Compare LGBT Rights in Japan

Equality Index ?
54 / 100
Legal Index ?
57 / 100
Public Opinion Index ?
51 / 100
Law
Homosexual activityLegal
Since 1881
Same-sex marriageUnregistered cohabitation
Since 2024
Censorship of LGBT issuesNo censorship
Right to change legal genderLegal, but requires surgery
Since 2022
Gender-affirming careLegal, but restricted for minors
Since 1997
Legal recognition of non-binary genderNot legally recognized
Hate crime protectionsNo protections
LGBT discriminationIllegal in some contexts
Since 2018
LGBT employment discriminationVaries by Region
LGBT housing discriminationSexual orientation and gender identity
Since 2003
Same-sex adoptionAmbiguous
Intersex infant surgeryNot banned
Serving openly in militaryLegal
Since 1947
Blood donations by MSMsBanned (6-month deferral)
Since 2011
Conversion therapyNot banned
Equal age of consentEqual
Since 1947
Public Opinion
Acceptance of homosexuals as neighbors
(World Values Survey, 2017-2022)
71% Did not mention homosexuals
26% Mentioned homosexuals
Justifiability of homosexuality
(World Values Survey, 2017-2022)
43% Justifiable
15% Not justifiable
Views on same-sex marriage or other legal recognition
(Ipsos, April–May, 2021)
69% Support
6% Against
Views on same-sex couples' right to adopt
(Ipsos, April–May, 2021)
68% Agree
20% Disagree
Opinion on same-sex couples as parents
(World Values Survey, 2017-2020)
44% Agree
10% Disagree
"Should society accept homosexuality?"
(Pew Research Center, May–October, 2019)
68% Yes
22% No
Justifiability of homosexuality
(World Values Survey, 2010-2014)
23% Justifiable
28% Not justifiable
"Should society accept homosexuality?"
(Pew Research Center, June, 2013)
54% Yes
36% No
Perceptions of local area as a "good place" for gay and lesbian people
(Gallup, 2013)
28% Good place
39% Not a good place
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