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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 49 (from laksa129)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa049.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.washingtonblade.com/2025/03/21/japans-marriage-equality-movement-gains-steam/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/03/21/japans-marriage-equality-movement-gains-steam/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/2025\/03\/21\/japans-marriage-equality-movement-gains-steam\/","crawl_time":1775560902,"first_indexed_time":1742561386,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,washingtonblade!www,\/2025\/03\/21\/japans-marriage-equality-movement-gains-steam\/ s443","src_root_hash":"17316294225732363649","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Japan’s marriage equality movement gains steam","meta_descriptions":["Efforts to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples in Japan continue to gain steam. The Nagoya High Court on March 7 ruled on the issue."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Sanae Takaichi last month became Japan’s first female prime minister after she secured the Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership and both chambers of the Diet confirmed her.\nShe now leads a minority government after forming a coalition with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party, following Komeito’s decision to end its 26-year partnership with the LDP. Her rise marks a historic break in Japanese politics, but the question remains whether she will advance the rights of Japan’s LGBTQ community?\nDespite the milestone her election represents, Takaichi’s record on gender issues offers little indication of progressive change. \nShe has long emphasized “\nequality of opportunity\n” over structural reforms and has opposed measures that include allowing married couples to use separate surnames, a policy many women say would ease workplace discrimination. During her leadership bid Takaichi pledged to elevate women’s representation in government to Nordic levels, yet she appointed only\ntwo women\nto her 19-member Cabinet. Takaichi has also resisted efforts to modernize the Imperial Household Law to permit female succession, reinforcing her reputation as a conservative on women’s rights.\nTakaichi’s stance on LGBTQ rights has been similarly cautious. \nIn a 2023\nDiet budget committee session\n, she said there should be “no prejudice against sexual orientation or gender identity,” yet described extending marriage rights to same-sex couples as an “extremely difficult issue.” \nHer earlier record is consistent.\nIn 2021, she opposed an\nLGBTQ-inclusive anti-discrimination bill\nthat members of her own party, arguing its wording was too vague. \nEven after becoming LDP leader in October 2025, she reiterated her opposition to marriage equality and emphasized traditional family values. Takaichi highlighted that\nArticle 24\ndefines marriage as being based on “the mutual consent of both sexes” and frames the institution around “the equal rights of husband and wife,” language she argues leaves no constitutional room for extending marriage rights to same-sex couples.\nWhile her rhetoric avoids overt hostility, her record suggests limited appetite for the structural reforms sought by Japan’s LGBTQ community.\nA series of landmark court rulings has built escalating pressure for national reform. \nOn March 17, 2021, the\nSapporo District Court\nruled that denying same-sex couples the legal benefits of marriage violated the constitution’s equality clause. In May 2023, the\nNagoya District Court\nsimilarly declared the ban unconstitutional, with a subsequent decision from the\nFukuoka District Court\nreaffirming Japan’s current legal framework clashes with constitutional equality principles. \nThe momentum peaked on Oct. 30, 2024, when the\nTokyo High Court\nfound the marriage ban incompatible with guarantees of equality and individual dignity. \nJapan remains the only G7 country without legal recognition of same-sex couples.\nAkira Nishiyama, a spokesperson for the\nJapan Alliance for LGBT Legislation\n, noted to the Washington Blade that in leadership surveys the group conducted within the LDP in 2021 and again in 2025, Takaichi offered only a cautious position on reforming Japan’s legal gender recognition law. When asked whether she supported easing the requirements under the Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder, she responded that “multifaceted and careful discussion is necessary,” avoiding any commitment to substantive change.\nNishiyama added the legal landscape has already shifted. \nIn October 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the law’s sterilization requirement for legal gender recognition is unconstitutional, and several family courts have since struck down the appearance requirement on similar grounds. She urged the Takaichi administration to act quickly by amending the statute to remove these provisions, along with other elements long criticized as human rights violations.\n“[Prime Minister] Takaichi has stated that ‘careful discussion is necessary’ regarding amendments to ‘Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder’ and the enactment of anti-discrimination laws based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI),” noted Nishiyama. “However, as indicated in Candidate (at that time) Takaichi’s responses to our survey, if she considers issues related to SOGI to be human rights issues, then she has to work hard to advance legal frameworks to address these issues.” \n“For example, regarding the government’s announcement that they will consider whether same-sex couples could be included or not in the 130 laws concerning common-law marriages couples, [Prime Minister] Takaichi responded to our survey that ‘the government should continue to advance its consideration,’” she added. “As per this response, the Takaichi Cabinet should continue deliberating on this matter and ensure that same-sex couples are included in each relevant law.”\nTakeharu Kato, an\nadvocate for marriage equality\nwho spoke to the Blade in a personal capacity, urged observers not to view Takaichi’s appointment solely through a negative lens. \nHe acknowledged she holds deeply conservative views within the LDP and has openly opposed marriage equality, but noted several aspects of her background could leave room for movement. \n“She is Japan’s first female prime minister in history. Furthermore, she does not come from a political family background but rather from an ordinary household,” said Kato. “She also has an unusual career path, having graduated from a local university and worked as a television news anchor before entering politics.” \n“Additionally, while her husband is a member of the Diet, he became partially paralyzed due to a cerebral infarction, and she has been caring for him,” he further noted. “She possesses several minority attributes like these, and depending on our future efforts, there is a possibility she could change her stance on same-sex marriage. It could also be said that, as a woman navigating the conservative Liberal Democratic Party, she has deliberately emphasized conservative attitudes to appeal to her base of right-wing supporters.” \nKato stressed that “having reached the pinnacle as prime minister, it cannot be said she (Takaichi) has no potential to change.”\n“We need not alter the strategy we have pursued thus far,” Kato told the Blade. “However, we believe some fine-tuning is necessary, such as refining our messaging to resonate with those holding more conservative values.”","attrs_markdown":"[![Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/content\/files\/2021\/05\/blade_logo_303_150.png)](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/)\n\n- [Politics](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/category\/news\/political-news\/)\n- [Local](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/category\/news\/local-news\/)\n- [National](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/category\/news\/national-news\/)\n- [World](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/category\/news\/international-news\/)\n- [Arts & Entertainment](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/category\/arts-culture-calendar\/)\n- [Financial](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/category\/living\/business\/)\n- [Photos](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/category\/arts-culture-calendar\/photos\/)\n- [Opinions](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/category\/opinions\/)\n- [Life Style](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/category\/living\/)\n- [Noticias en Español](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/category\/noticias-en-espanol\/)\n- [Classifieds](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/classifieds-2\/)\n- [About](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/contact-us\/about\/)\n  - 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[Newsletter Sign-Up](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/subscribe\/)\n  - [Print Edition](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/print-edition\/)\n  - [Archives](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/archives\/)\n  - [Advertise](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/advertise\/)\n  - [Los Angeles Blade](https:\/\/www.losangelesblade.com\/)\n- [BECOME A MEMBER](https:\/\/washingtonblade.ac-page.com\/support-washington)\n\n### [Japan](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/category\/news\/international-news\/asia\/japan\/)\n# Japan’s marriage equality movement gains steam\nNagoya High Court this month ruled lack of legal recognition is unconstitutional\n\nPublished\n\n1 year ago\n\non\n\nMarch 21, 2025\n\nBy\n\n[Ankush Kumar](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/author\/ankush-kumar\/ \"Posts by Ankush Kumar\")\n\n![](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/content\/files\/2025\/03\/Tokyo_Japan_Pride_insert_courtesy.jpg)\n\nSince 2019, the advocacy group Marriage For All Japan has sued the Japanese government in all five district courts. (Photo courtesy of Marriage For All Japan)\n\nJapan’s Nagoya High Court on March 7 ruled the lack of legal recognition of same-sex marriages violates the country’s constitution.\n\nThe plaintiffs argued [Japan’s Civil Code](https:\/\/www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp\/en\/laws\/view\/3494\/en) and [Family Registration Act](https:\/\/www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp\/en\/laws\/view\/2161\/en), which does not recognize same-sex marriages, violates the country’s constitution. They cited [Article 14, Paragraph 1](https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/policy\/human\/econo_rep2\/general.html#:~:text=The%20Japanese%20Constitution%20is%20based,in%20all%20affairs%20of%20state.), which guarantees equality under the law and prohibits discrimination based on factors that include race, creed, sex, or social status. The plaintiff also invoked [Article 24, Paragraph 2](https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/policy\/human\/civil_rep4\/article24.html), which emphasizes that laws governing marriage and family matters must uphold individual dignity and the fundamental equality of the sexes.\n\nThe plaintiffs sought damages of 1 million yen (\\$6,721.80) under [Article 1, Paragraph 1, of the State Redress Act](https:\/\/www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp\/en\/laws\/view\/3785\/en#:~:text=Article%201\$1\$When%20a,the%20responsibility%20to%20compensate%20therefor.), which provides for compensation when a public official, through intentional or negligent acts in the course of their duties, causes harm to another individual. The claim centered on the government’s failure to enact necessary legislation, which prevented the plaintiff from marrying.\n\nThe court noted same-sex relationships have existed naturally long before the establishment of legal marriage. It emphasized that recognizing such relationships as legitimate is a fundamental legal interest connected to personal dignity, transcending the confines of traditional legal frameworks governing marriage and family.\n\nThe court further observed same-sex couples encounter significant disadvantages in various aspects of social life that cannot be addressed through civil partnership systems. These include housing challenges, such as restrictions on renting properties, and financial institutions refusing to recognize same-sex couples as family members for mortgages. Same-sex couples also face hurdles in accessing products and services tailored to family relationships. While the court deemed the relevant provisions unconstitutional, it clarified that the government’s failure to enact legislative changes does not constitute a violation under the State Redress Act.\n\nThe lawsuit, titled “Freedom of Marriage for All,” brought together a large coalition of professionals, including more than 30 plaintiffs and 80 lawyers. They filed six lawsuits in five courts throughout Japan.\n\n“We filed these lawsuits on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2019, in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Sapporo, and in September of that year in Fukuoka,” noted Takeharu Kato, director of [Marriage for All Japan](https:\/\/www.hg-law.jp\/). “Then, in March 2021, the Sapporo District Court handed down the first ruling declaring the current laws unconstitutional, which received extensive worldwide media coverage. Subsequently, the Osaka District Court unfortunately ruled that the current law is constitutional, but among the 10 rulings handed down so far, nine have ruled that not recognizing marriage equality is unconstitutional.”\n\nKato is a lawyer who is part of the legal team in the Sapporo case. He is also a board member of Marriage for All Japan, a marriage equality campaign.\n\n“The MFAJ (Marriage for All Japan) is fully supporting the lawsuits by publicizing the current status of the trials and the rulings in our websites and social networks, setting up press conferences at the time of the rulings,” Kato told the Washington Blade. “We also make the best of the impact of the lawsuits in our campaign by holding events with the plaintiffs of the lawsuits and inviting them to the rally at Diet (the Japanese parliament) members’ building.”\n\nKato said the campaign has significantly shifted public opinion, with recent polls indicating more than 70 percent of Japanese people now support marriage equality — up from approximately 40 percent before Marriage for All Japan launched. He also noted 49 percent of Diet members now back marriage equality.\n\nJapan is the only G7 country that does not legally recognize same-sex couples. Taiwan, Nepal, and [Thailand](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/2025\/01\/23\/thailand-marriage-equality-law-takes-effect\/) have extended full marriage rights to gays and lesbians.\n\nExpressing disappointment, Kato said many Japanese politicians continue to resist marriage equality, despite overwhelming public support. Kato added Marriage for All Japan expects the Supreme Court to rule on their lawsuits in 2016.\n\n“We believe that the Supreme Court will also rule that the current laws are unconstitutional,” he said. “However, the Supreme Court’s ruling alone is not enough to achieve marriage equality under the Japanese legal system. We should put more and more strong pressure on the Diet to legalize marriage equality in Japan as soon as possible.”\n\nSeveral municipalities and prefectures issue certificates that provide limited benefits to same-sex couples, but they fall short of equal legal recognition.\n\nPrime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government has faced mounting pressure on the issue as public support for marriage equality has surged in recent years. Kishida has yet to push reforms within his own party; encountering fierce opposition from its traditional leadership.\n\nHis government in June 2023 passed Japan’s first law addressing sexual orientation and gender identity, aiming to “[promote understanding](https:\/\/www.hrw.org\/news\/2023\/07\/12\/japan-passes-law-promote-understanding-lgbt-people)” and prevent “unfair discrimination.” Activists, however, widely criticized the legislation on grounds it fails to provide comprehensive protections or extend marriage rights to same-sex couples.\n\nRelated Topics:[featured](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/tag\/featured\/)[Fumio Kishida](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/tag\/fumio-kishida\/)[Japan](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/tag\/japan\/)[marriage equality](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/tag\/marriage-equality\/)[Marriage for All Japan](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/tag\/marriage-for-all-japan\/)[Nagoya High Court](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/tag\/nagoya-high-court\/)[Nepal](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/tag\/nepal\/)[Taiwan](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/tag\/taiwan\/)[Takeharu Kato](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/tag\/takeharu-kato\/)[Thailand](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/tag\/thailand\/)\n\n[Up Next Japan should end abusive detention conditions for transgender people](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/2025\/06\/06\/japan-should-end-abusive-detention-conditions-for-transgender-people\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/content\/files\/2021\/05\/blade_logo_303_150.png)\n\nAdvertisement\n\nFUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM\n\nSIGN UP FOR E-BLAST\n## Featured Local Savings\n#### You may like\n\n### [Japan](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/category\/news\/international-news\/asia\/japan\/)\n# Japanese Supreme Court to consider marriage equality\nJapan only G7 country that does not legally recognize same-sex couples\n\nPublished\n\n2 weeks ago\n\non\n\nMarch 27, 2026\n\nBy\n\n[Michael K. Lavers](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/author\/mlavers\/ \"Posts by Michael K. Lavers\")\n\n![](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/content\/files\/2026\/03\/Japanese_Supreme_Court_chambers_insert_public_domain.jpg)\n\nJapanese Supreme Court (Photo public domain)\n\nThe Japanese Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will consider six marriage equality lawsuits.\n\nNHK, the country’s public broadcaster, [noted](https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/20260326_07\/) all 15 of the court’s justices will consider the case.\n\nJapan is the only G7 country that does not legally recognize same-sex couples, despite several court rulings in recent years that found the denial of marriage benefits to gays and lesbians unconstitutional.\n\nTokyo High Court Judge Ayumi Higashi last November upheld Japan’s legal definition of a family as a man and a woman and their children.\n\nPrime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who became the country’s first female head of government last October, [opposes marriage rights for same-sex couples.](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/2025\/11\/18\/japans-first-female-prime-minister-reluctant-to-advance-lgbtq-rights\/) She has also reiterated the constitution’s assertion that the family is an institution based around “the equal rights of husband and wife.”\n\nSame-sex couples can legally marry in Taiwan, Nepal, and Thailand.\n\nNHK reported the Supreme Court is expected to issue its ruling in early 2027.\n\n[Continue Reading](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/2026\/03\/27\/japanese-supreme-court-to-consider-marriage-equality\/)\n\n### [Japan](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/category\/news\/international-news\/asia\/japan\/)\n# Tokyo court upholds Japan’s same-sex marriage ban\nCountry is only G7 nation without legal recognition of same-sex couples\n\nPublished\n\n4 months ago\n\non\n\nDecember 2, 2025\n\nBy\n\n[Michael K. Lavers](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/author\/mlavers\/ \"Posts by Michael K. Lavers\")\n\n![](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/content\/files\/2022\/10\/rainbow_flag_wedding_rings_insert_by_Bigstock.jpg)\n\n(Bigstock photo)\n\nThe Tokyo High Court on Nov. 28 ruled the lack of marriage rights for same-sex couples in Japan is constitutional.\n\nThe Associated Press [notes](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-ruling-a5de3d7eda028a97e05ac8bc9af7043f) Judge Ayumi Higashi upheld the legal definition of a family in Japan as a man and a woman and their children. The court also dismissed the eight plaintiffs’ demand for 1 million yen (\\$6,406.85) in damages.\n\nHiromi Hatogai, one of the plaintiffs, told reporters after the court ruled that she is “so disappointed.”\n\n“Rather than sorrow, I’m outraged and appalled by the decision,” said Hatogai, according to the [AP.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-ruling-a5de3d7eda028a97e05ac8bc9af7043f) “Were the judges listening to us?”\n\nJapan remains the only G7 country without legal recognition of same-sex couples, even though several courts in recent years have ruled in favor of it.\n\nThe Sapporo District Court in 2021 ruled the denial of marriage benefits to same-sex couples violates the constitution’s equality clause. The Nagoya District Court in 2023 issued a similar ruling. The Fukuoka District Court in a separate decision said Japan’s current legal framework is unconstitutional. The Tokyo High Court in 2024 came to the same conclusion.\n\nThe Washington Blade last month [noted](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/2025\/11\/18\/japans-first-female-prime-minister-reluctant-to-advance-lgbtq-rights\/) Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who is Japan’s first female head of government, opposes marriage equality and has reiterated the constitution’s assertion the family is an institution based around “the equal rights of husband and wife.”\n\n[Continue Reading](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/2025\/12\/02\/tokyo-court-upholds-japans-same-sex-marriage-ban\/)\n\n### [Japan](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/category\/news\/international-news\/asia\/japan\/)\n# Japan’s first female prime minister reluctant to advance LGBTQ rights\nSanae Takaichi became country’s head of government last month\n\nPublished\n\n5 months ago\n\non\n\nNovember 18, 2025\n\nBy\n\n[Ankush Kumar](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/author\/ankush-kumar\/ \"Posts by Ankush Kumar\")\n\n![](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/content\/files\/2025\/11\/Sanae_Takaichi_screen_capture_insert_via_Sanae_Takaichi_Channel_YouTube.jpg)\n\nJapanese Prime Minister **Sanae Takaichi** (Screen capture via Sanae Takaichi's YouTube channel)\n\nSanae Takaichi last month became Japan’s first female prime minister after she secured the Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership and both chambers of the Diet confirmed her.\n\nShe now leads a minority government after forming a coalition with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party, following Komeito’s decision to end its 26-year partnership with the LDP. Her rise marks a historic break in Japanese politics, but the question remains whether she will advance the rights of Japan’s LGBTQ community?\n\nDespite the milestone her election represents, Takaichi’s record on gender issues offers little indication of progressive change.\n\nShe has long emphasized “[equality of opportunity](https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/japans-takaichi-makes-history-women-ask-what-changes-now-2025-10-21\/)” over structural reforms and has opposed measures that include allowing married couples to use separate surnames, a policy many women say would ease workplace discrimination. During her leadership bid Takaichi pledged to elevate women’s representation in government to Nordic levels, yet she appointed only [two women](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2025\/oct\/21\/sanae-takaichi-japan-first-female-pm-appoints-two-women-to-cabinet) to her 19-member Cabinet. Takaichi has also resisted efforts to modernize the Imperial Household Law to permit female succession, reinforcing her reputation as a conservative on women’s rights.\n\nTakaichi’s stance on LGBTQ rights has been similarly cautious.\n\nIn a 2023 [Diet budget committee session](https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-us\/news\/other\/japan-s-first-female-prime-minster-gays-are-fine-but-no-same-sex-marriage\/ar-AA1OUdnH?ocid=BingNewsVerp), she said there should be “no prejudice against sexual orientation or gender identity,” yet described extending marriage rights to same-sex couples as an “extremely difficult issue.”\n\nHer earlier record is consistent.\n\nIn 2021, she opposed an [LGBTQ-inclusive anti-discrimination bill](https:\/\/www.lgbtqnation.com\/2025\/10\/japans-parliament-elects-first-female-prime-minister-shes-against-lgbtq-rights\/) that members of her own party, arguing its wording was too vague.\n\nEven after becoming LDP leader in October 2025, she reiterated her opposition to marriage equality and emphasized traditional family values. Takaichi highlighted that [Article 24](https:\/\/www.sangiin.go.jp\/eng\/law\/tcoj\/index.htm) defines marriage as being based on “the mutual consent of both sexes” and frames the institution around “the equal rights of husband and wife,” language she argues leaves no constitutional room for extending marriage rights to same-sex couples.\n\nWhile her rhetoric avoids overt hostility, her record suggests limited appetite for the structural reforms sought by Japan’s LGBTQ community.\n\nA series of landmark court rulings has built escalating pressure for national reform.\n\nOn March 17, 2021, the [Sapporo District Court](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-56425002) ruled that denying same-sex couples the legal benefits of marriage violated the constitution’s equality clause. In May 2023, the [Nagoya District Court](https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/japan-lower-court-rules-that-not-allowing-same-sex-marriage-is-unconstitutional-2023-05-30\/) similarly declared the ban unconstitutional, with a subsequent decision from the [Fukuoka District Court](https:\/\/www.asahi.com\/ajw\/articles\/15549128) reaffirming Japan’s current legal framework clashes with constitutional equality principles.\n\nThe momentum peaked on Oct. 30, 2024, when the [Tokyo High Court](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2024\/10\/30\/japan\/crime-legal\/same-sex-ruling-unconstitutional\/) found the marriage ban incompatible with guarantees of equality and individual dignity.\n\nJapan remains the only G7 country without legal recognition of same-sex couples.\n\nAkira Nishiyama, a spokesperson for the [Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation](https:\/\/lgbtetc.jp\/english\/), noted to the Washington Blade that in leadership surveys the group conducted within the LDP in 2021 and again in 2025, Takaichi offered only a cautious position on reforming Japan’s legal gender recognition law. When asked whether she supported easing the requirements under the Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder, she responded that “multifaceted and careful discussion is necessary,” avoiding any commitment to substantive change.\n\nNishiyama added the legal landscape has already shifted.\n\nIn October 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the law’s sterilization requirement for legal gender recognition is unconstitutional, and several family courts have since struck down the appearance requirement on similar grounds. She urged the Takaichi administration to act quickly by amending the statute to remove these provisions, along with other elements long criticized as human rights violations.\n\n“\\[Prime Minister\\] Takaichi has stated that ‘careful discussion is necessary’ regarding amendments to ‘Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder’ and the enactment of anti-discrimination laws based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI),” noted Nishiyama. “However, as indicated in Candidate (at that time) Takaichi’s responses to our survey, if she considers issues related to SOGI to be human rights issues, then she has to work hard to advance legal frameworks to address these issues.”\n\n“For example, regarding the government’s announcement that they will consider whether same-sex couples could be included or not in the 130 laws concerning common-law marriages couples, \\[Prime Minister\\] Takaichi responded to our survey that ‘the government should continue to advance its consideration,’” she added. “As per this response, the Takaichi Cabinet should continue deliberating on this matter and ensure that same-sex couples are included in each relevant law.”\n\nTakeharu Kato, an [advocate for marriage equality](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/2025\/07\/28\/anti-lgbtq-party-gains-power-in-japanese-diet\/) who spoke to the Blade in a personal capacity, urged observers not to view Takaichi’s appointment solely through a negative lens.\n\nHe acknowledged she holds deeply conservative views within the LDP and has openly opposed marriage equality, but noted several aspects of her background could leave room for movement.\n\n“She is Japan’s first female prime minister in history. Furthermore, she does not come from a political family background but rather from an ordinary household,” said Kato. “She also has an unusual career path, having graduated from a local university and worked as a television news anchor before entering politics.”\n\n“Additionally, while her husband is a member of the Diet, he became partially paralyzed due to a cerebral infarction, and she has been caring for him,” he further noted. “She possesses several minority attributes like these, and depending on our future efforts, there is a possibility she could change her stance on same-sex marriage. It could also be said that, as a woman navigating the conservative Liberal Democratic Party, she has deliberately emphasized conservative attitudes to appeal to her base of right-wing supporters.”\n\nKato stressed that “having reached the pinnacle as prime minister, it cannot be said she (Takaichi) has no potential to change.”\n\n“We need not alter the strategy we have pursued thus far,” Kato told the Blade. “However, we believe some fine-tuning is necessary, such as refining our messaging to resonate with those holding more conservative values.”\n\n[Continue Reading](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/2025\/11\/18\/japans-first-female-prime-minister-reluctant-to-advance-lgbtq-rights\/)\n\nAdvertisement\n\n- [Latest](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/2025\/03\/21\/japans-marriage-equality-movement-gains-steam\/#mvp-tab-col1)\n- 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All rights reserved \\| Powered by [Keynetik](https:\/\/www.keynetik.net\/).","attrs_readable_markdown":"Sanae Takaichi last month became Japan’s first female prime minister after she secured the Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership and both chambers of the Diet confirmed her.\n\nShe now leads a minority government after forming a coalition with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party, following Komeito’s decision to end its 26-year partnership with the LDP. Her rise marks a historic break in Japanese politics, but the question remains whether she will advance the rights of Japan’s LGBTQ community?\n\nDespite the milestone her election represents, Takaichi’s record on gender issues offers little indication of progressive change.\n\nShe has long emphasized “[equality of opportunity](https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/japans-takaichi-makes-history-women-ask-what-changes-now-2025-10-21\/)” over structural reforms and has opposed measures that include allowing married couples to use separate surnames, a policy many women say would ease workplace discrimination. During her leadership bid Takaichi pledged to elevate women’s representation in government to Nordic levels, yet she appointed only [two women](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2025\/oct\/21\/sanae-takaichi-japan-first-female-pm-appoints-two-women-to-cabinet) to her 19-member Cabinet. Takaichi has also resisted efforts to modernize the Imperial Household Law to permit female succession, reinforcing her reputation as a conservative on women’s rights.\n\nTakaichi’s stance on LGBTQ rights has been similarly cautious.\n\nIn a 2023 [Diet budget committee session](https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-us\/news\/other\/japan-s-first-female-prime-minster-gays-are-fine-but-no-same-sex-marriage\/ar-AA1OUdnH?ocid=BingNewsVerp), she said there should be “no prejudice against sexual orientation or gender identity,” yet described extending marriage rights to same-sex couples as an “extremely difficult issue.”\n\nHer earlier record is consistent.\n\nIn 2021, she opposed an [LGBTQ-inclusive anti-discrimination bill](https:\/\/www.lgbtqnation.com\/2025\/10\/japans-parliament-elects-first-female-prime-minister-shes-against-lgbtq-rights\/) that members of her own party, arguing its wording was too vague.\n\nEven after becoming LDP leader in October 2025, she reiterated her opposition to marriage equality and emphasized traditional family values. Takaichi highlighted that [Article 24](https:\/\/www.sangiin.go.jp\/eng\/law\/tcoj\/index.htm) defines marriage as being based on “the mutual consent of both sexes” and frames the institution around “the equal rights of husband and wife,” language she argues leaves no constitutional room for extending marriage rights to same-sex couples.\n\nWhile her rhetoric avoids overt hostility, her record suggests limited appetite for the structural reforms sought by Japan’s LGBTQ community.\n\nA series of landmark court rulings has built escalating pressure for national reform.\n\nOn March 17, 2021, the [Sapporo District Court](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-56425002) ruled that denying same-sex couples the legal benefits of marriage violated the constitution’s equality clause. In May 2023, the [Nagoya District Court](https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/asia-pacific\/japan-lower-court-rules-that-not-allowing-same-sex-marriage-is-unconstitutional-2023-05-30\/) similarly declared the ban unconstitutional, with a subsequent decision from the [Fukuoka District Court](https:\/\/www.asahi.com\/ajw\/articles\/15549128) reaffirming Japan’s current legal framework clashes with constitutional equality principles.\n\nThe momentum peaked on Oct. 30, 2024, when the [Tokyo High Court](https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2024\/10\/30\/japan\/crime-legal\/same-sex-ruling-unconstitutional\/) found the marriage ban incompatible with guarantees of equality and individual dignity.\n\nJapan remains the only G7 country without legal recognition of same-sex couples.\n\nAkira Nishiyama, a spokesperson for the [Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation](https:\/\/lgbtetc.jp\/english\/), noted to the Washington Blade that in leadership surveys the group conducted within the LDP in 2021 and again in 2025, Takaichi offered only a cautious position on reforming Japan’s legal gender recognition law. When asked whether she supported easing the requirements under the Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder, she responded that “multifaceted and careful discussion is necessary,” avoiding any commitment to substantive change.\n\nNishiyama added the legal landscape has already shifted.\n\nIn October 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the law’s sterilization requirement for legal gender recognition is unconstitutional, and several family courts have since struck down the appearance requirement on similar grounds. She urged the Takaichi administration to act quickly by amending the statute to remove these provisions, along with other elements long criticized as human rights violations.\n\n“\\[Prime Minister\\] Takaichi has stated that ‘careful discussion is necessary’ regarding amendments to ‘Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder’ and the enactment of anti-discrimination laws based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI),” noted Nishiyama. “However, as indicated in Candidate (at that time) Takaichi’s responses to our survey, if she considers issues related to SOGI to be human rights issues, then she has to work hard to advance legal frameworks to address these issues.”\n\n“For example, regarding the government’s announcement that they will consider whether same-sex couples could be included or not in the 130 laws concerning common-law marriages couples, \\[Prime Minister\\] Takaichi responded to our survey that ‘the government should continue to advance its consideration,’” she added. “As per this response, the Takaichi Cabinet should continue deliberating on this matter and ensure that same-sex couples are included in each relevant law.”\n\nTakeharu Kato, an [advocate for marriage equality](https:\/\/www.washingtonblade.com\/2025\/07\/28\/anti-lgbtq-party-gains-power-in-japanese-diet\/) who spoke to the Blade in a personal capacity, urged observers not to view Takaichi’s appointment solely through a negative lens.\n\nHe acknowledged she holds deeply conservative views within the LDP and has openly opposed marriage equality, but noted several aspects of her background could leave room for movement.\n\n“She is Japan’s first female prime minister in history. Furthermore, she does not come from a political family background but rather from an ordinary household,” said Kato. “She also has an unusual career path, having graduated from a local university and worked as a television news anchor before entering politics.”\n\n“Additionally, while her husband is a member of the Diet, he became partially paralyzed due to a cerebral infarction, and she has been caring for him,” he further noted. “She possesses several minority attributes like these, and depending on our future efforts, there is a possibility she could change her stance on same-sex marriage. It could also be said that, as a woman navigating the conservative Liberal Democratic Party, she has deliberately emphasized conservative attitudes to appeal to her base of right-wing supporters.”\n\nKato stressed that “having reached the pinnacle as prime minister, it cannot be said she (Takaichi) has no potential to change.”\n\n“We need not alter the strategy we have pursued thus far,” Kato told the Blade. “However, we believe some fine-tuning is necessary, such as refining our messaging to resonate with those holding more conservative values.”","meta_canonical":null}

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Property	Value
URL	https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/03/21/japans-marriage-equality-movement-gains-steam/
Last Crawled	2026-04-07 11:21:42 (12 days ago)
First Indexed	2025-03-21 12:49:46 (1 year ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Japan’s marriage equality movement gains steam
Meta Description	Efforts to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples in Japan continue to gain steam. The Nagoya High Court on March 7 ruled on the issue.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	Sanae Takaichi last month became Japan’s first female prime minister after she secured the Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership and both chambers of the Diet confirmed her. She now leads a minority government after forming a coalition with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party, following Komeito’s decision to end its 26-year partnership with the LDP. Her rise marks a historic break in Japanese politics, but the question remains whether she will advance the rights of Japan’s LGBTQ community? Despite the milestone her election represents, Takaichi’s record on gender issues offers little indication of progressive change. She has long emphasized “ equality of opportunity ” over structural reforms and has opposed measures that include allowing married couples to use separate surnames, a policy many women say would ease workplace discrimination. During her leadership bid Takaichi pledged to elevate women’s representation in government to Nordic levels, yet she appointed only two women to her 19-member Cabinet. Takaichi has also resisted efforts to modernize the Imperial Household Law to permit female succession, reinforcing her reputation as a conservative on women’s rights. Takaichi’s stance on LGBTQ rights has been similarly cautious. In a 2023 Diet budget committee session , she said there should be “no prejudice against sexual orientation or gender identity,” yet described extending marriage rights to same-sex couples as an “extremely difficult issue.” Her earlier record is consistent. In 2021, she opposed an LGBTQ-inclusive anti-discrimination bill that members of her own party, arguing its wording was too vague. Even after becoming LDP leader in October 2025, she reiterated her opposition to marriage equality and emphasized traditional family values. Takaichi highlighted that Article 24 defines marriage as being based on “the mutual consent of both sexes” and frames the institution around “the equal rights of husband and wife,” language she argues leaves no constitutional room for extending marriage rights to same-sex couples. While her rhetoric avoids overt hostility, her record suggests limited appetite for the structural reforms sought by Japan’s LGBTQ community. A series of landmark court rulings has built escalating pressure for national reform. On March 17, 2021, the Sapporo District Court ruled that denying same-sex couples the legal benefits of marriage violated the constitution’s equality clause. In May 2023, the Nagoya District Court similarly declared the ban unconstitutional, with a subsequent decision from the Fukuoka District Court reaffirming Japan’s current legal framework clashes with constitutional equality principles. The momentum peaked on Oct. 30, 2024, when the Tokyo High Court found the marriage ban incompatible with guarantees of equality and individual dignity. Japan remains the only G7 country without legal recognition of same-sex couples. Akira Nishiyama, a spokesperson for the Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation , noted to the Washington Blade that in leadership surveys the group conducted within the LDP in 2021 and again in 2025, Takaichi offered only a cautious position on reforming Japan’s legal gender recognition law. When asked whether she supported easing the requirements under the Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder, she responded that “multifaceted and careful discussion is necessary,” avoiding any commitment to substantive change. Nishiyama added the legal landscape has already shifted. In October 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the law’s sterilization requirement for legal gender recognition is unconstitutional, and several family courts have since struck down the appearance requirement on similar grounds. She urged the Takaichi administration to act quickly by amending the statute to remove these provisions, along with other elements long criticized as human rights violations. “[Prime Minister] Takaichi has stated that ‘careful discussion is necessary’ regarding amendments to ‘Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder’ and the enactment of anti-discrimination laws based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI),” noted Nishiyama. “However, as indicated in Candidate (at that time) Takaichi’s responses to our survey, if she considers issues related to SOGI to be human rights issues, then she has to work hard to advance legal frameworks to address these issues.” “For example, regarding the government’s announcement that they will consider whether same-sex couples could be included or not in the 130 laws concerning common-law marriages couples, [Prime Minister] Takaichi responded to our survey that ‘the government should continue to advance its consideration,’” she added. “As per this response, the Takaichi Cabinet should continue deliberating on this matter and ensure that same-sex couples are included in each relevant law.” Takeharu Kato, an advocate for marriage equality who spoke to the Blade in a personal capacity, urged observers not to view Takaichi’s appointment solely through a negative lens. He acknowledged she holds deeply conservative views within the LDP and has openly opposed marriage equality, but noted several aspects of her background could leave room for movement. “She is Japan’s first female prime minister in history. Furthermore, she does not come from a political family background but rather from an ordinary household,” said Kato. “She also has an unusual career path, having graduated from a local university and worked as a television news anchor before entering politics.” “Additionally, while her husband is a member of the Diet, he became partially paralyzed due to a cerebral infarction, and she has been caring for him,” he further noted. “She possesses several minority attributes like these, and depending on our future efforts, there is a possibility she could change her stance on same-sex marriage. It could also be said that, as a woman navigating the conservative Liberal Democratic Party, she has deliberately emphasized conservative attitudes to appeal to her base of right-wing supporters.” Kato stressed that “having reached the pinnacle as prime minister, it cannot be said she (Takaichi) has no potential to change.” “We need not alter the strategy we have pursued thus far,” Kato told the Blade. “However, we believe some fine-tuning is necessary, such as refining our messaging to resonate with those holding more conservative values.”
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[![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/04/Eddie_Izzard_in_The_Tragedy_of_Hamlet_insert__by_Carol_Rosegg-400x240.jpg)Iconic Eddie Izzard takes on 23 characters in ‘Hamlet’](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/04/04/eddie-izzard-hamlet/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/10/rainbow_calendar_April_insert_by_Bigstock-400x240.jpg)Calendar: April 3-9](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/04/03/lgbtq-events-calendar-april-3-9/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/04/Anthony_Jones_insert-400x240.jpg)Award-winning D.C. chef reaching new culinary heights](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/04/02/anthony-jones-chef-reach-new-culinary-heights/) - [Television](https://www.washingtonblade.com/category/arts-culture-calendar/tv/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/03/Maryl_Streep_and_Anne_Hathaway_and_Stanley_Tucci_in_The_Devil_Wears_Prada_2_insert_courtesy_20th_Century_Studios-400x240.jpg)Spring’s best in queer TV and film](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/03/12/spring-arts-queer-tv-film/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/02/unnamed-3-400x240.jpg)Netflix’s ‘The Boyfriend’ is more than a dating show](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/02/05/netflixs-the-boyfriend-is-more-than-a-dating-show/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2025/08/Charles_Galin_King_insert_courtesy_Revry-400x240.jpg)Charles Galin King brings cultural influences, style to ‘King of Drag’](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/08/01/charles-galin-king-brings-cultural-influences-style-to-king-of-drag/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2025/07/Jean_Smart_and_Hannah_Einbinder_in_Hacks_insert-courtesy_HBO_Max-400x240.jpg)LGBTQ critics announce winners of Dorian TV Awards](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/07/17/galeca-critics-dorian-tv-awards-winners/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2025/07/King_of_Drag_poster_insert_courtesy_Revry-400x240.jpg)How this Texas drag king reclaimed their identity](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/07/13/king-of-drag-buck-wylde/) - [Dining](https://www.washingtonblade.com/category/living/dining/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2024/07/Britt_Weaver_insert_courtesy_Last_Call-400x240.jpg)Union Market’s Last Call Bar a welcoming oasis for all](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2024/07/17/union-markets-last-call-bar-a-welcoming-oasis-for-all/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2024/07/restaurant_table_dining_insert_by_AntonMatveev_via_Bigstock-400x240.jpg)RAMMYs honors restaurant industry professionals](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2024/07/06/rammys-honors-event/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2024/06/Thi_Nguyen_insert_courtesy_Moon_Rabbit-400x240.jpg)Behind the bar with Moon Rabbit’s Thi Nguyen](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2024/06/28/moon-rabbit-thi-nguyen/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2024/05/signs_for_Rehoboth_Beach_attractions_insert_by_Ethan_Bean-400x240.jpg)My Rehoboth Beach culinary tour](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2024/05/16/rehoboth-beach-culinary-tour-2024/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2024/03/cherry_blossoms_in_DC_insert_by_rblekicki_via_Bigstock-400x240.jpg)New D.C. restaurants opening just in time for spring](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2024/03/14/new-restaurants-spring-arts-2024/) - [Theater](https://www.washingtonblade.com/category/arts-culture-calendar/theater-scene/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/04/Eddie_Izzard_in_The_Tragedy_of_Hamlet_insert__by_Carol_Rosegg-400x240.jpg)Iconic Eddie Izzard takes on 23 characters in ‘Hamlet’](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/04/04/eddie-izzard-hamlet/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/03/Quinn_M_Johnson_and_Ismenia_Mendes_in_Jonah_insert_by_Margot_Schulman-400x240.jpg)‘Jonah’ an undeniably compelling but unusual memory play](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/03/29/jonah-theater-review/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/03/Holly_Twyford_insert_courtesy_Twyford-400x240.jpg)‘Inherit the Wind’ isn’t about science vs. religion, but the right to think](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/03/22/inherit-the-wind-theater-review/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/03/Ismenia_Mendes_insert_by_Krystena_Patton-400x240.jpg)A season of renewal for D.C. theater](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/03/15/season-renewal-dc-theater-spring-arts-2026/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/03/Kevin_Cahoon_in_Chez_Joey_insert_by_Matthew_Murphy-400x240.jpg)Out actor Kevin Cahoon on starring role in ‘Chez Joey’](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/03/01/theater-kevin-cahoon-chez-joey/) - [Film](https://www.washingtonblade.com/category/arts-culture-calendar/movies/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/04/Alexandra_McVicker_and_Avalon_Faust_in_The_Serpents_Skin_insert_courtesy_Dark_Star-400x240.jpg)Trans-driven ‘Serpent’s Skin’ delivers campy sapphic horror](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/04/02/serpents-skin-movie-review/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/03/Rose_Byrne_in_If_I_Had_Legs_Id_Kick_You_insert_courtesy_A24-400x240.jpg)The Oscar-losing performance that’s too good to miss](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/03/29/if-i-had-legs-id-kick-you-movie-review/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/03/Its_Dorothy_insert_courtesy_Peacock-400x240.jpg)‘It’s Dorothy’ traces lasting influence of a cultural icon](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/03/19/its-dorothy-movie-review/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/03/Fakir_Mustafar_in_A_Body_to_Live_In_insert_courtesy_Altered_Innocence-400x240.jpg)Intense doc offers transcendent treatment of queer fetish pioneer](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/03/08/documentary-a-body-to-live-in-review/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/02/Andrea_Gibson_and_Megan_Falley_in_Come_See_Me_insert_courtesy_Apple_TV-400x240.jpg)Moving doc ‘Come See Me’ is more than Oscar worthy](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/02/26/come-see-me-film-review/) - [Music](https://www.washingtonblade.com/category/arts-culture-calendar/music-concerts/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/03/Lady_Gaga_insert_courtesy_Mighty_Real_Agency-400x240.jpg)Gaga, Cardi B, and more to grace D.C. stages this spring](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/03/13/gaga-cardi-b-more-dc-stages/) - 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[Books](https://www.washingtonblade.com/category/arts-culture-calendar/books/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/04/Remarkable_Life_of_Reed_Peggram_book_cover_insert_courtesy_Viking-400x240.jpg)Risking it all for love during World War II](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/04/05/remarkable-life-reed-peggram-book-review/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/03/Laverne_Cox_Transcendent_book_cover_insert_via_Amazon-400x240.jpg)Laverne Cox, Liza Minnelli among authors with new books](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/03/13/books-laverne-cox-liza-minnelli-authors/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/03/Why_Fly_book_cover_insert_courtesy_Bloomsbury-400x240.jpg)Love or fear flying you’ll devour ‘Why Fly’](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/03/01/why-fly-book-review/) - [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/02/Artur_Ozerov_aka_AuRa_insert_by_J_Lester_Feder_courtesy_Outright_International-400x240.jpg)New book profiles LGBTQ Ukrainians, documents war experiences](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/02/24/new-book-profiles-lgbtq-ukrainians-documents-war-experiences/) - 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[Classifieds](https://www.washingtonblade.com/classifieds/) - [About](https://www.washingtonblade.com/contact-us/about/) - [Newsletter Sign-Up](https://www.washingtonblade.com/subscribe/) - [Print Edition](https://www.washingtonblade.com/print-edition/) - [Archives](https://www.washingtonblade.com/archives/) - [Advertise](https://www.washingtonblade.com/advertise/) - [Los Angeles Blade](https://www.losangelesblade.com/) - [BECOME A MEMBER](https://washingtonblade.ac-page.com/support-washington) ### [Japan](https://www.washingtonblade.com/category/news/international-news/asia/japan/) # Japan’s marriage equality movement gains steam Nagoya High Court this month ruled lack of legal recognition is unconstitutional Published 1 year ago on March 21, 2025 By [Ankush Kumar](https://www.washingtonblade.com/author/ankush-kumar/ "Posts by Ankush Kumar") ![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2025/03/Tokyo_Japan_Pride_insert_courtesy.jpg) Since 2019, the advocacy group Marriage For All Japan has sued the Japanese government in all five district courts. (Photo courtesy of Marriage For All Japan) Japan’s Nagoya High Court on March 7 ruled the lack of legal recognition of same-sex marriages violates the country’s constitution. The plaintiffs argued [Japan’s Civil Code](https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/3494/en) and [Family Registration Act](https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/2161/en), which does not recognize same-sex marriages, violates the country’s constitution. They cited [Article 14, Paragraph 1](https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/human/econo_rep2/general.html#:~:text=The%20Japanese%20Constitution%20is%20based,in%20all%20affairs%20of%20state.), which guarantees equality under the law and prohibits discrimination based on factors that include race, creed, sex, or social status. The plaintiff also invoked [Article 24, Paragraph 2](https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/human/civil_rep4/article24.html), which emphasizes that laws governing marriage and family matters must uphold individual dignity and the fundamental equality of the sexes. The plaintiffs sought damages of 1 million yen (\$6,721.80) under [Article 1, Paragraph 1, of the State Redress Act](https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/3785/en#:~:text=Article%201$1$When%20a,the%20responsibility%20to%20compensate%20therefor.), which provides for compensation when a public official, through intentional or negligent acts in the course of their duties, causes harm to another individual. The claim centered on the government’s failure to enact necessary legislation, which prevented the plaintiff from marrying. The court noted same-sex relationships have existed naturally long before the establishment of legal marriage. It emphasized that recognizing such relationships as legitimate is a fundamental legal interest connected to personal dignity, transcending the confines of traditional legal frameworks governing marriage and family. The court further observed same-sex couples encounter significant disadvantages in various aspects of social life that cannot be addressed through civil partnership systems. These include housing challenges, such as restrictions on renting properties, and financial institutions refusing to recognize same-sex couples as family members for mortgages. Same-sex couples also face hurdles in accessing products and services tailored to family relationships. While the court deemed the relevant provisions unconstitutional, it clarified that the government’s failure to enact legislative changes does not constitute a violation under the State Redress Act. The lawsuit, titled “Freedom of Marriage for All,” brought together a large coalition of professionals, including more than 30 plaintiffs and 80 lawyers. They filed six lawsuits in five courts throughout Japan. “We filed these lawsuits on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2019, in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Sapporo, and in September of that year in Fukuoka,” noted Takeharu Kato, director of [Marriage for All Japan](https://www.hg-law.jp/). “Then, in March 2021, the Sapporo District Court handed down the first ruling declaring the current laws unconstitutional, which received extensive worldwide media coverage. Subsequently, the Osaka District Court unfortunately ruled that the current law is constitutional, but among the 10 rulings handed down so far, nine have ruled that not recognizing marriage equality is unconstitutional.” Kato is a lawyer who is part of the legal team in the Sapporo case. He is also a board member of Marriage for All Japan, a marriage equality campaign. “The MFAJ (Marriage for All Japan) is fully supporting the lawsuits by publicizing the current status of the trials and the rulings in our websites and social networks, setting up press conferences at the time of the rulings,” Kato told the Washington Blade. “We also make the best of the impact of the lawsuits in our campaign by holding events with the plaintiffs of the lawsuits and inviting them to the rally at Diet (the Japanese parliament) members’ building.” Kato said the campaign has significantly shifted public opinion, with recent polls indicating more than 70 percent of Japanese people now support marriage equality — up from approximately 40 percent before Marriage for All Japan launched. He also noted 49 percent of Diet members now back marriage equality. Japan is the only G7 country that does not legally recognize same-sex couples. Taiwan, Nepal, and [Thailand](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/01/23/thailand-marriage-equality-law-takes-effect/) have extended full marriage rights to gays and lesbians. Expressing disappointment, Kato said many Japanese politicians continue to resist marriage equality, despite overwhelming public support. Kato added Marriage for All Japan expects the Supreme Court to rule on their lawsuits in 2016. “We believe that the Supreme Court will also rule that the current laws are unconstitutional,” he said. “However, the Supreme Court’s ruling alone is not enough to achieve marriage equality under the Japanese legal system. We should put more and more strong pressure on the Diet to legalize marriage equality in Japan as soon as possible.” Several municipalities and prefectures issue certificates that provide limited benefits to same-sex couples, but they fall short of equal legal recognition. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government has faced mounting pressure on the issue as public support for marriage equality has surged in recent years. Kishida has yet to push reforms within his own party; encountering fierce opposition from its traditional leadership. His government in June 2023 passed Japan’s first law addressing sexual orientation and gender identity, aiming to “[promote understanding](https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/07/12/japan-passes-law-promote-understanding-lgbt-people)” and prevent “unfair discrimination.” Activists, however, widely criticized the legislation on grounds it fails to provide comprehensive protections or extend marriage rights to same-sex couples. Related Topics:[featured](https://www.washingtonblade.com/tag/featured/)[Fumio Kishida](https://www.washingtonblade.com/tag/fumio-kishida/)[Japan](https://www.washingtonblade.com/tag/japan/)[marriage equality](https://www.washingtonblade.com/tag/marriage-equality/)[Marriage for All Japan](https://www.washingtonblade.com/tag/marriage-for-all-japan/)[Nagoya High Court](https://www.washingtonblade.com/tag/nagoya-high-court/)[Nepal](https://www.washingtonblade.com/tag/nepal/)[Taiwan](https://www.washingtonblade.com/tag/taiwan/)[Takeharu Kato](https://www.washingtonblade.com/tag/takeharu-kato/)[Thailand](https://www.washingtonblade.com/tag/thailand/) [Up Next Japan should end abusive detention conditions for transgender people](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/06/06/japan-should-end-abusive-detention-conditions-for-transgender-people/) ![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2021/05/blade_logo_303_150.png) Advertisement FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM SIGN UP FOR E-BLAST ## Featured Local Savings #### You may like ### [Japan](https://www.washingtonblade.com/category/news/international-news/asia/japan/) # Japanese Supreme Court to consider marriage equality Japan only G7 country that does not legally recognize same-sex couples Published 2 weeks ago on March 27, 2026 By [Michael K. Lavers](https://www.washingtonblade.com/author/mlavers/ "Posts by Michael K. Lavers") ![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/03/Japanese_Supreme_Court_chambers_insert_public_domain.jpg) Japanese Supreme Court (Photo public domain) The Japanese Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will consider six marriage equality lawsuits. NHK, the country’s public broadcaster, [noted](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260326_07/) all 15 of the court’s justices will consider the case. Japan is the only G7 country that does not legally recognize same-sex couples, despite several court rulings in recent years that found the denial of marriage benefits to gays and lesbians unconstitutional. Tokyo High Court Judge Ayumi Higashi last November upheld Japan’s legal definition of a family as a man and a woman and their children. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who became the country’s first female head of government last October, [opposes marriage rights for same-sex couples.](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/11/18/japans-first-female-prime-minister-reluctant-to-advance-lgbtq-rights/) She has also reiterated the constitution’s assertion that the family is an institution based around “the equal rights of husband and wife.” Same-sex couples can legally marry in Taiwan, Nepal, and Thailand. NHK reported the Supreme Court is expected to issue its ruling in early 2027. [Continue Reading](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/03/27/japanese-supreme-court-to-consider-marriage-equality/) ### [Japan](https://www.washingtonblade.com/category/news/international-news/asia/japan/) # Tokyo court upholds Japan’s same-sex marriage ban Country is only G7 nation without legal recognition of same-sex couples Published 4 months ago on December 2, 2025 By [Michael K. Lavers](https://www.washingtonblade.com/author/mlavers/ "Posts by Michael K. Lavers") ![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/10/rainbow_flag_wedding_rings_insert_by_Bigstock.jpg) (Bigstock photo) The Tokyo High Court on Nov. 28 ruled the lack of marriage rights for same-sex couples in Japan is constitutional. The Associated Press [notes](https://apnews.com/article/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-ruling-a5de3d7eda028a97e05ac8bc9af7043f) Judge Ayumi Higashi upheld the legal definition of a family in Japan as a man and a woman and their children. The court also dismissed the eight plaintiffs’ demand for 1 million yen (\$6,406.85) in damages. Hiromi Hatogai, one of the plaintiffs, told reporters after the court ruled that she is “so disappointed.” “Rather than sorrow, I’m outraged and appalled by the decision,” said Hatogai, according to the [AP.](https://apnews.com/article/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-ruling-a5de3d7eda028a97e05ac8bc9af7043f) “Were the judges listening to us?” Japan remains the only G7 country without legal recognition of same-sex couples, even though several courts in recent years have ruled in favor of it. The Sapporo District Court in 2021 ruled the denial of marriage benefits to same-sex couples violates the constitution’s equality clause. The Nagoya District Court in 2023 issued a similar ruling. The Fukuoka District Court in a separate decision said Japan’s current legal framework is unconstitutional. The Tokyo High Court in 2024 came to the same conclusion. The Washington Blade last month [noted](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/11/18/japans-first-female-prime-minister-reluctant-to-advance-lgbtq-rights/) Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who is Japan’s first female head of government, opposes marriage equality and has reiterated the constitution’s assertion the family is an institution based around “the equal rights of husband and wife.” [Continue Reading](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/12/02/tokyo-court-upholds-japans-same-sex-marriage-ban/) ### [Japan](https://www.washingtonblade.com/category/news/international-news/asia/japan/) # Japan’s first female prime minister reluctant to advance LGBTQ rights Sanae Takaichi became country’s head of government last month Published 5 months ago on November 18, 2025 By [Ankush Kumar](https://www.washingtonblade.com/author/ankush-kumar/ "Posts by Ankush Kumar") ![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2025/11/Sanae_Takaichi_screen_capture_insert_via_Sanae_Takaichi_Channel_YouTube.jpg) Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (Screen capture via Sanae Takaichi's YouTube channel) Sanae Takaichi last month became Japan’s first female prime minister after she secured the Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership and both chambers of the Diet confirmed her. She now leads a minority government after forming a coalition with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party, following Komeito’s decision to end its 26-year partnership with the LDP. Her rise marks a historic break in Japanese politics, but the question remains whether she will advance the rights of Japan’s LGBTQ community? Despite the milestone her election represents, Takaichi’s record on gender issues offers little indication of progressive change. She has long emphasized “[equality of opportunity](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japans-takaichi-makes-history-women-ask-what-changes-now-2025-10-21/)” over structural reforms and has opposed measures that include allowing married couples to use separate surnames, a policy many women say would ease workplace discrimination. During her leadership bid Takaichi pledged to elevate women’s representation in government to Nordic levels, yet she appointed only [two women](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/21/sanae-takaichi-japan-first-female-pm-appoints-two-women-to-cabinet) to her 19-member Cabinet. Takaichi has also resisted efforts to modernize the Imperial Household Law to permit female succession, reinforcing her reputation as a conservative on women’s rights. Takaichi’s stance on LGBTQ rights has been similarly cautious. In a 2023 [Diet budget committee session](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/japan-s-first-female-prime-minster-gays-are-fine-but-no-same-sex-marriage/ar-AA1OUdnH?ocid=BingNewsVerp), she said there should be “no prejudice against sexual orientation or gender identity,” yet described extending marriage rights to same-sex couples as an “extremely difficult issue.” Her earlier record is consistent. In 2021, she opposed an [LGBTQ-inclusive anti-discrimination bill](https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/10/japans-parliament-elects-first-female-prime-minister-shes-against-lgbtq-rights/) that members of her own party, arguing its wording was too vague. Even after becoming LDP leader in October 2025, she reiterated her opposition to marriage equality and emphasized traditional family values. Takaichi highlighted that [Article 24](https://www.sangiin.go.jp/eng/law/tcoj/index.htm) defines marriage as being based on “the mutual consent of both sexes” and frames the institution around “the equal rights of husband and wife,” language she argues leaves no constitutional room for extending marriage rights to same-sex couples. While her rhetoric avoids overt hostility, her record suggests limited appetite for the structural reforms sought by Japan’s LGBTQ community. A series of landmark court rulings has built escalating pressure for national reform. On March 17, 2021, the [Sapporo District Court](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56425002) ruled that denying same-sex couples the legal benefits of marriage violated the constitution’s equality clause. In May 2023, the [Nagoya District Court](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-lower-court-rules-that-not-allowing-same-sex-marriage-is-unconstitutional-2023-05-30/) similarly declared the ban unconstitutional, with a subsequent decision from the [Fukuoka District Court](https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15549128) reaffirming Japan’s current legal framework clashes with constitutional equality principles. The momentum peaked on Oct. 30, 2024, when the [Tokyo High Court](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/10/30/japan/crime-legal/same-sex-ruling-unconstitutional/) found the marriage ban incompatible with guarantees of equality and individual dignity. Japan remains the only G7 country without legal recognition of same-sex couples. Akira Nishiyama, a spokesperson for the [Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation](https://lgbtetc.jp/english/), noted to the Washington Blade that in leadership surveys the group conducted within the LDP in 2021 and again in 2025, Takaichi offered only a cautious position on reforming Japan’s legal gender recognition law. When asked whether she supported easing the requirements under the Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder, she responded that “multifaceted and careful discussion is necessary,” avoiding any commitment to substantive change. Nishiyama added the legal landscape has already shifted. In October 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the law’s sterilization requirement for legal gender recognition is unconstitutional, and several family courts have since struck down the appearance requirement on similar grounds. She urged the Takaichi administration to act quickly by amending the statute to remove these provisions, along with other elements long criticized as human rights violations. “\[Prime Minister\] Takaichi has stated that ‘careful discussion is necessary’ regarding amendments to ‘Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder’ and the enactment of anti-discrimination laws based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI),” noted Nishiyama. “However, as indicated in Candidate (at that time) Takaichi’s responses to our survey, if she considers issues related to SOGI to be human rights issues, then she has to work hard to advance legal frameworks to address these issues.” “For example, regarding the government’s announcement that they will consider whether same-sex couples could be included or not in the 130 laws concerning common-law marriages couples, \[Prime Minister\] Takaichi responded to our survey that ‘the government should continue to advance its consideration,’” she added. “As per this response, the Takaichi Cabinet should continue deliberating on this matter and ensure that same-sex couples are included in each relevant law.” Takeharu Kato, an [advocate for marriage equality](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/07/28/anti-lgbtq-party-gains-power-in-japanese-diet/) who spoke to the Blade in a personal capacity, urged observers not to view Takaichi’s appointment solely through a negative lens. He acknowledged she holds deeply conservative views within the LDP and has openly opposed marriage equality, but noted several aspects of her background could leave room for movement. “She is Japan’s first female prime minister in history. Furthermore, she does not come from a political family background but rather from an ordinary household,” said Kato. “She also has an unusual career path, having graduated from a local university and worked as a television news anchor before entering politics.” “Additionally, while her husband is a member of the Diet, he became partially paralyzed due to a cerebral infarction, and she has been caring for him,” he further noted. “She possesses several minority attributes like these, and depending on our future efforts, there is a possibility she could change her stance on same-sex marriage. It could also be said that, as a woman navigating the conservative Liberal Democratic Party, she has deliberately emphasized conservative attitudes to appeal to her base of right-wing supporters.” Kato stressed that “having reached the pinnacle as prime minister, it cannot be said she (Takaichi) has no potential to change.” “We need not alter the strategy we have pursued thus far,” Kato told the Blade. “However, we believe some fine-tuning is necessary, such as refining our messaging to resonate with those holding more conservative values.” [Continue Reading](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/11/18/japans-first-female-prime-minister-reluctant-to-advance-lgbtq-rights/) Advertisement - [Latest](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/03/21/japans-marriage-equality-movement-gains-steam/#mvp-tab-col1) - [Popular](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/03/21/japans-marriage-equality-movement-gains-steam/#mvp-tab-col2) [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/04/Scott_Silverii_insert_courtesy_Scott_Silverii-80x80.jpg) District of Columbia13 hours ago Police mental health struggles gain growing attention](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/04/06/police-mental-health-struggles-gain-growing-attention/) [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2020/08/South_Carolina_flag_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_K_Lavers.jpg) South Carolina14 hours ago Man faces first S.C. ‘hate intimidation’ charge](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/04/06/man-faces-first-s-c-hate-intimidation-charge/) [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2025/12/20251201_Asia_Russell_at_Restore_PEPFAR_Now_direct_action_at_16th_and_I_NW_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_Key-80x80.jpg) The White House15 hours ago Trump budget would codify expanded global gag rule](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/04/06/trump-budget-would-codify-expanded-global-gag-rule/) [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/04/20251018_Democratic_Socialists_of_America_at_No_Kings_rally_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_Key-80x80.jpg) Opinions21 hours ago D.C. is the place for the Democratic Socialists of America](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/04/06/opinion-dc-place-for-democratic-socialists/) [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/04/Marcy_Oppenheimer_insert_courtesy_Marcy_Oppenheimer-80x80.jpg) District of Columbia23 hours ago Key lifestyle changes can help patients cope with diabetes](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/04/06/key-lifestyle-changes-can-help-patients-cope-with-diabetes/) [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/04/Eugene_Ramirez_insert_1_courtesy_Eugene_Ramirez-80x80.jpg) The White House5 days ago VIDEO: Gay journalist detained for booing Trumps at ‘Chicago’ opening night](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/04/02/video-gay-journalist-detained-for-booing-trumps-at-chicago-opening-night/) [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/04/Alexandra_McVicker_and_Avalon_Faust_in_The_Serpents_Skin_insert_courtesy_Dark_Star-80x80.jpg) Movies5 days ago Trans-driven ‘Serpent’s Skin’ delivers campy sapphic horror](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/04/02/serpents-skin-movie-review/) [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2025/01/20250115_Pam_Bondi_at_Senate_confirmation_hearing_insert_2_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_Key-80x80.jpg) The White House5 days ago Pam Bondi ousted as attorney general](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/04/02/pam-bondi-ousted-as-attorney-general/) [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/04/Janeese_Lewis_George_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_Key-80x80.jpg) Opinions5 days ago D.C. not the place for antisemitic Democratic Socialists of America](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/04/02/opinion-democratic-socialists-of-america-dc/) [![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2026/04/Anthony_Jones_insert-80x80.jpg) a\&e features5 days ago Award-winning D.C. chef reaching new culinary heights](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/04/02/anthony-jones-chef-reach-new-culinary-heights/) Advertisement #### Sign Up for Weekly E-Blast Advertisement #### Popular [![Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News](http://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2021/05/blade_logo_152_75.png)](https://www.washingtonblade.com/) - [About](https://www.washingtonblade.com/contact-us/about/) - [Advertise](https://www.washingtonblade.com/advertise/) - [Contact Us](https://www.washingtonblade.com/contact-us/) - [Find A Copy](https://www.washingtonblade.com/distribution/) - [Classifieds](https://www.washingtonblade.com/classifieds-2/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.washingtonblade.com/classifieds/index.php?a=28&b=145) - [Terms of Service](https://www.washingtonblade.com/terms-of-service/) - [RSS Syndication](https://www.washingtonblade.com/feed/) © Copyright Brown, Naff, Pitts Omnimedia, Inc. 2021. 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Readable Markdown	Sanae Takaichi last month became Japan’s first female prime minister after she secured the Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership and both chambers of the Diet confirmed her. She now leads a minority government after forming a coalition with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party, following Komeito’s decision to end its 26-year partnership with the LDP. Her rise marks a historic break in Japanese politics, but the question remains whether she will advance the rights of Japan’s LGBTQ community? Despite the milestone her election represents, Takaichi’s record on gender issues offers little indication of progressive change. She has long emphasized “[equality of opportunity](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japans-takaichi-makes-history-women-ask-what-changes-now-2025-10-21/)” over structural reforms and has opposed measures that include allowing married couples to use separate surnames, a policy many women say would ease workplace discrimination. During her leadership bid Takaichi pledged to elevate women’s representation in government to Nordic levels, yet she appointed only [two women](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/21/sanae-takaichi-japan-first-female-pm-appoints-two-women-to-cabinet) to her 19-member Cabinet. Takaichi has also resisted efforts to modernize the Imperial Household Law to permit female succession, reinforcing her reputation as a conservative on women’s rights. Takaichi’s stance on LGBTQ rights has been similarly cautious. In a 2023 [Diet budget committee session](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/japan-s-first-female-prime-minster-gays-are-fine-but-no-same-sex-marriage/ar-AA1OUdnH?ocid=BingNewsVerp), she said there should be “no prejudice against sexual orientation or gender identity,” yet described extending marriage rights to same-sex couples as an “extremely difficult issue.” Her earlier record is consistent. In 2021, she opposed an [LGBTQ-inclusive anti-discrimination bill](https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/10/japans-parliament-elects-first-female-prime-minister-shes-against-lgbtq-rights/) that members of her own party, arguing its wording was too vague. Even after becoming LDP leader in October 2025, she reiterated her opposition to marriage equality and emphasized traditional family values. Takaichi highlighted that [Article 24](https://www.sangiin.go.jp/eng/law/tcoj/index.htm) defines marriage as being based on “the mutual consent of both sexes” and frames the institution around “the equal rights of husband and wife,” language she argues leaves no constitutional room for extending marriage rights to same-sex couples. While her rhetoric avoids overt hostility, her record suggests limited appetite for the structural reforms sought by Japan’s LGBTQ community. A series of landmark court rulings has built escalating pressure for national reform. On March 17, 2021, the [Sapporo District Court](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56425002) ruled that denying same-sex couples the legal benefits of marriage violated the constitution’s equality clause. In May 2023, the [Nagoya District Court](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-lower-court-rules-that-not-allowing-same-sex-marriage-is-unconstitutional-2023-05-30/) similarly declared the ban unconstitutional, with a subsequent decision from the [Fukuoka District Court](https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15549128) reaffirming Japan’s current legal framework clashes with constitutional equality principles. The momentum peaked on Oct. 30, 2024, when the [Tokyo High Court](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/10/30/japan/crime-legal/same-sex-ruling-unconstitutional/) found the marriage ban incompatible with guarantees of equality and individual dignity. Japan remains the only G7 country without legal recognition of same-sex couples. Akira Nishiyama, a spokesperson for the [Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation](https://lgbtetc.jp/english/), noted to the Washington Blade that in leadership surveys the group conducted within the LDP in 2021 and again in 2025, Takaichi offered only a cautious position on reforming Japan’s legal gender recognition law. When asked whether she supported easing the requirements under the Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder, she responded that “multifaceted and careful discussion is necessary,” avoiding any commitment to substantive change. Nishiyama added the legal landscape has already shifted. In October 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the law’s sterilization requirement for legal gender recognition is unconstitutional, and several family courts have since struck down the appearance requirement on similar grounds. She urged the Takaichi administration to act quickly by amending the statute to remove these provisions, along with other elements long criticized as human rights violations. “\[Prime Minister\] Takaichi has stated that ‘careful discussion is necessary’ regarding amendments to ‘Act on Special Cases in Handling Gender Status for Persons with Gender Identity Disorder’ and the enactment of anti-discrimination laws based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI),” noted Nishiyama. “However, as indicated in Candidate (at that time) Takaichi’s responses to our survey, if she considers issues related to SOGI to be human rights issues, then she has to work hard to advance legal frameworks to address these issues.” “For example, regarding the government’s announcement that they will consider whether same-sex couples could be included or not in the 130 laws concerning common-law marriages couples, \[Prime Minister\] Takaichi responded to our survey that ‘the government should continue to advance its consideration,’” she added. “As per this response, the Takaichi Cabinet should continue deliberating on this matter and ensure that same-sex couples are included in each relevant law.” Takeharu Kato, an [advocate for marriage equality](https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/07/28/anti-lgbtq-party-gains-power-in-japanese-diet/) who spoke to the Blade in a personal capacity, urged observers not to view Takaichi’s appointment solely through a negative lens. He acknowledged she holds deeply conservative views within the LDP and has openly opposed marriage equality, but noted several aspects of her background could leave room for movement. “She is Japan’s first female prime minister in history. Furthermore, she does not come from a political family background but rather from an ordinary household,” said Kato. “She also has an unusual career path, having graduated from a local university and worked as a television news anchor before entering politics.” “Additionally, while her husband is a member of the Diet, he became partially paralyzed due to a cerebral infarction, and she has been caring for him,” he further noted. “She possesses several minority attributes like these, and depending on our future efforts, there is a possibility she could change her stance on same-sex marriage. It could also be said that, as a woman navigating the conservative Liberal Democratic Party, she has deliberately emphasized conservative attitudes to appeal to her base of right-wing supporters.” Kato stressed that “having reached the pinnacle as prime minister, it cannot be said she (Takaichi) has no potential to change.” “We need not alter the strategy we have pursued thus far,” Kato told the Blade. “However, we believe some fine-tuning is necessary, such as refining our messaging to resonate with those holding more conservative values.”
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