Japanese City Registers Same-Sex Couple Under the Same Address

A Japanese city has registered a same-sex couple as partners under the same address. The unusual step was hailed by men as “groundbreaking” in a country that doesn’t recognize marriage equality. In Japan, everyone is expected to register their address with local authorities. Keita Matsuura, 38, while speaking to AFP, shared that he was listed separately from his partner Yutaro Fujiyama in spite of living together.

The duo moved to Omura, South Nagasaki. They told city authorities they wanted to be registered together like a married couple would be registered.

At first, the city offered to register Fujiyama as Matsuura’s relative. However, following discussions they agreed to register him as a husband, Matsuura shared on Tuesday, May 28.

Japan is the only G7 nation that fails to recognise same-sex unions and the local media asserted that the move was unprecedented. In as much as the registration is not the same as legal marriage, Matsuura shared that he was surprised and absolutely happy.

“I couldn’t stop dancing and smiling, I think it’s a groundbreaking decision — a step further than the non-legally-binding partnership system” under which municipalities issue certificates to gay couples, “

“I hope this will bring more practical benefits to same-sex couples, and will be a step towards legalising same-sex marriage.”

In Japan, opinion polls are showing growing support for LGBTQ-friendly laws, especially among the youth. The ruling conservative party however has been reluctant to push ahead with any reforms. Multiples of major municipalities like Tokyo now offer partnership certificates that ensure same-sex couples are treated as married even in areas like welfare, medicine and housing.

Major Japanese businesses also offer the same family benefits to heterosexual and LGBTQ employees. Japan’s 1948 constitution says marriage requires,

“the mutual consent of both sexes” but it also states that all people “are equal under the law.”