Marriage Equality
In Japan, there is currently no national legal recognition for same-sex partnerships as married couples. In 2015, however, Shibuya became the first municipality in the country to recognize same-sex unions in some legal fashion.
The Shibuya ordinance allows couples to rent apartments together, and grants them family visitation rights in hospitals. The ordinance is not legally binding, however, and real estate firms and hospitals recognize these partnerships on a voluntary basis.
By contacting politicians in Karuizawa and Nagano, we have devised a strategy for lobbying to change this legislation:
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Appeal to Karuizawa council members to enact a form of same-sex partnership recognition, initially following the model of Shibuya
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Conduct different surveys and interviews to gage the success of these legislative changes, and push for greater change (consequences for nonrecognition of license, other legal benefits, etc.If things are successful, continue appealing to larger authorities in Nagano, etc.
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Sources:
McCurry, Justin. “Tokyo's Shibuya Ward Is First in Japan to Recognise Same-Sex Marriage.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 31 Mar. 2015, www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/31/tokyos-shibuya-ward-same-sex-marriage.