Also, same-sex marriages performed abroad are not legally recognized in Japan and bi-national same-sex couples cannot obtain a visa for the foreign partner based on their relationship. In March 2009, Japan began allowing Japanese nationals to marry same-sex partners in countries where same-sex marriage is legal. read more
Same-sex marriage in Japan is illegal. As of 2018, seven cities and city wards have legalized same-sex partnerships, which provide some of the benefits of marriage. Koseki household registration allows for some next of kin legal rights. read more
Although gay celebrities are visible in Japan’s mainstream entertainment world, campaigners say recognition of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights lags far behind the US, where gay marriage is legal in all but 13 states, and more than a dozen other countries that have also legalised it. read more
Shibuya’s legislators voted in March to grant marriage certificates to LGBT couples, making the ward the first in Japan to recognize same-sex unions. Setagaya, another of Tokyo's 23 wards, voted to do the same a few months later. read more