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
How are you supposed to wash a Japanese futon duvet at the laundromat?
Family Mart’s new Famima flagship in Tokyo has a hidden gem that most visitors miss
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Pokémon Card Stores requiring facial recognition scans for entry in Japan in latest anti-scalper move
Studio Ghibli adds new Ponyo glassware to its anime lineup for summer
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
A roadside hair salon stall in China made us Norway’s Haaland for US$1, and warmed out hearts too
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Studio Ghibli Laputa figure looks like it’s really flying thanks to cool visual trick
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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