Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward has been creating headlines around the world since the district first announced that it would begin issuing Japan’s first same-sex partnership certificates in the fall. Fast forward to this month, and both Shibuya and neighboring Setagaya Ward today issued their very first certificates!
On Thursday, November 5, Hiroko Masuhara (37) and Koyuki Higashi (30) became the recipients of Japan’s very first same-sex partnership certificates, which were issued by the city hall in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward. Bordering Setagaya Ward began issuing them on Thursday as well.
While the partnership certificates do not provide legal recognition of same-sex unions, they are undeniably an exciting step towards equality for the LGBT community in Japan.
Same-sex marriage in the eyes of the law may still be far off, but at the very least the certificates will now allow couples such as Masuhara and Higashi to rent their own apartment, have family-only hospital visitation rights, and gain a variety of other benefits that were previously denied to them as a couple. In addition, Shibuya Ward has also said that it “will publicly disclose the names of businesses that deny service to gay couples.”
Congratulations to all the happy couples in Tokyo who are going to pick up their partnership certificates!
Source: Reuters, Asahi Shimbun
Image: Wikipedia/DeepSkyBlue
Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward to begin legally recognizing same-sex partnerships
Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward to offer marriage certificates to same-sex couples
Same-sex couples to be recognized in Sapporo, Japanese city with population of around two million
Japanese cell phone provider gives same-sex couples with Partnership Certificates family discount
Okinawa’s capital city Naha officially recognizes same-sex partnerships
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Does a long line mean a sweeter deal? We compare two sweets from a Hokkaido food fair【Taste test】
Krispy Kreme Japan giving free donuts with morning drink purchases at all branches, maybe forever
New Travelling Bento pouches turn your luggage into a Japanese lunch box
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japan’s Fake Black Stockings offer sheer looks and winter-cold protection
Rage against the smoothie machine with this 7-Eleven drink hack【Taste test】
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Japanese politician arrested on charges of accepting bribes to reduce number of monkeys in park
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
Peanuts and Coke becomes a viral hit in Japan, but is it a trend worth joining?
Can a downtown Tokyo super sento bathhouse beat a hotel for a one-night stay?
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Takarazuka becomes fourth Japanese municipality to recognize same-sex partnerships
Same-sex couples take Japanese government to court, request constitutional marriage rights
Nintendo Japan officially provides spousal benefits to same-sex partnerships
Gay wedding at Tokyo Disney Resort inspires manga
Kirin beer company toasts same-sex marriages for its employees
Japan releases results of its first national same-sex marriage survey
Japanese gay community at the centre of new “Tokyo Neighbors” web series 【Video】
Tokyo women’s university will accept transgender students who identify as female, a Japan first