A while back, we reported that Tokyo Disneyland had agreed to offer its wedding packages to same-sex couples in Japan. This month, the very same lesbian couple that encouraged the company to do so became the first to get hitched at the park, with Mickey and Minnie in attendance, of course.
Koyuki Higashi and her partner Hiroko tied the knot at Cinderella’s Castle on March 1, one of the first couples to take advantage of the new Disney Royal Dream Wedding package. Although the company had originally asked that one of the brides wear a tuxedo, after consulting with the Disney head offices, they removed the restriction and on their big day, both brides looked lovely in full wedding gowns.
After Higashi tweeted photos, the story began trending and was picked up by various media outlets, sparking a discussion of same-sex rights in a country where it is an often taboo subject. Many commenters were positive, sending the couple warm wishes, though some were less than supportive, from questioning whether same-sex marriage is really a civil rights issue to the usual homophobic comments.
As same-sex marriage is not yet legal in Japan, the nuptials were only ceremonial, but such a high-profile wedding hosted by a company that is infamously careful about its public image is surely a step in the right direction.
Congratulations to Koyuki and Hiroko!
Source: Hachima Kikou (Japanese)