti](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/k%C3%B4ti)\n- [Mie](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/mie)\n- [Miyagi](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/miyagi)\n- [Miyazaki](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/miyazaki)\n- [Nagano](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/nagano)\n- [Nagasaki](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/nagasaki)\n- [Nara](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/nara)\n- [Niigata](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/niigata)\n- [Okayama](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/okayama)\n- [Okinawa](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/okinawa)\n- [Saga](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/saga)\n- [Saitama](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/saitama)\n- [Siga](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/siga)\n- [Simane](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/simane)\n\n- [Sizuoka](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/sizuoka)\n- [Tiba](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/tiba)\n- [Tokusima](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/tokusima)\n- [Totigi](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/totigi)\n- [Tottori](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/tottori)\n- [Toyama](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/toyama)\n- [Wakayama](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/wakayama)\n- [Yamagata](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/yamagata)\n- [Yamaguti](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/yamaguti)\n- [Yamanasi](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/yamanasi)\n- [Ôita](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/%C3%B4ita)\n- [Kyôto](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/ky%C3%B4to)  (Urban Perfecture)\n- [Ôsaka](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/%C3%B4saka)  (Urban Perfecture)\n- [Tôkyô](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/t%C3%B4ky%C3%B4) (Metropolis)\n- [Hokkaidô](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/hokkaid%C3%B4)  (Territory)\n***\n\n[Equality Index](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/equality-index) ?\n\n53 \/ 100\n\nLegal Rights\n\n**57** \/ 100\n\nPublic Opinion\n\n**50** \/ 100\n\n#### Equality Rank\n[View All](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/equality-index)\n\n- [\\#53 Timor-Leste 54](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/east-timor)\n- [\\#54 Peru 54](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/peru)\n- [\\#55 Philippines 54](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/philippines)\n- \\#56 Japan\n  53\n- [\\#57 Monaco 53](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/monaco)\n- [\\#58 Bhutan 53](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/bhutan)\n- [\\#59 China 52](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/china)\n\n\\#2\n\n**Interest Rank** based on Equaldex traffic ?\n\n### Top Contributors\n- [danlev](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/user\/danlev) 14 contributions\n- [Iwamoto](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/user\/Iwamoto) 10 contributions\n- [beeurd](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/user\/beeurd) 10 contributions\n- [bradcoffey106](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/user\/bradcoffey106) 8 contributions\n- [DaisyGeekyTrans](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/user\/DaisyGeekyTrans) 5 contributions\n- [qcksws](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/user\/qcksws) 4 contributions\n- [jadeywadey](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/user\/jadeywadey) 4 contributions\n- [vviet93](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/user\/vviet93) 4 contributions\n- [Notdog1996](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/user\/Notdog1996) 4 contributions\n- [UnknownMiles](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/user\/UnknownMiles) 3 contributions\n\n### 2 Users Live in Japan\n[takehiko](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/user\/takehiko)  \n [Iwamoto](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/user\/Iwamoto)\n\n### [Japan LGBT Organizations](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/organizations\/japan)\n- ![Fukuoka Rainbow Educational Network Favicon](https:\/\/www.google.com\/s2\/favicons?domain=frenslgbtq.com) [Fukuoka Rainbow Educational Network](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/organization\/fukuoka-rainbow-educational-network)\n- ![Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation Favicon](https:\/\/www.google.com\/s2\/favicons?domain=lgbtetc.jp) [Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/organization\/japan-alliance-for-lgbt-legislation)\n- ![ReBit Favicon](https:\/\/www.google.com\/s2\/favicons?domain=rebitlgbt.org) [ReBit](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/organization\/rebit)\n\n[Suggest an organization](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/organizations\/suggest)\n### Share Region\n\n![LGBT Japan Flag](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/img\/regions\/lgbt-japan.png)\n\nLGBT Japan Flag\n\n### Compare Japan\n[52![](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/media\/flag\/smc360\/cn.svg)Compare with China](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/compare\/china\/japan)\n\n[58![](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/media\/flag\/smc360\/hk.svg)Compare with Hong Kong](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/compare\/hong-kong\/japan)\n\n[47![](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/media\/flag\/smc360\/mo.svg)Compare with Macau](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/compare\/japan\/macau)\n\n[40![](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/media\/flag\/smc360\/mn.svg)Compare with Mongolia](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/compare\/japan\/mongolia)\n\n[34![](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/media\/flag\/smc360\/kp.svg)Compare with North Korea](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/compare\/japan\/north-korea)\n\n[46![](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/media\/flag\/smc360\/kr.svg)Compare with South Korea](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/compare\/japan\/south-korea)\n\n[59![](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/media\/flag\/smc360\/tw.svg)Compare with Taiwan](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/compare\/japan\/taiwan)\n\nCommon queries:\n\n- Is it illegal to be gay in Japan?\n- Is homosexuality legal in Japan?\n- Is gay marriage legal in Japan?\n\nAlternative names: Nihon\/Nippon (local name)\n\n### LGBT Rights in [Eastern Asia](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/equality-index?region=Eastern+Asia)\n[52![](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/media\/flag\/smc360\/cn.svg)LGBT Rights in China](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/china)\n\n[58![](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/media\/flag\/smc360\/hk.svg)LGBT Rights in Hong Kong](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/hong-kong)\n\n[47![](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/media\/flag\/smc360\/mo.svg)LGBT Rights in Macau](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/macau)\n\n[40![](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/media\/flag\/smc360\/mn.svg)LGBT Rights in Mongolia](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/mongolia)\n\n[34![](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/media\/flag\/smc360\/kp.svg)LGBT Rights in North Korea](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/north-korea)\n\n[46![](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/media\/flag\/smc360\/kr.svg)LGBT Rights in South Korea](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/south-korea)\n\n[59![](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/media\/flag\/smc360\/tw.svg)LGBT Rights in Taiwan](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/taiwan)\n\nConsensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.\n\nMarriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and\/or gender identity.\n\nCensorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public.\n\nLegal recognition of a change in gender by permitting a change on an individual's legal documentation.\n\nMedical and psychological support designed to help individuals transition to the gender they identify with, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgeries.\n\nLegal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities.\n\nLegal protection from hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity.\n\nProhibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and\/or gender identity.\n\nProhibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and\/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc.\n\nProhibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and\/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords \/ property owners.\n\nThe ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child.\n\nMedical interventions performed on intersex infants to alter their genital appearance to conform to typical male or female standards, often without the informed consent of the child who is too young to participate in the decision-making process.\n\nThe ability for homosexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality.\n\nThe ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex.\n\nLegal status of conducting sexual orientation changing therapy (\"ex-gay\" therapy)\n\nThe difference between legal age of consent for homosexual sex and heterosexual sex.\n\n[Discord](http:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/discord) [Twitter](http:\/\/twitter.com\/equaldex) [Facebook](http:\/\/facebook.com\/equaldex) [Instagram](http:\/\/instagram.com\/equaldexapp) [LinkedIn](http:\/\/linkedin.com\/company\/equalitopia)\n\n[About](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/about) [Feedback](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/feedback) [Press](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/press) [API](https:\/\/equaldex.stoplight.io\/docs\/equaldex) [Terms](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/terms) [Privacy](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/privacy) [Cookie Preferences]() [Directory](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/directory)\n\nCopyright © 2026 Equaldex. All rights reserved.\n\nEqualdex is a collaborative knowledge base crowdsourcing [LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) rights by country](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/) and region. [Sign Up](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/login) to contribute\\!","attrs_readable_markdown":"Public Opinion\n\nIn Japan, public opinion seems to reflect a lack of acceptance or understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.\n\n### Have you lived in or visited Japan?\nShare your experience of being LGBTQ+ in Japan.\n\n[Take Survey](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/rate)\n## History\n### Homosexual activity in Japan\n?\n\nHomosexual activity in Japan is legal.\n\n**Current status**\n\nLegal\n\nAnal sodomy was decriminalized in [1881](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1881 \"1881 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") when the provision was dropped from Japan's Penal Code. It was eliminated by supervision of Gustave Boissonade, a French legal scholar who served as an advisor to develop the legal system in Japan.\n\nIllegal (other penalty)\n\nSodomy (\"keikan\") was criminalized in [1873](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1873 \"1873 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") with article 266 of the Meiji Legal Code, however, it was hardly ever punished, with only 20 recorded instances of sodomy during [1876](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1876 \"1876 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") to [1881](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1881 \"1881 Timeline of LGBT Rights\").\n\n### Same-sex marriage in Japan\n?\n\nSame-sex marriage in Japan is unregistered cohabitation.\n\n**Current status**\n\nSince Mar 26, [2024](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2024 \"2024 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nUnregistered cohabitation federal law\n\nIn March [2024](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2024 \"2024 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), Japan's Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to compensation if one partner is the victim of a crime. This ruling broadens the interpretation of the law on benefits for crime victims, considering that same-sex couples can be included within the category of \"persons in a situation equivalent to a de facto marriage.\"\n\nFollowing this decision, the government reported on January 21, [2025](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2025 \"2025 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), that various ministries and agencies had identified similar language in 24 laws and regulations. These include the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, the Land and Housing Tenancy Act, the Child Abuse Prevention Act, and the Public Housing Act.\n\nOn September 30, [2025](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2025 \"2025 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), the government announced that nine new laws containing the same phrase could include same-sex couples within their scope. They also announced that 120 laws, primarily related to social security, do not cover same-sex couples.\n\nBanned federal law\n\nArticle 24 of Japan’s constitution states that “Marriage shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes” which is interpreted to define marriage as between two people of the opposite sex.\n\nBeginning in March of [2021](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2021 \"2021 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), district courts and high courts across Japan have ruled that Japan restricting marriage to opposite-sex couples is unconstitutional. However, these court rulings do not have any actual effect on the law.\n\nMore than 200 municipalities across Japan have introduced partnership systems which give same-sex couples the ability to register their relationships. However, the registration is not legally binding and it does not grant any of the rights of marriage.\n\n### Censorship of LGBT issues in Japan\n?\n\nCensorship of LGBT issues in Japan is no censorship.\n\n**Current status**\n\nNo censorship\n\nIn Japan, there are no laws restricting to discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics.\n\n### Right to change legal gender in Japan\n?\n\nRight to change legal gender in Japan is legal, but requires surgery.\n\n**Current status**\n\nSince Apr 1, [2022](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2022 \"2022 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nLegal, but requires surgery\n\nAmended Act No.111 of [2003](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2003 \"2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") requires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 18 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child less than 18 years, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist.\n\nOn October 16th [2023](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2023 \"2023 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), a Japanese transgender man won his case in court to allow him to change his legal gender without sterilization. The law was deemed unconstitutional. It remains to be seen what changes will be made to the law and when they will come in effect.\n\nLegal, but requires surgery\n\nAmended Act No.111 of [2003](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2003 \"2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") requires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 20 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child less than 20 years, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist.\n\nLegal, but requires surgery\n\nAct No.111 of [2003](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2003 \"2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") requires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 20 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist.\n\nIllegal\n\nUntil [2004](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2004 \"2004 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), there was no legal gender recognition provided in Japan.\n\n### Gender-affirming care in Japan\n?\n\nGender-affirming care in Japan is legal, but restricted for minors.\n\n**Current status**\n\nSince May 28, [1997](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1997 \"1997 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nLegal, but restricted for minors federal law\n\nThe Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology (JSPN) allows Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for those aged 15 and over with parental consent. The law considered to have potentially banned it was the Eugenics Protection Law but in [1998](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1998 \"1998 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") it was ruled that when done in accordance of JSPN regulations it was not in violation of the law.\n\nBanned federal law\n\nUntil [1998](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1998 \"1998 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), under Clause 28 of the Eugenics Protection Law, gender reassignment surgery was banned. The law prohibited any surgery deemed unnecessary that caused sterilization. This was highlighted in the [1965](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1965 \"1965 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") \"Blue Boy Trial\" - Blue Boy was a Japanese slang term for trans women.\n\nLegal federal law\n\nUntil [1948](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1948 \"1948 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), there were no known legal restrictions on gender-affirming care in Japan.\n\n### Legal recognition of non-binary gender in Japan\n?\n\nLegal recognition of non-binary gender in Japan is not legally recognized.\n\n**Current status**\n\nNot legally recognized\n\nNon-binary gender is not legally recognized in Japan.\n\nHowever, the city of Yokosuka recognizes the relationships of people of all genders, including \"x-gender\", the common term for non-binary in Japan.\n\n### Hate crime protections in Japan\n?\n\nHate crime protections in Japan is no protections.\n\n**Current status**\n\nNo protections federal law\n\nJapan does not provide hate crime protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity.\n\n### LGBT discrimination in Japan\n?\n\nLGBT discrimination in Japan is illegal in some contexts.\n\n**Current status**\n\nIllegal in some contexts\n\nHousing discrimination is illegal in Japan. Japan does not have national employment anti-discrimination laws, although Tokyo, Ibaraki and Akita offer local protections.\n\nIllegal\n\nHousing discrimination is illegal in Japan, and employment discrimination is illegal in Tokyo, Ibaraki and Akita (Nationwide pending)\n\n### LGBT employment discrimination in Japan\n?\n\nLGBT employment discrimination in Japan is varies by region.\n\n**Current status**\n\nVaries by Region\n\nWhile the Equal Employment Opportunity Law has been revised several times over the years to address sex discrimination and harassment in the workplace, the government has refused to expand the law to address discrimination against gender or sexual identity. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has passed legislation banning discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.\n\nCompanies in Japan consisting of ten or more employees are required to establish work regulations. In January [2018](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2018 \"2018 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare revised the Model Rules of Employment which \"stands as the example framework for work regulations\", to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and \"gender identification\". Article 15 reads:\n\nIn addition to what are provided for from Article 12 to the preceding paragraph, employees are prohibited from any other forms of harassment at the workplace that are damaging to the work environment of other employees such as by way of speech or behaviour related to sexual orientation or gender identification.\n\n### LGBT housing discrimination in Japan\n?\n\nLGBT housing discrimination in Japan is sexual orientation and gender identity.\n\n**Current status**\n\nSexual orientation and gender identity\n\nSince autumn [2003](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2003 \"2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), the Urban Renaissance Agency, the government agency that operates government housing has allowed same-sex couples to rent units the same way as heterosexual couples at any one of the over 300 properties that it operates. This opened the way for more such action, as the Osaka Government in September [2005](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2005 \"2005 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") opened the doors of its government housing to same-sex couples.\n\nIn February [2018](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2018 \"2018 Timeline of LGBT Rights\"), the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare created provisions addressing discrimination in housing, stating that \"consideration must be taken to not deny lodging on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.\"\n\n### Same-sex adoption in Japan\n?\n\nSame-sex adoption in Japan is ambiguous.\n\n**Current status**\n\nAmbiguous\n\nThe US State Department states: \"there are no laws regulating or addressing same-sex couples adopting in Japan.\"   \n It was reported in [2016](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2016 \"2016 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") that many same-sex couples have been rejected by public authorities and are told “Children will never be fostered” by same-sex couples and “couples of friends are not accepted.”  \n There is however one documented case from [2016](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2016 \"2016 Timeline of LGBT Rights\") of same-sex foster parents in Osaka.\n\n### Intersex infant surgery in Japan\n?\n\nIntersex infant surgery in Japan is not banned.\n\n**Current status**\n\nNot banned federal law\n\nSurgery on intersex infants is legal in Japan.\n\n### Serving openly in military in Japan\n?\n\nServing openly in military in Japan is legal.\n\n**Current status**\n\nSince May 3, [1947](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1947 \"1947 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nLegal\n\nJapan has a Self Defense Force in place of a traditional military. There is no specific policy either banning or encouraging LGBT participation in the Self Defense Forces. Research by Sabine Fruhstuck has shown that many Japanese do not object to open LGBT service in the military provided it does not interfere with their performance.\n\n### Blood donations by MSMs in Japan\n?\n\nBlood donations by MSMs in Japan is banned (6-month deferral).\n\n**Current status**\n\nSince Apr 1, [2011](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/2011 \"2011 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nBanned (6-month deferral)\n\nRed Cross Japan reduces deferral for high HIV risk individual from 12 months to 6 months.\n\nBanned (1-year deferral)\n\nGay men in Japan are banned from donating blood following one (1) year after male-male sexual contact. Japanese Red Cross opposses this practice.\n\n### Conversion therapy in Japan\n?\n\nConversion therapy in Japan is not banned.\n\n**Current status**\n\nNot banned\n\nThere are no laws banning conversion therapy in Japan.\n\n### Equal age of consent in Japan\n?\n\nEqual age of consent in Japan is equal.\n\n**Current status**\n\nSince May 3, [1947](https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/timeline\/1947 \"1947 Timeline of LGBT Rights\")\n\nEqual\n\nThe national age of consent is equal for both same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples. Cities and prefectures may set higher ages of consent.\n***","meta_canonical":null}

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Property	Value
URL	https://www.equaldex.com/region/japan
Last Crawled	2026-04-16 07:49:52 (1 day ago)
First Indexed	2017-12-29 03:47:20 (8 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	LGBT Rights in Japan \| Equaldex
Meta Description	LGBT Rights in Japan: homosexuality, gay marriage, gay adoption, serving in the military, sexual orientation discrimination protection, changing legal gender, donating blood, age of consent, and more.
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Boilerpipe Text	Public Opinion In Japan, public opinion seems to reflect a lack of acceptance or understanding of the LGBTQ+ community. Have you lived in or visited Japan? Share your experience of being LGBTQ+ in Japan. Take Survey History Homosexual activity in Japan ? Homosexual activity in Japan is legal. Current status Legal Anal sodomy was decriminalized in 1881 when the provision was dropped from Japan's Penal Code. It was eliminated by supervision of Gustave Boissonade, a French legal scholar who served as an advisor to develop the legal system in Japan. Illegal (other penalty) Sodomy ("keikan") was criminalized in 1873 with article 266 of the Meiji Legal Code, however, it was hardly ever punished, with only 20 recorded instances of sodomy during 1876 to 1881 . Same-sex marriage in Japan ? Same-sex marriage in Japan is unregistered cohabitation. Current status Since Mar 26, 2024 Unregistered cohabitation federal law In March 2024 , Japan's Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to compensation if one partner is the victim of a crime. This ruling broadens the interpretation of the law on benefits for crime victims, considering that same-sex couples can be included within the category of "persons in a situation equivalent to a de facto marriage." Following this decision, the government reported on January 21, 2025 , that various ministries and agencies had identified similar language in 24 laws and regulations. These include the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, the Land and Housing Tenancy Act, the Child Abuse Prevention Act, and the Public Housing Act. On September 30, 2025 , the government announced that nine new laws containing the same phrase could include same-sex couples within their scope. They also announced that 120 laws, primarily related to social security, do not cover same-sex couples. Banned federal law Article 24 of Japan’s constitution states that “Marriage shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes” which is interpreted to define marriage as between two people of the opposite sex. Beginning in March of 2021 , district courts and high courts across Japan have ruled that Japan restricting marriage to opposite-sex couples is unconstitutional. However, these court rulings do not have any actual effect on the law. More than 200 municipalities across Japan have introduced partnership systems which give same-sex couples the ability to register their relationships. However, the registration is not legally binding and it does not grant any of the rights of marriage. Censorship of LGBT issues in Japan ? Censorship of LGBT issues in Japan is no censorship. Current status No censorship In Japan, there are no laws restricting to discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics. Right to change legal gender in Japan ? Right to change legal gender in Japan is legal, but requires surgery. Current status Since Apr 1, 2022 Legal, but requires surgery Amended Act No.111 of 2003 requires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 18 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child less than 18 years, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist. On October 16th 2023 , a Japanese transgender man won his case in court to allow him to change his legal gender without sterilization. The law was deemed unconstitutional. It remains to be seen what changes will be made to the law and when they will come in effect. Legal, but requires surgery Amended Act No.111 of 2003 requires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 20 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child less than 20 years, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist. Legal, but requires surgery Act No.111 of 2003 requires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 20 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist. Illegal Until 2004 , there was no legal gender recognition provided in Japan. Gender-affirming care in Japan ? Gender-affirming care in Japan is legal, but restricted for minors. Current status Since May 28, 1997 Legal, but restricted for minors federal law The Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology (JSPN) allows Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for those aged 15 and over with parental consent. The law considered to have potentially banned it was the Eugenics Protection Law but in 1998 it was ruled that when done in accordance of JSPN regulations it was not in violation of the law. Banned federal law Until 1998 , under Clause 28 of the Eugenics Protection Law, gender reassignment surgery was banned. The law prohibited any surgery deemed unnecessary that caused sterilization. This was highlighted in the 1965 "Blue Boy Trial" - Blue Boy was a Japanese slang term for trans women. Legal federal law Until 1948 , there were no known legal restrictions on gender-affirming care in Japan. Legal recognition of non-binary gender in Japan ? Legal recognition of non-binary gender in Japan is not legally recognized. Current status Not legally recognized Non-binary gender is not legally recognized in Japan. However, the city of Yokosuka recognizes the relationships of people of all genders, including "x-gender", the common term for non-binary in Japan. Hate crime protections in Japan ? Hate crime protections in Japan is no protections. Current status No protections federal law Japan does not provide hate crime protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBT discrimination in Japan ? LGBT discrimination in Japan is illegal in some contexts. Current status Illegal in some contexts Housing discrimination is illegal in Japan. Japan does not have national employment anti-discrimination laws, although Tokyo, Ibaraki and Akita offer local protections. Illegal Housing discrimination is illegal in Japan, and employment discrimination is illegal in Tokyo, Ibaraki and Akita (Nationwide pending) LGBT employment discrimination in Japan ? LGBT employment discrimination in Japan is varies by region. Current status Varies by Region While the Equal Employment Opportunity Law has been revised several times over the years to address sex discrimination and harassment in the workplace, the government has refused to expand the law to address discrimination against gender or sexual identity. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has passed legislation banning discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Companies in Japan consisting of ten or more employees are required to establish work regulations. In January 2018 , the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare revised the Model Rules of Employment which "stands as the example framework for work regulations", to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and "gender identification". Article 15 reads: In addition to what are provided for from Article 12 to the preceding paragraph, employees are prohibited from any other forms of harassment at the workplace that are damaging to the work environment of other employees such as by way of speech or behaviour related to sexual orientation or gender identification. LGBT housing discrimination in Japan ? LGBT housing discrimination in Japan is sexual orientation and gender identity. Current status Sexual orientation and gender identity Since autumn 2003 , the Urban Renaissance Agency, the government agency that operates government housing has allowed same-sex couples to rent units the same way as heterosexual couples at any one of the over 300 properties that it operates. This opened the way for more such action, as the Osaka Government in September 2005 opened the doors of its government housing to same-sex couples. In February 2018 , the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare created provisions addressing discrimination in housing, stating that "consideration must be taken to not deny lodging on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity." Same-sex adoption in Japan ? Same-sex adoption in Japan is ambiguous. Current status Ambiguous The US State Department states: "there are no laws regulating or addressing same-sex couples adopting in Japan." It was reported in 2016 that many same-sex couples have been rejected by public authorities and are told “Children will never be fostered” by same-sex couples and “couples of friends are not accepted.” There is however one documented case from 2016 of same-sex foster parents in Osaka. Intersex infant surgery in Japan ? Intersex infant surgery in Japan is not banned. Current status Not banned federal law Surgery on intersex infants is legal in Japan. Serving openly in military in Japan ? Serving openly in military in Japan is legal. Current status Since May 3, 1947 Legal Japan has a Self Defense Force in place of a traditional military. There is no specific policy either banning or encouraging LGBT participation in the Self Defense Forces. Research by Sabine Fruhstuck has shown that many Japanese do not object to open LGBT service in the military provided it does not interfere with their performance. Blood donations by MSMs in Japan ? Blood donations by MSMs in Japan is banned (6-month deferral). Current status Since Apr 1, 2011 Banned (6-month deferral) Red Cross Japan reduces deferral for high HIV risk individual from 12 months to 6 months. Banned (1-year deferral) Gay men in Japan are banned from donating blood following one (1) year after male-male sexual contact. Japanese Red Cross opposses this practice. Conversion therapy in Japan ? Conversion therapy in Japan is not banned. Current status Not banned There are no laws banning conversion therapy in Japan. Equal age of consent in Japan ? Equal age of consent in Japan is equal. Current status Since May 3, 1947 Equal The national age of consent is equal for both same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples. Cities and prefectures may set higher ages of consent.
Markdown	# - [Home](https://www.equaldex.com/ "Home") - [Equality Index](https://www.equaldex.com/equality-index "LGBT Equality Index") - [Issues](https://www.equaldex.com/issue/homosexuality "LGBT Issues") - [Timeline](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline "Timeline of LGBT Rights") - [Public Opinion](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys "LGBT Rights Surveys") - [More ▾]() - [⭐️ Rate Your Region](https://www.equaldex.com/rate) - [Compare](https://www.equaldex.com/compare) - [Organizations](https://www.equaldex.com/organizations) - [Editor Dashboard](https://www.equaldex.com/edit) - [Help](https://www.equaldex.com/help) - [Login / Join](https://www.equaldex.com/login?redirect=%2Fregion%2Fjapan) [Regions](https://www.equaldex.com/) ▸ [Asia](https://www.equaldex.com/equality-index?continent=Asia) # [LGBT Rights in Japan](https://www.equaldex.com/region/japan) ![](https://www.equaldex.com/media/flag/smc360/jp.svg) 💬 Join Equaldex's [LGBTQ+ Discord](https://www.equaldex.com/discord) to discuss LGBT rights and chat\! ## Public Opinion [Suggest Public Opinion Data](https://www.equaldex.com/suggest-data?region=JP) In Japan, public opinion seems to reflect a lack of acceptance or understanding of the LGBTQ+ community. OPPOSE SUPPORT ### Support for LGBT people being open about their sexual orientation or gender identity (2025) Ranked \#22 of [26 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-lgbt-people-being-open-sexual-orientation-gender-identity) Question: To what extent do you support or oppose the following: LGBT people being open about their sexual orientation or gender identity with everyone Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/ipsos-pride-survey-2025), April 2025 Oppose 11% 16\.1% study avg. Support 26% 48\.2% study avg. ### Acceptance of LGBT public displays of affection (2025) Ranked \#18 of [26 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/acceptance-of-lgbt-public-displays-of-affection) Question: To what extent do you support or oppose the following: LGBT people displaying affection in public (e.g., kissing or holding hands) Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/ipsos-pride-survey-2025), April 25-May 9, 2025 Oppose 18% 26% study avg. Support 23% 37\.5% study avg. ### Perceptions of local area as a "good place" for gay and lesbian people (2024) Ranked \#50 of [121 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/perceptions-of-local-area-as-a-quot-good-place-quot-for-gay-and-lesbian-2024) Question: Is the city or area where you live a good place or not a good place to live for gay or lesbian people? Source: [Gallup](https://news.gallup.com/poll/691457/world-split-treatment-gay-lesbian-people.aspx), April 10th to December 13th Good place 46% 40\.3% study avg. ### Support for LGBT people to be open about their sexual orientation or gender identity (2024) Ranked \#23 of [26 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-lgbt-people-to-be-open-about-their-sexual-orientation-or-gender) Question: To what extent do you support or oppose the following: LGBT people being open about their sexual orientation or gender identity with everyone Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024 Oppose 9% 14\.8% study avg. Support 29% 50\.8% study avg. ### Support for LGBT rights and protections (2024) Ranked \#19 of [26 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-lgbt-rights-and-protections) Question: To what extent do you support or oppose the following: Laws banning discrimination against LGBT people when it comes to employment, access to education, housing and social services, etc. Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024 Oppose 10% 17\.3% study avg. Support 42% 54% study avg. ### Support for teens' access to gender-affirming care (2024) Ranked \#4 of [26 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-teens-access-to-genderaffirming-care) Question: How much do you agree or disagree with the following?: With parental consent, transgender teenagers should be allowed to receive gender-affirming care (e.g., counselling and hormone replacement treatment) Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024 Oppose 17% 29\.9% study avg. Support 62% 56% study avg. ### Support for access to facilities matching gender identity (2024) Ranked \#18 of [26 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-access-to-facilities-matching-gender-identity) Question: How much do you agree or disagree with the following?: Transgender people should be allowed to use single-sex facilities (e.g., public restrooms) that correspond to the gender they identify with Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024 Oppose 35% 33\.8% study avg. Support 43% 51\.1% study avg. ### Support for other-gender option on official documents (2024) Ranked \#2 of [26 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-othergender-option-on-official-documents) Question: Q. How much do you agree or disagree with the following?: Government-issued documents such as passports should include an option other than "male" and "female" for people who do not identify as either Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024 Oppose 23% 35\.4% study avg. Support 56% 50% study avg. ### Support for transgender athletes (2024) Ranked \#12 of [26 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-transgender-athletes) Question: To what extent do you support or oppose the following: Transgender athletes competing based on the gender they identify with rather the sex they were assigned at birth Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024 Oppose 30% 39\.2% study avg. Support 19% 28% study avg. ### Support for same-sex marriage (2024) Ranked \#15 of [26 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-same-sex-marriage-2024) Question: When you think about the rights of same-sex couples, which of the following comes closest to your personal opinion?: "Same-sex couples should be allowed to marry legally" "Same-sex couples should be allowed to obtain some kind of legal recognition, but not to marry" "Not Sure", "Same-sex couples should not be allowed to marry or obtain any kind of legal recognition" Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024 Oppose 6% 13\.4% study avg. Support 67% 71\.3% study avg. ### Support for same-sex adoption (2024) Ranked \#10 of [26 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-samesex-adoption) Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree that: Same-sex couples should have the same rights to adopt children as heterosexual couples do Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024 Oppose 18% 27\.8% study avg. Support 64% 63\.3% study avg. ### Support for same-sex couples' parenting (2024) Ranked \#18 of [26 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-samesex-couples-parenting) Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree that: Same-sex couples are just as likely as other parents to successfully raise children Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/ipsos-pride-survey-2024-gen-zers-most-likely-identify-lgbt), February 23–March 8, 2024 Oppose 20% 26\.5% study avg. Support 58% 64\.3% study avg. ### Perceptions of local area as a "good place" for gay and lesbian people (2023) Ranked \#69 of [124 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/perceptions-of-local-area-as-a-good-place-for-gay-lesbian-people-2023) Question: Is the city or area where you live a good place or not a good place to live for gay or lesbian people? Source: [Gallup](https://news.gallup.com/poll/507518/majority-worldwide-say-area-good-gay-people.aspx), June 21, 2023 Good Place 34% 40\.8% study avg. ### Support of same-sex marriage (2023) Ranked \#10 of [32 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-same-sex-marriage-2023) Question: Do you strongly favor, somewhat favor, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally? Source: [Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/06/13/how-people-in-24-countries-view-same-sex-marriage/), Feb. 21, 2023 – April 15, 2023 Oppose 26% 42\.2% study avg. Favor 68% 53\.7% study avg. ### Support for same-sex adoption (2023) Ranked \#13 of [30 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-same-sex-adoption) Question: Still thinking about same-sex marriage, to what extent do you agree or disagree that: Same-sex couples should have the same rights to adopt children as heterosexual couples do. Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023 Strongly/somewhat disagree 19% 28\.4% study avg. Strongly/somewhat agree 66% 63\.8% study avg. ### Support for same-sex marriage or legal recognition (2023) Ranked \#18 of [30 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-same-sex-marriage-or-legal-recognition) Question: When you think about the rights of same-sex couples, which of the following comes closest to your personal opinion? Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023 Against 9% 13\.8% study avg. Support marriage or legal recognition 69% 72\.4% study avg. ### Views about same-sex couples' parenting (2023) Ranked \#20 of [30 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/views-about-same-sex-couples-parenting) Question: Still thinking about same-sex marriage, to what extent do you agree or disagree that: Same-sex couples are just as likely as other parents to successfully raise children Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023 Strongly/somewhat disagree 22% 27% study avg. Strongly/somewhat agree 59% 64\.7% study avg. ### Perceived prevalence of transgender discrimination (2023) Ranked \#3 of [30 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/perceived-prevalence-of-transgender-discrimination) Question: In your opinion, how much discrimination do transgender people face in our society today? Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023 A great deal/fair amount 46% 66\.8% study avg. Not much/not at all 27% 18\.6% study avg. ### Support for transgender discrimination protection (2023) Ranked \#23 of [30 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-teens-access-to-gender-affirming-care) Question: How much do you agree or disagree with the following? Transgender people should be protected from discrimination in employment, housing, and access to businesses such as restaurants and stores. Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023 Strongly/somewhat disagree 16% 15\.8% study avg. Strongly/somewhat agree 69% 75\.9% study avg. ### Support for teens’ access to gender-affirming care (2023) Ranked \#8 of [30 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-teens-access-to-gender-affirming-care) Question: How much do you agree or disagree with the following? With parental consent, transgender teenagers should be allowed to receive gender-affirming care (e.g., counseling and hormone replacement treatment). Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023 Strongly/somewhat disagree 17% 27\.3% study avg. Strongly/somewhat agree 65% 60% study avg. ### Support for trans access to facilities matching gender identity (2023) Ranked \#13 of [30 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-trans-access-to-facilities-matching-gender-identity) Question: How much do you agree or disagree with the following? Transgender people should be allowed to use single-sex facilities (e.g., public restrooms) that correspond to the gender they identify with. Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023 Strongly/somewhat disagree 26% 30\.2% study avg. Strongly/somewhat agree 52% 54\.7% study avg. ### Support for non-binary gender option on official documents (2023) Ranked \#2 of [30 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-non-binary-gender-option-on-official-documents) Question: How much do you agree or disagree with the following? Government-issued documents such as passports should include an option other than "male" and "female" for people who do not identify as either. Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023 Strongly/somewhat disagree 22% 33\.4% study avg. Strongly/somewhat agree 58% 52\.5% study avg. ### Support for insurance coverage of gender transition costs (2023) Ranked \#18 of [30 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-insurance-coverage-of-gender-transition-costs) Question: How much do you agree or disagree with the following? Health insurance systems should cover the costs of gender transition no differently than the costs of other medical procedures. Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt), February-March 2023 Strongly/somewhat disagree 38% 39\.4% study avg. Strongly/somewhat agree 41% 47\.1% study avg. ### Justifiability of homosexuality (2022) Ranked \#18 of [88 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/justifiability-of-homosexuality) Question: Please tell me for each of the following statements whether you think it can always be justified, never be justified, or something in between. Source: [World Values Survey](https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSContents.jsp), 2017-2022 Not justifiable 15\.08% 51\.3% study avg. Justifiable 43\.31% 22\.8% study avg. ### Acceptance of homosexuals as neighbors (2022) Ranked \#31 of [88 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/acceptance-of-homosexuals-as-neighbors) Question: On this list are various groups of people. Could you please mention any that you would not like to have as neighbors? Source: [World Values Survey](https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSContents.jsp), 2017-2022 Mentioned homosexuals 26\.39% 41\.2% study avg. Did not mention homosexuals 70\.81% 57% study avg. ### Views on same-sex marriage or other legal recognition (2021) Ranked \#13 of [27 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/ipsos-lgbt-pride-2021-global-survey) Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/ipsos-lgbt-pride-2021-global-survey), April–May, 2021 Against 6% 16\.1% study avg. Support 69% 69\.4% study avg. ### Views on same-sex couples' right to adopt (2021) Ranked \#10 of [27 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/ipsos-lgbt-pride-2021-global-survey-adoption) Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/ipsos-lgbt-pride-2021-global-survey), April–May, 2021 Disagree 20% 31\.3% study avg. Agree 68% 61% study avg. ### Opinion on same-sex couples as parents (2020) Ranked \#16 of [74 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/opinion-on-same-sex-couples-as-parents) Question: Homosexual couples are as good parents as other couples Source: [World Values Survey](https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSContents.jsp), 2017-2020 Disagree 10% 42\.8% study avg. Agree 43\.8% 32\.6% study avg. ### "Should society accept homosexuality?" (2019) Ranked \#13 of [34 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/pew-global-attitudes-on-homosexuality-2019) Question: Should society accept homosexuality? Source: [Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2020/06/25/global-divide-on-homosexuality-persists/), May–October, 2019 No 22% 38\.5% study avg. Yes 68% 52\.7% study avg. ### Attitude toward transgender people (2017) Ranked \#11 of [27 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/attitude-toward-transgender-people) Question: Transgender people are "natural occurrence" Source: [Ipsos / The Williams Institute](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/global-attitudes-toward-transgender-people), October-November 2017 Disagree 26% 34\.4% study avg. Agree 48% 51\.4% study avg. ### Attitude toward gender reassignment surgery (2017) Ranked \#20 of [27 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/attitude-toward-gender-reassignment-surgery) Question: Transgender people should be allowed to have surgery so their body matches their identity Source: [Ipsos / The Williams Institute](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/global-attitudes-toward-transgender-people), October-November 2017 Disagree 20% 22\.6% study avg. Agree 54% 66% study avg. ### Allowing transgender people to adopt (2017) Ranked \#12 of [27 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/allowing-transgender-people-to-adopt) Question: Transgender people should be allowed to adopt children Source: [Ipsos / The Williams Institute](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/global-attitudes-toward-transgender-people), October-November 2017 Disagree 22% 35\.4% study avg. Agree 52% 54% study avg. ### Transgender people's bathroom choice (2017) Ranked \#15 of [27 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/transgender-peoples-bathroom-choice) Question: Transgender people should be allowed to use the restroom of the sex they identify with Source: [Ipsos / The Williams Institute](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/global-attitudes-toward-transgender-people), October-November 2017 Disagree 29% 35\.9% study avg. Agree 43% 51% study avg. ### Belief that transgender people have a form of mental illness (2017) Ranked \#15 of [27 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/belief-that-transgender-people-have-a-form-of-mental-illness) Question: Transgender people have a form of mental illness Source: [Ipsos / The Williams Institute](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/global-attitudes-toward-transgender-people), October-November 2017 Agree 17% 26\.4% study avg. Disagree 57% 60\.6% study avg. ### Belief that transgender people are violating country's culture (2017) Ranked \#5 of [27 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/belief-that-transgender-people-are-violating-countrys-culture) Question: Transgender people are violating the traditions of my culture Source: [Ipsos / The Williams Institute](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/global-attitudes-toward-transgender-people), October-November 2017 Agree 10% 28\.7% study avg. Disagree 65% 60% study avg. ### Belief that transgender people should be allowed to marry a person of their birth sex (2017) Ranked \#19 of [27 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/belief-that-transgender-people-should-be-allowed-to-marry-a-person-of-their) Question: Transgender people should be allowed to marry a person of their birth sex Source: [Ipsos / The Williams Institute](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/global-attitudes-toward-transgender-people), October-November 2017 Disagree 25% 29\.7% study avg. Agree 47% 58\.7% study avg. ### Transgender people in the military (2017) Ranked \#19 of [26 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/transgender-people-in-the-military) Question: Transgender people should be allowed to serve in the military Source: [Ipsos / The Williams Institute](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/global-attitudes-toward-transgender-people), October-November 2017 Disagree 24% 27\.3% study avg. Agree 48% 60\.2% study avg. ### Support for same-sex marriage (2016) Ranked \#17 of [54 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-same-sex-marriage-2016) Question: Should same-sex marriage be legal? Source: [ILGA / RIWI](https://riwi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Ilga_Riwi_Attitudes_LGBTI_survey_Logo_personal_political.pdf), October 2016 No 27% 44\.3% study avg. Yes 33% 32\.1% study avg. ### How accepted are transgender girls around the world? (2016) Ranked \#7 of [54 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/how-accepted-are-transgender-girls-around-the-world) Question: If a male child always dressed and expressed himself as a girl, would you find that acceptable? Source: [ILGA](https://web.archive.org/web/20170510154118/http://ilga.org/downloads/Ilga_Riwi_Attitudes_LGBTI_survey_Logo_personal_political.pdf), Early 2016 No 24% 47\.1% study avg. Yes 41% 28\.3% study avg. ### How accepted are transgender boys in the world? (2016) Ranked \#3 of [54 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/how-accepted-are-transgender-boys-in-the-world) Question: If a female child always dressed and expressed herself as a boy, would you find that acceptable? Source: [ILGA](https://web.archive.org/web/20170510154118/http://ilga.org/downloads/Ilga_Riwi_Attitudes_LGBTI_survey_Logo_personal_political.pdf), Early 2016 No 18% 42% study avg. Yes 48% 33\.4% study avg. ### Support for gender affirming surgery (2016) Ranked \#18 of [23 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-gender-affirming-surgery-2015) Source: [Ipsos / The Williams Institute](https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/trans-rights-23-country-survey/), July-August 2016 Oppose 17\.6% 18\.2% study avg. Support 55\.9% 69\.8% study avg. ### Support for transgender discrimination protection (2016) Ranked \#17 of [23 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-transgender-discrimination-protection) Question: Do you support Transgender Discrimination Protection? Source: [Ipsos / The Williams Institute](https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/trans-rights-23-country-survey/), July-August 2016 Against 16\.4% 18% study avg. Support 61\.8% 71\.1% study avg. ### Allowing transgender people to adopt (2016) Ranked \#12 of [23 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/allowing-transgender-people-to-adopt-2016) Question: Transgender people should be allowed to adopt children Source: [Ipsos / The Williams Institute](https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/trans-rights-23-country-survey/), July-August 2016 Disagree 18\.9% 32\.2% study avg. Agree 53% 55% study avg. ### Allowing transgender people to give birth (2016) Ranked \#14 of [23 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/allowing-transgender-people-to-give-birth) Question: Transgender people should be allowed to give birth Source: [Ipsos / The Williams Institute](https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/trans-rights-23-country-survey/), July-August 2016 Disagree 20\.6% 26\.8% study avg. Agree 50\.4% 58\.8% study avg. ### Support for restroom access by current gender identity (2016) Ranked \#13 of [23 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-restroom-access-by-current-gender-identity) Question: Transgender people should be allowed to use the restroom of the sex they identify with Source: [Ipsos / The Williams Institute](https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/trans-rights-23-country-survey/), July-August 2016 Disagree 28\.1% 30\.4% study avg. Agree 42\.5% 54\.7% study avg. ### Allowing transgender people to marry (2016) Ranked \#15 of [23 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/allowing-transgender-people-to-marry) Question: Transgender people should be allowed to marry a person of their birth sex Source: [Ipsos / The Williams Institute](https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/trans-rights-23-country-survey/), July-August 2016 Disagree 21\.3% 25\.3% study avg. Agree 51\.6% 60\.8% study avg. ### Belief that transgender people are a natural occurrence (2016) Ranked \#13 of [23 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/belief-that-transgender-people-are-a-natural-occurrence) Question: Transgender people are natural occurrence Source: [Ipsos / The Williams Institute](https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/trans-rights-23-country-survey/), July-August 2016 Disagree 25\.1% 32\.7% study avg. Agree 45\.8% 50\.8% study avg. ### Belief that transgender people have a form of mental illness (2016) Ranked \#15 of [23 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/belief-that-transgender-people-have-a-form-of-mental-illness-2016) Question: Transgender people have a form of mental illness Source: [Ipsos / The Williams Institute](https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/trans-rights-23-country-survey/), July-August 2016 Agree 20\.5% 25\.8% study avg. Disagree 53\.9% 59\.5% study avg. ### Belief that transgender people are violating country's culture (2016) Ranked \#6 of [23 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/belief-that-transgender-people-are-violating-countrys-culture-2016) Question: Transgender people are violating the traditions of my culture Source: [Ipsos / The Williams Institute](https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/trans-rights-23-country-survey/), July-August 2016 Agree 9\.1% 26\.1% study avg. Disagree 64\.6% 60\.6% study avg. ### Justifiability of homosexuality (2014) Ranked \#11 of [58 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/justifiability-of-homosexuality-2014) Question: Please tell me for each of the following statements whether you think it can always be justified, never be justified, or something in between. Source: [World Values Survey](https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSContents.jsp), 2010-2014 Not justifiable 28\.04% 61\.9% study avg. Justifiable 22\.72% 13\.4% study avg. ### Support for same-sex marriage (2014) Ranked \#16 of [49 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-same-sex-marriage-2014) Question: Should same-sex marriage be legal? Source: [ILGA / RIWI](https://riwi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/RIWI_ILGA_Report_Marriage_c.pdf), April-June 2014 No 30% 45\.7% study avg. Yes 28% 33\.1% study avg. ### Perceptions of local area as a "good place" for gay and lesbian people (2013) Ranked \#44 of [119 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/perceived-acceptance-of-gay-people) Question: Is the city or area where you live a good place or not a good place for homosexuals? Source: [Gallup](https://news.gallup.com/poll/175520/nearly-worldwide-areas-good-gays.aspx), 2013 Not a good place 39% 54% study avg. Good place 28% 29\.2% study avg. ### "Should society accept homosexuality?" (2013) Ranked \#15 of [39 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/pew-global-attitudes-on-homosexuality-2013) Question: Should society accept homosexuality? Source: [Pew Research Center](http://www.pewglobal.org/2013/06/04/the-global-divide-on-homosexuality/), June, 2013 No 36% 55\.1% study avg. Yes 54% 39\.3% study avg. ### Views on Same-Sex Marriage (2013) Ranked \#1 of [16 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/views-on-same-sex-marriage) Question: Same-sex marriage is or could be harmful to society Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default/files/news_and_polls/2013-06/6151-ppt.pdf), May 2013 Agree 27% 28\.2% study avg. ### Support for same-sex marriage or other legal recognition (2013) Ranked \#15 of [16 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/support-for-samesex-marriage-or-other-legal-recognition) Question: When you think about the rights of same-sex couples, which of the following comes closest to your personal opinion? Source: [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default/files/news_and_polls/2013-06/6151-ppt.pdf), May 2013 Support 51% 73\.4% study avg. ### Justifiability of homosexuality (2009) Ranked \#18 of [54 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/justifiability-of-homosexuality-2009) Question: Please tell me for each of the following statements whether you think it can always be justified, never be justified, or something in between. Source: [World Values Survey](https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSContents.jsp), 2005-2009 Not justifiable 33\.85% 52\.3% study avg. Justifiable 19\.25% 19\.6% study avg. ### Views on homosexuality (2007) Ranked \#14 of [45 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/views-on-homosexuality) Question: Should society accept homosexuality? Source: [Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2007/10/04/chapter-3-views-of-religion-and-morality/), April 6th to May 29th 2007 Reject homosexuality 28% 58\.3% study avg. Accept homosexuality 49% 33\.8% study avg. ### Justifiability of homosexuality (2004) Ranked \#7 of [38 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/justifiability-of-homosexuality-2004) Question: Please tell me for each of the following statements whether you think it can always be justified, never be justified, or something in between. Source: [World Values Survey](https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSContents.jsp), 2000-2004 Not justifiable 39\.35% 71\.6% study avg. Justifiable 16\.01% 9\.2% study avg. ### Justifiability of homosexuality (1999) Ranked \#20 of [51 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/justifiability-of-homosexuality-1999) Question: Please tell me for each of the following statements whether you think it can always be justified, never be justified, or something in between. Source: [World Values Survey](https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSContents.jsp), 1995-1999 Not justifiable 52\.94% 60\.8% study avg. Justifiable 9\.96% 13\.2% study avg. ### Justifiability of homosexuality (1994) Ranked \#9 of [20 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/justifiability-of-homosexuality-1994) Question: Please tell me for each of the following statements whether you think it can always be justified, never be justified, or something in between. Source: [World Values Survey](https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSContents.jsp), 1990-1994 Not justifiable 68\.05% 71\.3% study avg. Justifiable 3\.96% 9\.7% study avg. ### Acceptance of homosexuals as neighbors (1994) Ranked \#9 of [17 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/acceptance-of-homosexuals-as-neighbors-1994) Question: On this list are various groups of people. Could you please mention any that you would not like to have as neighbors? Source: [World Values Survey](https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSContents.jsp), 1990-1994 Mentioned homosexuals 68\.55% 61\.6% study avg. Did not mention homosexuals 31\.45% 38\.4% study avg. ### Justifiability of homosexuality (1984) Ranked \#5 of [11 regions](https://www.equaldex.com/surveys/justifiability-of-homosexuality-1984) Question: Please tell me for each of the following statements whether you think it can always be justified, never be justified, or something in between. Source: [World Values Survey](https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSContents.jsp), 1981-1984 Not justifiable 60\.88% 66\.1% study avg. Justifiable 2\.66% 8\.4% study avg. [Show 56 More]() #### [Support for Same-Sex Marriage](https://www.equaldex.com/survey/211/support-for-same-sex-marriage) ([Asahi Shimbun](https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14844573), 2023) of voters support the legalization of gay marriage do not support it #### [Support for Same-Sex Marriage](https://www.equaldex.com/survey/28/support-for-same-sex-marriage) ([Dentsu](http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201901280009.html), 2019) Support the legalization of same-sex marriage (ages 20-59) #### [LGBT Demographics](https://www.equaldex.com/survey/29/lgbt-demographics) ([Dentsu](http://www.dentsu.co.jp/news/release/2019/0110-009728.html), 2018) of Japanese people, age 20 to 59, identify as LGBT #### [LGBT Demographics](https://www.equaldex.com/survey/18/lgbt-demographics) ([Dentsu (online survey)](http://globalvoicesonline.org/2015/05/08/more-and-more-lgbt-japanese-are-coming-out-of-the-closet/), 2015) of Japanese people between 20 and 59 identify as LGBT #### [Support for Same-Sex Marriage](https://www.equaldex.com/survey/19/support-for-same-sex-marriage) ([Nihon Yoro Chosa-kai](http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/03/18/poll-half-people-japan-oppose-sex-marriage/), 2015) Adults support or somewhat supported same-sex marriage ### Have you lived in or visited Japan? Share your experience of being LGBTQ+ in Japan. [Take Survey](https://www.equaldex.com/rate) ## History ### Homosexual activity in Japan ? Homosexual activity in Japan is legal. Current status Since [1881](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1881 "1881 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Legal Anal sodomy was decriminalized in [1881](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1881 "1881 Timeline of LGBT Rights") when the provision was dropped from Japan's Penal Code. It was eliminated by supervision of Gustave Boissonade, a French legal scholar who served as an advisor to develop the legal system in Japan. [Details]() Sources: [www.daynews.com/world/socie…](http://www.daynews.com/world/society/2013/04/gay-rights-around-the-world-exploring-the-history-impact-and-effect-on-society-and-current-status-3rd-of-6-parts-2-18877) [www.h-net.org/reviews/showr…](http://www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=4126) [scholarship.law.cornell.edu…](http://scholarship.law.cornell.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1063&context=lps_LLMGRP) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/187) [1873](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1873 "1873 Timeline of LGBT Rights")–[1881](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1881 "1881 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Illegal (other penalty) Sodomy ("keikan") was criminalized in [1873](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1873 "1873 Timeline of LGBT Rights") with article 266 of the Meiji Legal Code, however, it was hardly ever punished, with only 20 recorded instances of sodomy during [1876](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1876 "1876 Timeline of LGBT Rights") to [1881](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1881 "1881 Timeline of LGBT Rights"). [Details]() Sources: Homosexuality in Modern Japan: Cultural Myths and Social Realities by Mark J. McLelland [books.google.com/books?id=d…](https://books.google.com/books?id=dc2nHC_YLHoC&printsec=frontcover) Male [iglhrc.org/sites/default/fi…](https://iglhrc.org/sites/default/files/87-1.pdf) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/1687) ### Same-sex marriage in Japan ? Same-sex marriage in Japan is unregistered cohabitation. Current status Since Mar 26, [2024](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2024 "2024 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Unregistered cohabitation federal law In March [2024](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2024 "2024 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), Japan's Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to compensation if one partner is the victim of a crime. This ruling broadens the interpretation of the law on benefits for crime victims, considering that same-sex couples can be included within the category of "persons in a situation equivalent to a de facto marriage." Following this decision, the government reported on January 21, [2025](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2025 "2025 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), that various ministries and agencies had identified similar language in 24 laws and regulations. These include the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, the Land and Housing Tenancy Act, the Child Abuse Prevention Act, and the Public Housing Act. On September 30, [2025](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2025 "2025 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), the government announced that nine new laws containing the same phrase could include same-sex couples within their scope. They also announced that 120 laws, primarily related to social security, do not cover same-sex couples. [Details]() Sources: [www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2…](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/03/26/japan/crime-legal/same-sex-partners-benefits/) [english.kyodonews.net/artic…](https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/46406) [www.asahi.com/articles/AST1…](https://www.asahi.com/articles/AST1P2JHST1PUTFL008M.html) [lgbtetc.jp/news/4336/](https://lgbtetc.jp/news/4336/) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/19847) May 3, [1947](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1947 "1947 Timeline of LGBT Rights")–Mar 26, [2024](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2024 "2024 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Banned federal law Article 24 of Japan’s constitution states that “Marriage shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes” which is interpreted to define marriage as between two people of the opposite sex. Beginning in March of [2021](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2021 "2021 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), district courts and high courts across Japan have ruled that Japan restricting marriage to opposite-sex couples is unconstitutional. However, these court rulings do not have any actual effect on the law. More than 200 municipalities across Japan have introduced partnership systems which give same-sex couples the ability to register their relationships. However, the registration is not legally binding and it does not grant any of the rights of marriage. [Details]() Sources: [www.constituteproject.org/c…](https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Japan_1946) [metropolisjapan.com/gay-mar…](https://metropolisjapan.com/gay-marriage-in-japan/) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/13651) ### Censorship of LGBT issues in Japan ? Censorship of LGBT issues in Japan is no censorship. Current status No censorship In Japan, there are no laws restricting to discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics. [Details]() Sources: [www.state.gov/reports/2023-…](https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/japan/) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/10098) ### Right to change legal gender in Japan ? Right to change legal gender in Japan is legal, but requires surgery. Current status Since Apr 1, [2022](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2022 "2022 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Legal, but requires surgery Amended Act No.111 of [2003](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2003 "2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights") requires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 18 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child less than 18 years, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist. On October 16th [2023](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2023 "2023 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), a Japanese transgender man won his case in court to allow him to change his legal gender without sterilization. The law was deemed unconstitutional. It remains to be seen what changes will be made to the law and when they will come in effect. [Details]() Sources: [elaws.e-gov.go.jp/document?…](https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/document?lawid=415AC0100000111) [www.courts.go.jp/saiban/syu…](https://www.courts.go.jp/saiban/syurui/syurui_kazi/kazi_06_23/index.html) [www.moj.go.jp/content/00130…](https://www.moj.go.jp/content/001300586.pdf) [www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/16…](https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/16/japan-court-rules-against-mandatory-transgender-sterilization) (These contents are in Japanese) [apnews.com/article/japan-lg…](https://apnews.com/article/japan-lgbtq-transgender-ruling-gender-change-decdbdca9c8dd3658ae86b63ec40c53d) (The English version) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/12652) Dec 19, [2008](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2008 "2008 Timeline of LGBT Rights")–Mar 31, [2022](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2022 "2022 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Legal, but requires surgery Amended Act No.111 of [2003](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2003 "2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights") requires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 20 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child less than 20 years, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist. [Details]() Sources: [www.japaneselawtranslation.…](https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/2542/tb#je_s2) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/12651) Jul 16, [2004](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2004 "2004 Timeline of LGBT Rights")–Dec 18, [2008](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2008 "2008 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Legal, but requires surgery Act No.111 of [2003](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2003 "2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights") requires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 20 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist. [Details]() Sources: [www.japaneselawtranslation.…](https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/ja/laws/view/2542) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/193) Until Jul 16, [2004](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2004 "2004 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Illegal Until [2004](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2004 "2004 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), there was no legal gender recognition provided in Japan. [Details]() Sources: [www.japaneselawtranslation.…](https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/ja/laws/view/2542) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/15275) ### Gender-affirming care in Japan ? Gender-affirming care in Japan is legal, but restricted for minors. Current status Since May 28, [1997](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1997 "1997 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Legal, but restricted for minors federal law The Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology (JSPN) allows Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for those aged 15 and over with parental consent. The law considered to have potentially banned it was the Eugenics Protection Law but in [1998](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1998 "1998 Timeline of LGBT Rights") it was ruled that when done in accordance of JSPN regulations it was not in violation of the law. [Details]() Sources: [www.jspn.or.jp/uploads/uplo…](https://www.jspn.or.jp/uploads/uploads/files/activity/gid_guideline_no5.pdf-) page 13 (age limit & requirements) [www.jspn.or.jp/uploads/uplo…](https://www.jspn.or.jp/uploads/uploads/files/activity/gid_guideline_no5.pdf-) pages 9 & 10 (legality) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/14252) Jul 14, [1948](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1948 "1948 Timeline of LGBT Rights")–May 28, [1997](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1997 "1997 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Banned federal law Until [1998](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1998 "1998 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), under Clause 28 of the Eugenics Protection Law, gender reassignment surgery was banned. The law prohibited any surgery deemed unnecessary that caused sterilization. This was highlighted in the [1965](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1965 "1965 Timeline of LGBT Rights") "Blue Boy Trial" - Blue Boy was a Japanese slang term for trans women. [Details]() Sources: [newhistories.sites.sheffiel…](https://newhistories.sites.sheffield.ac.uk/volumes/2022-23/volume-23/long-read-a-history-of-the-japanese-lgbtq-community) - paragraph 30 [books.google.co.uk/books?hl…](https://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=UrcFreVIyaQC&oi=fnd&pg=PP8&ots=1zTYDnyklV&sig=ZnWwh98zIftga1IgywJnEaBCaD8&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false) - pages 115 & 205 [www.jspn.or.jp/uploads/uplo…](https://www.jspn.or.jp/uploads/uploads/files/activity/gid_guideline_no5.pdf) - pages 9 & 10 [www.ipss.go.jp/history/Engl…](https://www.ipss.go.jp/history/EnglishPamphletSeries/pdf/J000008736.pdf) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/14251) Until Jul 13, [1948](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1948 "1948 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Legal federal law Until [1948](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1948 "1948 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), there were no known legal restrictions on gender-affirming care in Japan. [Details]() Sources: [www.ipss.go.jp/history/Engl…](https://www.ipss.go.jp/history/EnglishPamphletSeries/pdf/J000008736.pdf) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/19113) ### Legal recognition of non-binary gender in Japan ? Legal recognition of non-binary gender in Japan is not legally recognized. Current status Not legally recognized Non-binary gender is not legally recognized in Japan. However, the city of Yokosuka recognizes the relationships of people of all genders, including "x-gender", the common term for non-binary in Japan. [Details]() Sources: [www.hrw.org/report/2021/05/…](https://www.hrw.org/report/2021/05/25/law-undermines-dignity/momentum-revise-japans-legal-gender-recognition-process,) [www.hrw.org/report/2019/03/…](https://www.hrw.org/report/2019/03/19/really-high-hurdle/japans-abusive-transgender-legal-recognition-process) [www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/…](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/576/) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/12113) ### Hate crime protections in Japan ? Hate crime protections in Japan is no protections. Current status No protections federal law Japan does not provide hate crime protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity. [Details]() Sources: [www.amnesty.org/es/wp-conte…](https://www.amnesty.org/es/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ASA2259552017ENGLISH.pdf) [www.oecd.org/content/dam/oe…](https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2025/07/over-the-rainbow-the-road-to-lgbti-inclusion-country-notes_247c0764/japan_b310342b/c64958dc-en.pdf) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/19356) ### LGBT discrimination in Japan ? LGBT discrimination in Japan is illegal in some contexts. Current status Since [2018](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2018 "2018 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Illegal in some contexts Housing discrimination is illegal in Japan. Japan does not have national employment anti-discrimination laws, although Tokyo, Ibaraki and Akita offer local protections. [Details]() Sources: [www.hrw.org/news/2023/07/12…](https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/07/12/japan-passes-law-promote-understanding-lgbt-people) [elaws.e-gov.go.jp/document?…](https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/document?lawid=505AC1000000068) (in Japanese) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/12414) Until [2018](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2018 "2018 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Illegal Housing discrimination is illegal in Japan, and employment discrimination is illegal in Tokyo, Ibaraki and Akita (Nationwide pending) [Details]() Sources: [www.amnesty.org/en/wp-conte…](https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ASA2259552017ENGLISH.pdf) [documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc…](https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G23/036/60/PDF/G2303660.pdf) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/192) ### LGBT employment discrimination in Japan ? LGBT employment discrimination in Japan is varies by region. Current status Varies by Region While the Equal Employment Opportunity Law has been revised several times over the years to address sex discrimination and harassment in the workplace, the government has refused to expand the law to address discrimination against gender or sexual identity. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has passed legislation banning discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Companies in Japan consisting of ten or more employees are required to establish work regulations. In January [2018](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2018 "2018 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare revised the Model Rules of Employment which "stands as the example framework for work regulations", to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and "gender identification". Article 15 reads: In addition to what are provided for from Article 12 to the preceding paragraph, employees are prohibited from any other forms of harassment at the workplace that are damaging to the work environment of other employees such as by way of speech or behaviour related to sexual orientation or gender identification. [Details]() Sources: [equalityactjapan.org/wp-con…](https://equalityactjapan.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/declaration_en.pdf) [www.amnesty.org/en/wp-conte…](https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ASA2259552017ENGLISH.pdf) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/1816) ### LGBT housing discrimination in Japan ? LGBT housing discrimination in Japan is sexual orientation and gender identity. Current status Since [2003](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2003 "2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Sexual orientation and gender identity Since autumn [2003](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2003 "2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), the Urban Renaissance Agency, the government agency that operates government housing has allowed same-sex couples to rent units the same way as heterosexual couples at any one of the over 300 properties that it operates. This opened the way for more such action, as the Osaka Government in September [2005](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2005 "2005 Timeline of LGBT Rights") opened the doors of its government housing to same-sex couples. In February [2018](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2018 "2018 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare created provisions addressing discrimination in housing, stating that "consideration must be taken to not deny lodging on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity." [Details]() Sources: [iglhrc.org/sites/default/fi…](https://iglhrc.org/sites/default/files/Japan_Fact_Sheet.pdf) [iglhrc.org/sites/iglhrc.org…](http://iglhrc.org/sites/iglhrc.org/files/Japan_forUpload.pdf) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/1815) ### Same-sex adoption in Japan ? Same-sex adoption in Japan is ambiguous. Current status Ambiguous The US State Department states: "there are no laws regulating or addressing same-sex couples adopting in Japan." It was reported in [2016](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2016 "2016 Timeline of LGBT Rights") that many same-sex couples have been rejected by public authorities and are told “Children will never be fostered” by same-sex couples and “couples of friends are not accepted.” There is however one documented case from [2016](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2016 "2016 Timeline of LGBT Rights") of same-sex foster parents in Osaka. [Details]() Sources: [travel.state.gov/content/tr…](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/Intercountry-Adoption/Intercountry-Adoption-Country-Information/Japan.html) [www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2…](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/04/06/national/social-issues/osaka-becomes-first-japanese-city-recognize-sex-couple-foster-parents) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/190) ### Intersex infant surgery in Japan ? Intersex infant surgery in Japan is not banned. Current status Not banned federal law Surgery on intersex infants is legal in Japan. [Details]() Sources: [www.state.gov/reports/2023-…](https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/japan/) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/13702) ### Serving openly in military in Japan ? Serving openly in military in Japan is legal. Current status Since May 3, [1947](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1947 "1947 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Legal Japan has a Self Defense Force in place of a traditional military. There is no specific policy either banning or encouraging LGBT participation in the Self Defense Forces. Research by Sabine Fruhstuck has shown that many Japanese do not object to open LGBT service in the military provided it does not interfere with their performance. [Details]() Sources: [www.palmcenter.org/press/da…](http://www.palmcenter.org/press/dadt/releases/asias_silence_on_gays_in_military_broken_by_taiwan) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/191) ### Blood donations by MSMs in Japan ? Blood donations by MSMs in Japan is banned (6-month deferral). Current status Since Apr 1, [2011](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2011 "2011 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Banned (6-month deferral) Red Cross Japan reduces deferral for high HIV risk individual from 12 months to 6 months. [Details]() Sources: [www.jrc.or.jp/donation/info…](http://www.jrc.or.jp/donation/information/detail_01/) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/1987) [2005](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2005 "2005 Timeline of LGBT Rights")–Apr 1, [2011](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2011 "2011 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Banned (1-year deferral) Gay men in Japan are banned from donating blood following one (1) year after male-male sexual contact. Japanese Red Cross opposses this practice. [Details]() Sources: [www.huffingtonpost.com/anai…](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anai-rhoads/gay-men-donating-blood_b_3598533.html) [hpm.org/en/Surveys/IPSS\_-\_J…](http://hpm.org/en/Surveys/IPSS_-_Japan/05/Tightening_and_easing_blood_donor_ban_over_vCJD.html) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/194) ### Conversion therapy in Japan ? Conversion therapy in Japan is not banned. Current status Not banned There are no laws banning conversion therapy in Japan. [Details]() Sources: [www.oecd.org/japan/OECD-LGB…](https://www.oecd.org/japan/OECD-LGBTI-2020-Over-The-Rainbow-JAPAN.pdf) [www.state.gov/reports/2023-…](https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/japan/) - Section 6, paragraph 51 Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/11336) ### Equal age of consent in Japan ? Equal age of consent in Japan is equal. Current status Since May 3, [1947](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1947 "1947 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Equal The national age of consent is equal for both same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples. Cities and prefectures may set higher ages of consent. [Details]() Sources: [www.ageofconsent.com/japan.htm](http://www.ageofconsent.com/japan.htm) Report error · [Log](https://www.equaldex.com/log/195) * * ## LGBT Rights by Perfecture View the LGBT laws in each individual perfecture of Japan. - [Aiti](https://www.equaldex.com/region/aiti) - [Akita](https://www.equaldex.com/region/akita) - [Aomori](https://www.equaldex.com/region/aomori) - [Ehime](https://www.equaldex.com/region/ehime) - [Gihu](https://www.equaldex.com/region/gihu) - [Gunma](https://www.equaldex.com/region/gunma) - [Hirosima](https://www.equaldex.com/region/hirosima) - [Hukui](https://www.equaldex.com/region/hukui) - [Hukuoka](https://www.equaldex.com/region/hukuoka) - [Hukusima](https://www.equaldex.com/region/hukusima) - [Hyôgo](https://www.equaldex.com/region/hy%C3%B4go) - [Ibaraki](https://www.equaldex.com/region/ibaraki) - [Isikawa](https://www.equaldex.com/region/isikawa) - [Iwate](https://www.equaldex.com/region/iwate) - [Kagawa](https://www.equaldex.com/region/kagawa) - [Kagosima](https://www.equaldex.com/region/kagosima) - [Kanagawa](https://www.equaldex.com/region/kanagawa) - [Kumamoto](https://www.equaldex.com/region/kumamoto) - [Kôti](https://www.equaldex.com/region/k%C3%B4ti) - [Mie](https://www.equaldex.com/region/mie) - [Miyagi](https://www.equaldex.com/region/miyagi) - [Miyazaki](https://www.equaldex.com/region/miyazaki) - [Nagano](https://www.equaldex.com/region/nagano) - [Nagasaki](https://www.equaldex.com/region/nagasaki) - [Nara](https://www.equaldex.com/region/nara) - [Niigata](https://www.equaldex.com/region/niigata) - [Okayama](https://www.equaldex.com/region/okayama) - [Okinawa](https://www.equaldex.com/region/okinawa) - [Saga](https://www.equaldex.com/region/saga) - [Saitama](https://www.equaldex.com/region/saitama) - [Siga](https://www.equaldex.com/region/siga) - [Simane](https://www.equaldex.com/region/simane) - [Sizuoka](https://www.equaldex.com/region/sizuoka) - [Tiba](https://www.equaldex.com/region/tiba) - [Tokusima](https://www.equaldex.com/region/tokusima) - [Totigi](https://www.equaldex.com/region/totigi) - [Tottori](https://www.equaldex.com/region/tottori) - [Toyama](https://www.equaldex.com/region/toyama) - [Wakayama](https://www.equaldex.com/region/wakayama) - [Yamagata](https://www.equaldex.com/region/yamagata) - [Yamaguti](https://www.equaldex.com/region/yamaguti) - [Yamanasi](https://www.equaldex.com/region/yamanasi) - [Ôita](https://www.equaldex.com/region/%C3%B4ita) - [Kyôto](https://www.equaldex.com/region/ky%C3%B4to) (Urban Perfecture) - [Ôsaka](https://www.equaldex.com/region/%C3%B4saka) (Urban Perfecture) - [Tôkyô](https://www.equaldex.com/region/t%C3%B4ky%C3%B4) (Metropolis) - [Hokkaidô](https://www.equaldex.com/region/hokkaid%C3%B4) (Territory) * [Equality Index](https://www.equaldex.com/equality-index) ? 53 / 100 Legal Rights 57 / 100 Public Opinion 50 / 100 #### Equality Rank [View All](https://www.equaldex.com/equality-index) - [\#53 Timor-Leste 54](https://www.equaldex.com/region/east-timor) - [\#54 Peru 54](https://www.equaldex.com/region/peru) - [\#55 Philippines 54](https://www.equaldex.com/region/philippines) - \#56 Japan 53 - [\#57 Monaco 53](https://www.equaldex.com/region/monaco) - [\#58 Bhutan 53](https://www.equaldex.com/region/bhutan) - [\#59 China 52](https://www.equaldex.com/region/china) \#2 Interest Rank** based on Equaldex traffic ? ### Top Contributors - [danlev](https://www.equaldex.com/user/danlev) 14 contributions - [Iwamoto](https://www.equaldex.com/user/Iwamoto) 10 contributions - [beeurd](https://www.equaldex.com/user/beeurd) 10 contributions - [bradcoffey106](https://www.equaldex.com/user/bradcoffey106) 8 contributions - [DaisyGeekyTrans](https://www.equaldex.com/user/DaisyGeekyTrans) 5 contributions - [qcksws](https://www.equaldex.com/user/qcksws) 4 contributions - [jadeywadey](https://www.equaldex.com/user/jadeywadey) 4 contributions - [vviet93](https://www.equaldex.com/user/vviet93) 4 contributions - [Notdog1996](https://www.equaldex.com/user/Notdog1996) 4 contributions - [UnknownMiles](https://www.equaldex.com/user/UnknownMiles) 3 contributions ### 2 Users Live in Japan [takehiko](https://www.equaldex.com/user/takehiko) [Iwamoto](https://www.equaldex.com/user/Iwamoto) ### [Japan LGBT Organizations](https://www.equaldex.com/organizations/japan) - ![Fukuoka Rainbow Educational Network Favicon](https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=frenslgbtq.com) [Fukuoka Rainbow Educational Network](https://www.equaldex.com/organization/fukuoka-rainbow-educational-network) - ![Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation Favicon](https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=lgbtetc.jp) [Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation](https://www.equaldex.com/organization/japan-alliance-for-lgbt-legislation) - ![ReBit Favicon](https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=rebitlgbt.org) [ReBit](https://www.equaldex.com/organization/rebit) [Suggest an organization](https://www.equaldex.com/organizations/suggest) ### Share Region ![LGBT Japan Flag](https://www.equaldex.com/img/regions/lgbt-japan.png) LGBT Japan Flag ### Compare Japan [52![](https://www.equaldex.com/media/flag/smc360/cn.svg)Compare with China](https://www.equaldex.com/compare/china/japan) [58![](https://www.equaldex.com/media/flag/smc360/hk.svg)Compare with Hong Kong](https://www.equaldex.com/compare/hong-kong/japan) [47![](https://www.equaldex.com/media/flag/smc360/mo.svg)Compare with Macau](https://www.equaldex.com/compare/japan/macau) [40![](https://www.equaldex.com/media/flag/smc360/mn.svg)Compare with Mongolia](https://www.equaldex.com/compare/japan/mongolia) [34![](https://www.equaldex.com/media/flag/smc360/kp.svg)Compare with North Korea](https://www.equaldex.com/compare/japan/north-korea) [46![](https://www.equaldex.com/media/flag/smc360/kr.svg)Compare with South Korea](https://www.equaldex.com/compare/japan/south-korea) [59![](https://www.equaldex.com/media/flag/smc360/tw.svg)Compare with Taiwan](https://www.equaldex.com/compare/japan/taiwan) Common queries: - Is it illegal to be gay in Japan? - Is homosexuality legal in Japan? - Is gay marriage legal in Japan? Alternative names: Nihon/Nippon (local name) ### LGBT Rights in [Eastern Asia](https://www.equaldex.com/equality-index?region=Eastern+Asia) [52![](https://www.equaldex.com/media/flag/smc360/cn.svg)LGBT Rights in China](https://www.equaldex.com/region/china) [58![](https://www.equaldex.com/media/flag/smc360/hk.svg)LGBT Rights in Hong Kong](https://www.equaldex.com/region/hong-kong) [47![](https://www.equaldex.com/media/flag/smc360/mo.svg)LGBT Rights in Macau](https://www.equaldex.com/region/macau) [40![](https://www.equaldex.com/media/flag/smc360/mn.svg)LGBT Rights in Mongolia](https://www.equaldex.com/region/mongolia) [34![](https://www.equaldex.com/media/flag/smc360/kp.svg)LGBT Rights in North Korea](https://www.equaldex.com/region/north-korea) [46![](https://www.equaldex.com/media/flag/smc360/kr.svg)LGBT Rights in South Korea](https://www.equaldex.com/region/south-korea) [59![](https://www.equaldex.com/media/flag/smc360/tw.svg)LGBT Rights in Taiwan](https://www.equaldex.com/region/taiwan) Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex. Marriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity. Censorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public. Legal recognition of a change in gender by permitting a change on an individual's legal documentation. Medical and psychological support designed to help individuals transition to the gender they identify with, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgeries. Legal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities. Legal protection from hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc. Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords / property owners. The ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child. Medical interventions performed on intersex infants to alter their genital appearance to conform to typical male or female standards, often without the informed consent of the child who is too young to participate in the decision-making process. The ability for homosexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality. The ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex. 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Readable Markdown	Public Opinion In Japan, public opinion seems to reflect a lack of acceptance or understanding of the LGBTQ+ community. ### Have you lived in or visited Japan? Share your experience of being LGBTQ+ in Japan. [Take Survey](https://www.equaldex.com/rate) ## History ### Homosexual activity in Japan ? Homosexual activity in Japan is legal. Current status Legal Anal sodomy was decriminalized in [1881](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1881 "1881 Timeline of LGBT Rights") when the provision was dropped from Japan's Penal Code. It was eliminated by supervision of Gustave Boissonade, a French legal scholar who served as an advisor to develop the legal system in Japan. Illegal (other penalty) Sodomy ("keikan") was criminalized in [1873](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1873 "1873 Timeline of LGBT Rights") with article 266 of the Meiji Legal Code, however, it was hardly ever punished, with only 20 recorded instances of sodomy during [1876](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1876 "1876 Timeline of LGBT Rights") to [1881](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1881 "1881 Timeline of LGBT Rights"). ### Same-sex marriage in Japan ? Same-sex marriage in Japan is unregistered cohabitation. Current status Since Mar 26, [2024](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2024 "2024 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Unregistered cohabitation federal law In March [2024](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2024 "2024 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), Japan's Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to compensation if one partner is the victim of a crime. This ruling broadens the interpretation of the law on benefits for crime victims, considering that same-sex couples can be included within the category of "persons in a situation equivalent to a de facto marriage." Following this decision, the government reported on January 21, [2025](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2025 "2025 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), that various ministries and agencies had identified similar language in 24 laws and regulations. These include the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, the Land and Housing Tenancy Act, the Child Abuse Prevention Act, and the Public Housing Act. On September 30, [2025](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2025 "2025 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), the government announced that nine new laws containing the same phrase could include same-sex couples within their scope. They also announced that 120 laws, primarily related to social security, do not cover same-sex couples. Banned federal law Article 24 of Japan’s constitution states that “Marriage shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes” which is interpreted to define marriage as between two people of the opposite sex. Beginning in March of [2021](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2021 "2021 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), district courts and high courts across Japan have ruled that Japan restricting marriage to opposite-sex couples is unconstitutional. However, these court rulings do not have any actual effect on the law. More than 200 municipalities across Japan have introduced partnership systems which give same-sex couples the ability to register their relationships. However, the registration is not legally binding and it does not grant any of the rights of marriage. ### Censorship of LGBT issues in Japan ? Censorship of LGBT issues in Japan is no censorship. Current status No censorship In Japan, there are no laws restricting to discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics. ### Right to change legal gender in Japan ? Right to change legal gender in Japan is legal, but requires surgery. Current status Since Apr 1, [2022](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2022 "2022 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Legal, but requires surgery Amended Act No.111 of [2003](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2003 "2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights") requires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 18 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child less than 18 years, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist. On October 16th [2023](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2023 "2023 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), a Japanese transgender man won his case in court to allow him to change his legal gender without sterilization. The law was deemed unconstitutional. It remains to be seen what changes will be made to the law and when they will come in effect. Legal, but requires surgery Amended Act No.111 of [2003](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2003 "2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights") requires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 20 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child less than 20 years, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist. Legal, but requires surgery Act No.111 of [2003](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2003 "2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights") requires for transgender people to change their legal gender, (1) be at least 20 years of age, (2) not currently married, (3) no child, (4) infertile (no gonads or persistent lack of gonadal function), (5) and has a body which appears to have genital parts of those of the opposite sex. And also requires medical certificate by two or more psychiatrist. Illegal Until [2004](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2004 "2004 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), there was no legal gender recognition provided in Japan. ### Gender-affirming care in Japan ? Gender-affirming care in Japan is legal, but restricted for minors. Current status Since May 28, [1997](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1997 "1997 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Legal, but restricted for minors federal law The Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology (JSPN) allows Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for those aged 15 and over with parental consent. The law considered to have potentially banned it was the Eugenics Protection Law but in [1998](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1998 "1998 Timeline of LGBT Rights") it was ruled that when done in accordance of JSPN regulations it was not in violation of the law. Banned federal law Until [1998](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1998 "1998 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), under Clause 28 of the Eugenics Protection Law, gender reassignment surgery was banned. The law prohibited any surgery deemed unnecessary that caused sterilization. This was highlighted in the [1965](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1965 "1965 Timeline of LGBT Rights") "Blue Boy Trial" - Blue Boy was a Japanese slang term for trans women. Legal federal law Until [1948](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1948 "1948 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), there were no known legal restrictions on gender-affirming care in Japan. ### Legal recognition of non-binary gender in Japan ? Legal recognition of non-binary gender in Japan is not legally recognized. Current status Not legally recognized Non-binary gender is not legally recognized in Japan. However, the city of Yokosuka recognizes the relationships of people of all genders, including "x-gender", the common term for non-binary in Japan. ### Hate crime protections in Japan ? Hate crime protections in Japan is no protections. Current status No protections federal law Japan does not provide hate crime protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity. ### LGBT discrimination in Japan ? LGBT discrimination in Japan is illegal in some contexts. Current status Illegal in some contexts Housing discrimination is illegal in Japan. Japan does not have national employment anti-discrimination laws, although Tokyo, Ibaraki and Akita offer local protections. Illegal Housing discrimination is illegal in Japan, and employment discrimination is illegal in Tokyo, Ibaraki and Akita (Nationwide pending) ### LGBT employment discrimination in Japan ? LGBT employment discrimination in Japan is varies by region. Current status Varies by Region While the Equal Employment Opportunity Law has been revised several times over the years to address sex discrimination and harassment in the workplace, the government has refused to expand the law to address discrimination against gender or sexual identity. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has passed legislation banning discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Companies in Japan consisting of ten or more employees are required to establish work regulations. In January [2018](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2018 "2018 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare revised the Model Rules of Employment which "stands as the example framework for work regulations", to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and "gender identification". Article 15 reads: In addition to what are provided for from Article 12 to the preceding paragraph, employees are prohibited from any other forms of harassment at the workplace that are damaging to the work environment of other employees such as by way of speech or behaviour related to sexual orientation or gender identification. ### LGBT housing discrimination in Japan ? LGBT housing discrimination in Japan is sexual orientation and gender identity. Current status Sexual orientation and gender identity Since autumn [2003](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2003 "2003 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), the Urban Renaissance Agency, the government agency that operates government housing has allowed same-sex couples to rent units the same way as heterosexual couples at any one of the over 300 properties that it operates. This opened the way for more such action, as the Osaka Government in September [2005](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2005 "2005 Timeline of LGBT Rights") opened the doors of its government housing to same-sex couples. In February [2018](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2018 "2018 Timeline of LGBT Rights"), the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare created provisions addressing discrimination in housing, stating that "consideration must be taken to not deny lodging on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity." ### Same-sex adoption in Japan ? Same-sex adoption in Japan is ambiguous. Current status Ambiguous The US State Department states: "there are no laws regulating or addressing same-sex couples adopting in Japan." It was reported in [2016](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2016 "2016 Timeline of LGBT Rights") that many same-sex couples have been rejected by public authorities and are told “Children will never be fostered” by same-sex couples and “couples of friends are not accepted.” There is however one documented case from [2016](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2016 "2016 Timeline of LGBT Rights") of same-sex foster parents in Osaka. ### Intersex infant surgery in Japan ? Intersex infant surgery in Japan is not banned. Current status Not banned federal law Surgery on intersex infants is legal in Japan. ### Serving openly in military in Japan ? Serving openly in military in Japan is legal. Current status Since May 3, [1947](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1947 "1947 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Legal Japan has a Self Defense Force in place of a traditional military. There is no specific policy either banning or encouraging LGBT participation in the Self Defense Forces. Research by Sabine Fruhstuck has shown that many Japanese do not object to open LGBT service in the military provided it does not interfere with their performance. ### Blood donations by MSMs in Japan ? Blood donations by MSMs in Japan is banned (6-month deferral). Current status Since Apr 1, [2011](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2011 "2011 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Banned (6-month deferral) Red Cross Japan reduces deferral for high HIV risk individual from 12 months to 6 months. Banned (1-year deferral) Gay men in Japan are banned from donating blood following one (1) year after male-male sexual contact. Japanese Red Cross opposses this practice. ### Conversion therapy in Japan ? Conversion therapy in Japan is not banned. Current status Not banned There are no laws banning conversion therapy in Japan. ### Equal age of consent in Japan ? Equal age of consent in Japan is equal. Current status Since May 3, [1947](https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/1947 "1947 Timeline of LGBT Rights") Equal The national age of consent is equal for both same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples. Cities and prefectures may set higher ages of consent. ***
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