Shibuya to Start Issuing Certificate for Same-Sex Relationship

Shibuya Ward of Tokyo will start issuing certificates for recognizing same-sex partnerships. This is based on the same-sex partnership ordinance which is the first attempt to allow same-sex relationship in Japan.

On October 23, press conference were held and Mayor of Shibuya, Ken Hasebe said, "This is different from accepting same-sex couples to be married. However, this is a huge step forward and in order to prevent sex discrimination, our town will continue to try doing our best." The certificate will start issued from November 5.

There are needs for receiving this certificates. The first one is to be living in Shibuya Ward with resident registration to be in the Ward. Secondly, individuals have to be above 20 years old of age. Other requirements are each individual have no spouse and no other partner and the partner must never be close relatives.

Guardianship agreement for notarial deed and agreed contract has to be made between the two parties then registered. It will cost several tens of thousand yen but will have to be covered by individuals.

This partnership certificate is nothing to do with family registration as it is different from same-sex marriage. It is to help couples to have the better life by making things easier for them. The certificate can be used for a contract of renting an apartment for example. It will also be able to use at a hospital for emergency cases. It will allow the same-sex couples to have a life just like different-sex couples.

Hasebe spoke to reporters "This is not to accept same-sex marriage so same-sex partners should not expect too much from the certificate. But this is encouraging positive effect towards the same sex relationship. It might not be able to solve all the problems, but it can help reducing sex discrimination. It will gradually change of the way people think and understanding for a same-sex relationship will be needed for many citizens."