Current Version
| Region | Japan |
| Issue | Same-sex marriage |
| Status | Unregistered cohabitation |
| Start Date | Mar 26, 2024 |
| End Date | (none) |
| Description | In March 2024, Japan's Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to compensation if one partner is the victim of a crime. This ruling broadens the interpretation of the law on benefits for crime victims, considering that same-sex couples can be included within the category of "persons in a situation equivalent to a de facto marriage." Following this decision, the government reported on January 21, 2025, that various ministries and agencies had identified similar language in 24 laws and regulations. These include the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, the Land and Housing Tenancy Act, the Child Abuse Prevention Act, and the Public Housing Act. On September 30, 2025, the government announced that nine new laws containing the same phrase could include same-sex couples within their scope. They also announced that 120 laws, primarily related to social security, do not cover same-sex couples. |
| Sources | https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/03/26/japan/crime-legal/same-sex-partners-benefits/ https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/46406 https://www.asahi.com/articles/AST1P2JHST1PUTFL008M.html https://lgbtetc.jp/news/4336/ |
| Federal Law | Yes |
Revision History (1)
| Original entry | |
|---|---|
| Status | Unregistered cohabitation |
| Federal Law | Yes |
| Start Date | Mar 26, 2024 |
| End Date | (none) |
| Description | In March 2024, Japan's Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to compensation if one partner is the victim of a crime. This ruling broadens the interpretation of the law on benefits for crime victims, considering that same-sex couples can be included within the category of "persons in a situation equivalent to a de facto marriage." Following this decision, the government reported on January 21, 2025, that various ministries and agencies had identified similar language in 24 laws and regulations. These include the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, the Land and Housing Tenancy Act, the Child Abuse Prevention Act, and the Public Housing Act. On September 30, 2025, the government announced that nine new laws containing the same phrase could include same-sex couples within their scope. They also announced that 120 laws, primarily related to social security, do not cover same-sex couples. |
| Sources | https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/03/26/japan/crime-legal/same-sex-partners-benefits/ https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/46406 https://www.asahi.com/articles/AST1P2JHST1PUTFL008M.html https://lgbtetc.jp/news/4336/ |