Gender Equality Still Lags Behind
Japan is one of the most economically developed countries in the world, yet it remains slow to address gender equality. Even today, women’s rights are often overlooked. The wage gap between men and women is significant, and the percentage of women in leadership or management positions is remarkably low.
Even something as basic as choosing one’s own surname is restricted. Japan does not allow married couples to use separate surnames, and in most cases, wives are expected to take their husbands’ surnames. This requirement becomes especially burdensome during divorce, as women must go through the tedious process of changing their name again. These outdated rules clearly reflect the low status of women in Japanese society.
So what does this mean for sexual minorities?
Gay and Lesbian Couples: Still No Legal Recognition
Unfortunately, support for sexual minorities is far from adequate. Since women themselves are not fully protected, LGBTQ individuals face even greater challenges.
Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in Japan—not even at the municipal level.
Instead, many local governments have introduced a “partnership system”. This system began in 2015 and was finally adopted in Tokyo in 2022. While it allows couples to receive a certificate acknowledging their partnership, it has no legal effect. It does not grant rights related to inheritance, taxation, or parental recognition.
Even so, as of 2025, more than 9,000 couples have registered under this system, hoping it will lead toward future change.
Yet the national government still insists that legalized same-sex marriage would “destroy the current family system,” despite multiple public opinion polls showing that a majority of Japanese people support marriage equality.
The Situation for Transgender People
Transgender rights in Japan also remain highly restricted.
To legally change one’s gender, a person must:
- Be at least 20 years old
- Not be married
- Have no minor children
- Undergo medical procedures that eliminate reproductive ability
- Have genitalia that resemble those of the gender they wish to transition to
These requirements are extremely burdensome—financially, physically, and emotionally. In some cases, especially for male-to-female transitions, the necessary surgeries cannot even be performed in Japan and must be done overseas. These laws prioritize appearance and reproductive status rather than human rights or personal identity.
Although debates are slowly emerging, the voices of transgender people—already a minority within a minority—are still difficult to hear.
Student Life: Why Coming Out Is Especially Hard
Most junior high and high schools in Japan use gender-specific uniforms. While uniforms themselves are not necessarily bad, the strict separation between boys’ and girls’ clothing often reinforces stereotypes. Girls’ uniforms usually require skirts, and although some schools offer pants as an option, only a small percentage of students choose them.
When I was a student, pants weren’t even available, and I remember seeing classmates who seemed visibly uncomfortable wearing skirts every day.
Japanese school culture tends to emphasize clear distinctions between boys and girls, making it incredibly difficult for students who feel discomfort with their assigned gender. According to a 2022 survey, about half of LGBTQ teenagers in Japan have considered suicide within the past year. Many engage in self-harm or attempt suicide because they feel unable to talk to anyone about their struggles.
Conclusion: Japan Still Has a Long Way to Go
It is difficult to say that sexual minority rights are fully recognized in Japan today. Many other countries have faced similar challenges and have gradually expanded rights for LGBTQ communities. Japan still has much room for improvement—and listening to the voices of minorities is the first step toward meaningful change.