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
Two Tokyo wards issue Japan’s first ever same-sex partnership certificates
Same-sex couples take Japanese government to court, request constitutional marriage rights
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
Japan now has “edible cat fur” for people who really love felines
7-Eleven’s new green tea rice ball and sweets are only available in Japan’s top tea-growing area
Sanrio Hotel Floria isn’t actually a hotel, but it’s still a must visit for fans traveling in Tokyo
300-tonne hose washes up on Japanese shore
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Japanese university welcomes birth of baby deer on campus, president waives entrance exam[Videos]
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
New Tokyo sweets shop offers 648 different mochi ice cream dumpling combinations
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
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
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
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