Tokyo Disneyland (TDL) has recently announced that they will offer weddings for same-sex couples, including the option to hold the ceremony at the iconic Cinderella’s castle. It seems that Disney really does make dreams come true, at least for one gay couple.
In March, the hotels at TDL announced that a new wedding package would be sold from September, in which the lucky couple could say “I do” at Cinderella’s castle. Tokyo resident Koyuki Higashi, a lesbian involved in Japan’s gay rights movement, inquired whether same-sex couples would be allowed to purchase the package. Currently, same-sex marriages are not legal in Japan.
Initially, the hotels responded that they could, so long as one person dressed as a bride and one as a groom. They were concerned that other park-goers might be upset to see two people in wedding dresses or tuxedos.
Higashi then tweeted about the experience and her disappointment with Disney. The tweet quickly made the rounds, and a week later, the hotels reversed their position after checking with Disney’s head office in America. Gay couples can now get married in the happiest place on earth and wearing whatever they please! Higashi again tweeted Disney’s response, saying “Let’s hear it for this step in the right direction!”
According to a representative of the hotels, “Although same-sex marriages do not have any legal status is Japan, we have decided that holding a ceremony should still be possible.”
“In Japan, there are not many businesses that are friendly towards sexual minorities. That Disney would take this stance publicly and formally is hugely meaningful,” commented Higashi. Her girlfriend, Hiroko, agreed, saying, “I think they are anticipating some complaints, but I’m so happy that they went ahead anyway.”
On the 5th, Higashi and Hiroko visited TDL to show their appreciation, and when they told Mickey the good news, he raised his arms in the traditional banzai celebration with them.
Source: Yahoo

Tokyo Disneyland Hosts Its First Gay Wedding
Gay wedding at Tokyo Disney Resort inspires manga
Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward to offer marriage certificates to same-sex couples
Same-sex couples take Japanese government to court, request constitutional marriage rights
Two Tokyo wards issue Japan’s first ever same-sex partnership certificates
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Studio Ghibli releases new Totoro coin purses…but who’s the blue character?
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Tokyo’s Giga Mart lets visitors “steal” from a convenience store… if cameras don’t catch you
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan adds shaved ice desserts to the menu at select locations
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Studio Ghibli brings anime characters to the table with new Totoro placemat that’s like a movie cell
Onidon opens in Tokyo with unique fusion tempura rice balls you won’t find anywhere else
Japanese recipe for Tempura Twinkies takes America’s favourite snack to a whole new level
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan reacts to Donald Trump’s “Islamic Republic of Japan” remark
Japanese airport rebrands itself as “Sushi Airport” to attract foreign tourists
Three new starter Pokémon Jets to fly in Japan, first begins carrying passengers this month
New Mt. Fuji overnight bus takes travelers from downtown Tokyo straight to the most popular hiking trail
Tokyo revises accommodation tax amidst tourism boom, Airbnb rentals now included
Yoshinoya and Dragon Quest slaying scalpers with shift to made-to-order collaboration merch
Tochigi man shares his family’s process for creating 16 years worth of rice paddy art
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Historic Kyoto temple first in Japan to offer gay weddings
Panasonic to recognize same-sex marriages of its employees starting this April
Japan releases results of its first national same-sex marriage survey
Okinawa’s capital city Naha officially recognizes same-sex partnerships
Japanese gay community at the centre of new “Tokyo Neighbors” web series 【Video】
Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward to begin legally recognizing same-sex partnerships
Same-sex couples to be recognized in Sapporo, Japanese city with population of around two million
Japanese company recognizes marriage with anime characters, provides family support benefits