In addition, another registry has been discussed in Tōgō.[25]
Prefectural registry
A prefecture-level partnership registry has been announced to take effect in April 2024.[26]
Adoption and family planning
Four municipalities allow for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption: Toyota (July 2021), Okazaki (April 2022), Ichinomiya (September 2022), and Komaki (February 2023). Aichi Prefecture is set to allow children to be added a family members of registered partners in April 2024.
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Akita Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Prefectural registry
To date, Hokkaido does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
A prefecture-level partnership registry has been discussed for Iwate Prefecture.[32]
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The cities of Chiba and Yokohama made a similar recognition agreement in January 2021, effective on 1 February 2021.[41] The cities of Chiba, Funabashi, Ichikawa, Matsudo, Kashiwa, and Narashino, all in Chiba prefecture, signed a mutual recognition agreement on July 11, 2023.[42]
Prefectural registry
To date, Chiba does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
Three municipalities allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship": Ichikawa (February 2022), Matsudo (April 2023), and Chiba (April 2023).
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
To date, Ehime does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
A prefectural registry has been discussed in Fukui.[53]
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
On October 30, 2019, the cities of Fukuoka and Kumamoto announced they would recognize each other's partnership certificates effective immediately. This marked the first time that two or more jurisdictions in Japan had begun recognizing each other's certificates, easing recognition for same-sex couples. This means that if a same-sex couple with a certificate moves between both cities they need not reapply for a certificate in their new city.[63] Since 1 April 2020, certificates from Kitakyushu and Koga are also recognized between the four cities.[64][65] Certificates from Okayama, Nichinan,[66] and Karatsu are also recognised in Fukuoka.[67][68]
Prefectural registry
A prefecture-level partnership registry took effect on 1 April 2022.[69]
Fukuoka completed a mutual recognition agreement with Saga Prefecture on 24 November 2022.[70]
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
To date, Fukushima does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Hida, Gifu (supposed to have been introduced in 2019)[75]
Prefectural registry
A prefecture-level partnership registry took effect on 1 September 2023.[76]
Adoption and family planning
One municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship": Kaizu (April 2023).
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Gunma Prefecture announced on 5 November 2020 that it would introduce a partnership system by the end of the year. The system would provide same-sex couples with some limited recognition, including the right to move into prefectural housing and visit each other in hospitals. Governor Ichita Yamamoto said he hoped the move would "send a positive message" and "promote diversity".[83] On 17 December, Yamamoto announced the system would be established on 21 December.[84] The first certificate was issued to couple Saori Tanaka and Hisanagi Makita in Shibukawa on 24 December.[85]
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Hiroshima Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Prefectural registry
To date, Mie does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
In addition, another registry has been discussed in Fukagawa.[98]
Prefectural registry
To date, Hokkaido does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
In addition, another registry has been discussed in Miki.[26]
Prefectural registry
A prefecture-level partnership registry has been discussed for Hyogo Prefecture.[25]
Adoption and family planning
One municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship": Takasago (April 2023).
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
To date, Mie does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
A prefecture-level partnership registry has been discussed for Iwate Prefecture.[32]
Adoption and family planning
Two municipalities allow for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship": Ichinoseki (December 2022) and Morioka (May 2023).
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
From April 2023, Kagawa became the first prefecture in which all municipalities had established a partnership registry while lacking a prefecture-level registry, a distinction which ended on 1 October 2023.[98]
Prefectural registry
A prefecture-level partnership registry took effect on 1 October 2023.[83]
Adoption and family planning
Three municipalities allow for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship": Mitoyo (January 2022), Kan'onji (April 2022) and Takamatsu (September 2023).[135]
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Kagoshima Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Prefectural registry
To date, Mie does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
On December 2, 2019, the mayor of Yokosuka announced his intention to establish a joint recognition scheme with the fellow Kanagawa cities of Zushi and Kamakura, taking effect on 1 April 2020.[172]Hayama joined the scheme on 1 July 2020, and Miura joined on 1 January 2021.[173]
Prefectural registry
To date, Kanagawa does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Kochi Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Prefectural registry
To date, Tochigi does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
To date, Kumamoto does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Kyoto Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Prefectural registry
To date, Kyoto does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
To date, Mie does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Miyagi Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Prefectural registry
To date, Mie does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Miyazaki Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Prefectural registry
To date, Mie does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Nagano Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Prefectural registry
To date, Mie does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
In addition, a municipal registry has been discussed in Nagayo.[185]
Prefectural registry
To date, Nagasaki does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
To date, Mie does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
A prefecture-level partnership registry has been discussed for Niigata.[198]
Adoption and family planning
One municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship": Nagaoka (February 2023).
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
A prefecture-level partnership registry has been discussed for Oita.[206]
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
To date, Okayama does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Okinawa Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Prefectural registry
To date, Okinawa does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
On 15 January 2020, Osaka Prefecture announced it would start a partnership system on January 22.[84] Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura said in a statement that "we should aim for a society where one can live as themselves". The first couple to receive a certificate were Shuji Yamada and Shigeo Hiruda on 31 January. The certificate allows couples to apply to move into prefectural housing and consent to surgery, among other limited benefits. Five cities in Osaka had already established such a system before it was extended to the entire prefecture.[85] Osaka became the second prefecture to establish a registry after Ibaraki.
Judicial proceedings
On 20 June 2022, a district court in Osaka upheld the constitutionality of the same-sex marriage ban.[231]
Adoption and family planning
Three municipalities allow for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship": Ikeda (October 2022), Tondabayashi (July 2022), Osaka (August 2022).
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Saga Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Prefectural registry
To date, Mie does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
In addition, a municipal registry has been discussed in Hanyū.[286]
Prefectural registry
To date, Saitama does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
Sixteen municipalities allow for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship": Iruma (September 2021), Kawajima (October 2021), Kōnosu (December 2021), Hannō (January 2022), Hidaka (January 2022), Tokorozawa (January 2022), Miyashiro (April 2022), Yoshimi (April 2022), Toda (October 2022), Wako (January 2023), Ranzan (March 2023), Namegawa (April 2023), Asaka (April 2023), Kasukabe (April 2023), Niiza (April 2023), and Shiki (April 2023).
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
To date, Saga does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Shimane Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Prefectural registry
A prefecture-level partnership registry took effect on 1 October 2023.[289]
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
To date, Shizuoka does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
One municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship": Kosai (April 2022).
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
To date, Tochigi does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
One municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship": Kanuma (April 2022).
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
To date, Tochigi does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
On 1 October 2023, a prefecture-level registry was established for Tottori Prefecture.[311]
Adoption and family planning
A prefecture-level "familyship" registry was established for Tottori on 1 October 2023.[311]
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Toyama Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Prefectural registry
To date, Mie does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
To date, Wakayama does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
Two municipalities allow for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship": Shingū (October 2023) and Hashimoto (October 2023).[315]
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Yamagata Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Prefectural registry
To date, Mie does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Prefectural registry
To date, Mie does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Yamanashi Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Prefectural registry
To date, Mie does not have a prefectural registry.
Adoption and family planning
To date, no municipality allows for registration of children on partnership oaths in a form of second-parent adoption, or "familyship".
Discrimination protections
As of 2023, the prefecture does not have discrimination protections for employment or public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.