These certificates allow LGBTQ couples to be treated as married partners for a range public services, such as housing and medicine.
Tokyo started issuing partnership certificates for same-sex couples who reside and work in Tokyo on Tuesday. It was a long-awaited decision in a country with no marriage equality.
The certificates allow LGBTQ couples to be treated as married partners for a range public services, such as housing and medicine.
Since the introduction of same-sex partnerships in Tokyo’s Shibuya in 2015, more than 200 smaller Japanese authorities have taken steps to recognize them.
The status does not confer the same legal rights that marriage but it is a welcome change for couples Miki or Katie who have never had any official proof of their relationship.
Miki stated that “my greatest fear was that we would be treated like strangers” in an emergency. Miki spoke to AFP from Tokyo. Photos of Miki (36 years old) and Katie (31 years) decorate the fridge.
The couple, who wanted to be referred as by their first names, would keep a small note with their contact details in their wallets, even without a certificate of partnership.
Miki exclaimed, “But they were insubstantial,” as Miki watched their grey-andwhite cat play in a rainbow necktie.
At least 137 couples submitted applications, and it is hoped that the certificates which are valid for both commuters as well as residents will aid in fighting anti-LGBTQ discrimination.
Soyoka Yamamoto, campaigner, stated that she hopes through the Tokyo partnership system, “we can accelerate efforts for creating a society where rights of sexual minority can be protected and made more equal.”
Yamamoto and Yoriko have been living together for more than a ten years. Yoriko praised the move as a “huge advance”
Many people came together to celebrate and take pictures in front the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which was illuminated in rainbow colours after sunset.
Masato, 39 years old, told AFP that “it’s like Tokyo cheers us on” while Chris, his partner, said he saw a “bright tomorrow” for the couple.
Many LGBTQ rights activists are lauding the changes, but many point out that they are not the final word.
“Same-sex marital relationships are completely different.” It should be legalized,” Setsuko Yanagi, 22, said.
‘More flexible’
Japan has made small progress in accepting sexual diversity over the past few years, even though it is governed by a conservative party.
More businesses are now supporting gay marriage, and TV shows featuring gay characters have greater openness.
NHK conducted a 2021 survey and found that 57% supported gay marriage. Only 37% were against.
There are still obstacles, however. A court in Osaka ruled in June that Osaka was constitutionally responsible for not recognising same-sex unions.
Campaigners suffered a setback following the landmark verdict of a Sapporo court last year, which declared that the current situation was contrary to Japan’s constitutionally protected right to equality.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is cautious about any legislative changes that might recognize same-sex relationships at a national scale.
Meanwhile, Noboru Watanabe was the local assemblyman for Kishida’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party. He was accused of calling same-sex marital “disgusting” last month.
Katie stated to AFP, “Some politicians made really negative comments like that we were mentally ill.”
But, “families do not always consist of a mom, a dad and two children.” She suggested that we should be more flexible.
Miki and Katie had a great time throwing a party, but they have to admit that the new system is not perfect.
Although the right to inheritance is not guaranteed in the event of the death of a partner, Katie’s inability of being granted spousal visa status means that she cannot stay in Japan.
Miki said, “I believe that Japanese people are now more open to same-sex marriages.”
“All that’s necessary is for policymakers be serious about it and to make changes.”
