Aichi Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Nishio, Aichi (1 September 2019)[1]
Toyoake, Aichi (1 May 2020)[2]
Toyohashi, Aichi (1 April 2021)[3]
Toyota, Aichi (16 July 2021)[4]
Gamagōri, Aichi (4 January 2022)[5]
Okazaki, Aichi (1 April 2022)[6]
Shinshiro, Aichi (1 April 2022)[7]
Tahara, Aichi (1 April 2022)[8]
Takahama, Aichi (1 April 2022)[9]
Kasugai, Aichi (1 May 2022)[10]
Toyokawa, Aichi (1 July 2022)[11]
Ichinomiya, Aichi (1 September 2022)[12]
Toyoyama, Aichi (1 September 2022)[13]
Miyoshi, Aichi (1 October 2022)[14]
Nagoya, Aichi (1 December 2022)[15]
Komaki, Aichi (1 February 2023)[16]
Nisshin, Aichi (1 March 2023)[17]
Chiryū, Aichi (1 April 2023)[18]
Handa, Aichi (1 April 2023)[19]
Tōkai, Aichi (1 April 2023)[20]
Nagakute, Aichi (1 June 2023)[21]
Kariya, Aichi (1 July 2023)[22]
Ōbu, Aichi (1 July 2023)[23]
Seto, Aichi (1 August 2023)[24]
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.
Aomori Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Ichinoseki, Iwate (23 December 2022)[27]
Morioka, Iwate (1 May 2023)[28]
Miyako, Iwate (28 September 2023)[29]
Yahaba, Iwate (1 October 2023)[30]
Registries have been discussed in Rikuzentakata.[31]
Prefectural registry
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.
Chiba Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Chiba, Chiba (29 January 2019)
Matsudo, Chiba (1 November 2020)[33]
Urayasu, Chiba (1 May 2021)[34]
Funabashi, Chiba (16 December 2021)[35]
Ichikawa, Chiba (1 February 2022)[36]
Narashino, Chiba (1 June 2022)[37]
Kashiwa, Chiba (15 March 2023)[38]
Kisarazu, Chiba (1 April 2023)[39]
Kimitsu, Chiba (TBD 2023)[40]
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.
Ehime Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Imabari, Ehime (1 April 2023)[43]
Ōzu, Ehime (1 April 2023)[44]
Prefectural registry
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.
Fukui Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Echizen, Fukui (1 October 2022)[45]
Katsuyama, Fukui (1 April 2023)[46]
Sabae, Fukui (1 April 2023)[47]
Awara, Fukui (1 June 2023)[48]
Eiheiji, Fukui (1 November 2023)[49]
Sakai, Fukui (1 November 2023)[50]
Tsuruga, Fukui (1 November 2023)[51]
Obama, Fukui (TBD 2023)[52]
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Prefectural registry
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.
Fukuoka Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Fukuoka, Fukuoka (2 April 2018)
Kitakyushu, Fukuoka (1 July 2019)[54][55]
Koga, Fukuoka (1 April 2020)[56]
Fukutsu, Fukuoka (1 April 2022)[57]
Kasuya, Fukuoka (1 April 2022)[58]
Kanda, Fukuoka (1 April 2023)[59]
Nōgata, Fukuoka (1 April 2023)[60]
Tagawa, Fukuoka (15 May 2023)[61]
Kawara, Fukuoka (1 July 2023)[62]
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.
Fukushima Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Date, Fukushima (4 January 2024)[71]
Tomioka, Fukushima (TBD 2024)[72]
Prefectural registry
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.
Gifu Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Seki, Gifu (1 April 2022)[73]
Kaizu, Gifu (1 April 2023)[74]
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
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Ōizumi, Gunma (1 January 2019)[77]
Shibukawa, Gunma (21 December 2020)[78]
Annaka, Gunma (1 April 2021)[79][80]
Chiyoda, Gunma (1 June 2021)[81]
Yoshioka, Gunma (1 April 2022)[82]
Prefectural registry
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.
Hokkaido
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Sapporo, Hokkaido (1 June 2017)
Ebetsu, Hokkaido (1 March 2022)[86]
Hakodate, Hokkaido (1 April 2022)[87]
Kitami, Hokkaido (1 April 2022)[88]
Obihiro, Hokkaido (1 December 2022)[89]
Tomakomai, Hokkaido (4 January 2023)[90]
Iwamizawa, Hokkaido (1 February 2023)[91]
Hokuto, Hokkaido (1 April 2023)[92]
Aibetsu, Hokkaido (1 January 2024)[93]
Asahikawa, Hokkaido[93]
Biei, Hokkaido (1 January 2024)[93]
Higashikagura, Hokkaido (1 January 2024)[93]
Higashikawa, Hokkaido (1 January 2024)[93]
Kamikawa, Hokkaido (1 January 2024)[93]
Otaru, Hokkaido (1 January 2024)[94]
Pippu, Hokkaido (1 January 2024)[93]
Takasu, Hokkaido (1 January 2024)[93]
Tōma, Hokkaido (1 January 2024)[93]
Kushiro, Hokkaido (April 2024)[95]
Makubetsu, Hokkaido (TBD 2024)[96]
Muroran, Hokkaido (TBD 2024)[97]
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.
Hyogo Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Amagasaki, Hyōgo (6 January 2016)[99]
Sanda, Hyōgo (11 October 2019)[100]
Itami, Hyōgo (15 May 2020)[101]
Ashiya, Hyōgo (17 May 2020)[102][103]
Kawanishi, Hyōgo (1 August 2020)[104][105]
Akashi, Hyōgo (8 January 2021)[106][107]
Inagawa, Hyōgo (1 April 2021)[108]
Nishinomiya, Hyōgo (1 April 2021)[109][110]
Himeji, Hyōgo (1 April 2022)[111]
Tatsuno, Hyōgo (1 April 2022)[112]
Takasago, Hyōgo (1 April 2023)[113]
Tamba, Hyōgo (1 April 2023)[114]
Tamba-Sasayama, Hyōgo (1 April 2023)[115]
Kakogawa, Hyōgo (1 July 2023)[116]
Harima, Hyōgo (TBD April 2023)[117]
Shisō, Hyōgo (TBD 2024)[117]
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.
Ibaraki Prefecture
Ishikawa 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.
Iwate Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
- Ichinoseki, Iwate (23 December 2022)[118]
- Morioka, Iwate (1 May 2023)[119]
- Miyako, Iwate (28 September 2023)[120]
- Yahaba, Iwate (1 October 2023)[121]
Registries have been discussed in Rikuzentakata.[31]
Prefectural registry
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.
Kagawa Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Mitoyo, Kagawa (1 January 2020)[122]
Takamatsu, Kagawa (1 April 2020)[123]
Higashikagawa, Kagawa (1 January 2021)[124]
Shōdoshima, Kagawa (1 April 2021)[125][126]
Tadotsu, Kagawa (1 April 2021)[127]
Tonoshō, Kagawa (1 April 2021)[125]
Zentsūji, Kagawa (1 December 2021)[128]
Ayagawa, Kagawa (1 April 2022)[129]
Kan'onji, Kagawa (1 April 2022)[130]
Kotohira, Kagawa (1 April 2022)[129]
Mannō, Kagawa (1 April 2022)[129]
Sanuki, Kagawa (1 April 2022)[129]
Utazu, Kagawa (1 April 2022)[129]
Sakaide, Kagawa (1 June 2022)[131]
Miki, Kagawa (1 September 2022)[132]
Marugame, Kagawa (1 January 2023)[133]
Naoshima, Kagawa (1 April 2023)[134]
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.
Kanagawa Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Odawara, Kanagawa (1 April 2019)[136][137]
Yokosuka, Kanagawa (1 April 2019)[138][139]
Yokohama, Kanagawa (2 December 2019)[140][141]
Kamakura, Kanagawa (4 December 2019)[142]
Sagamihara, Kanagawa (1 April 2020)[143]
Zushi, Kanagawa (1 April 2020)[144]
Hayama, Kanagawa (1 July 2020)[145][146]
Kawasaki, Kanagawa (1 July 2020)[147][148]
Miura, Kanagawa (1 January 2021)[149]
Chigasaki, Kanagawa (1 April 2021)[150][151]
Fujisawa, Kanagawa (1 April 2021)[152][153]
Yamato, Kanagawa (1 April 2021)[154]
Minamiashigara, Kanagawa (1 July 2021)[26]
Ōi, Kanagawa (1 July 2021)[26]
Matsuda, Kanagawa (1 October 2021)[155]
Ayase, Kanagawa (1 February 2022)[156]
Samukawa, Kanagawa (1 February 2022)[157]
Aikawa, Kanagawa (1 April 2022)[158]
Atsugi, Kanagawa (1 April 2022)[159]
Ebina, Kanagawa (1 April 2022)[160]
Hiratsuka, Kanagawa (1 April 2022)[161]
Kaisei, Kanagawa (1 April 2022)[162]
Nakai, Kanagawa (1 April 2022)[162]
Ninomiya, Kanagawa (1 April 2022)[163]
Ōiso, Kanagawa (1 April 2022)[164]
Yamakita, Kanagawa (1 April 2022)[162]
Kiyokawa, Kanagawa (1 July 2022)[165]
Zama, Kanagawa (1 October 2022)[166]
Hakone, Kanagawa (1 April 2023)[167]
Yugawara, Kanagawa (1 April 2023)[168]
Hadano, Kanagawa (1 July 2023)[169]
Isehara, Kanagawa (1 July 2023)[170]
Manazuru, Kanagawa (1 July 2023)[171]
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.
Kumamoto Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Kumamoto, Kumamoto (1 April 2019)[174]
Ōzu, Kumamoto (1 October 2021)[175]
Kikuchi, Kumamoto (30 July 2022)[176]
Kikuyō, Kumamoto (1 March 2023)[177]
Aso, Kumamoto (1 April 2023)[178]
Kōshi, Kumamoto (1 April 2023)[179]
Prefectural registry
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.
Mie Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Iga, Mie (1 April 2016)
Inabe, Mie (1 July 2020)[180]
Meiwa, Mie (1 April 2023)[181]
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.
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.
Nagasaki Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Nagasaki, Nagasaki (2 September 2019)[182][183]
Ōmura, Nagasaki (1 April 2023)[184]
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.
Nara Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Nara, Nara (1 April 2020)[186]
Yamatokōriyama, Nara (1 April 2020)[187]
Ikoma, Nara (1 April 2021)[188]
Tenri, Nara (1 April 2021)[189]
Gojō, Nara (1 April 2023)[190]
Ikaruga, Nara (1 April 2023)[191]
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.
Niigata Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Niigata, Niigata (1 April 2020)[192]
Sanjō, Niigata (1 September 2022)[193]
Nagaoka, Niigata (1 February 2023)[194]
In addition, a municipal registry has been discussed in Kamo[195] and Sado.[196][197]
Prefectural registry
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.
Oita Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Usuki, Ōita (1 April 2021)[199]
Bungo-Ōno, Ōita (1 April 2022)[200]
Taketa, Ōita (1 April 2022)[201]
Hita, Ōita (1 January 2023)[202]
Bungotakada, Ōita (1 April 2023)[203]
Ōita, Ōita (1 Seotember 2023)[204]
Saiki, Ōita (April 2024)[205]
Prefectural registry
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.
Okayama Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Sōja, Okayama (1 April 2019)[207]
Okayama, Okayama (1 July 2020)[208]
Bizen, Okayama (1 October 2021)[209]
Kurashiki, Okayama (1 December 2021)[210]
Maniwa, Okayama (1 December 2021)[211]
Kasaoka, Okayama (1 April 2022)[212]
Mimasaka, Okayama (1 October 2022)[213]
Setouchi, Okayama (1 October 2022)[214]
Asakuchi, Okayama (1 December 2022)[215]
Ibara, Okayama (1 April 2023)[216]
Wake, Okayama (1 April 2023)[217]
Prefectural registry
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.
Osaka Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Osaka, Osaka (9 July 2018)
Hirakata, Osaka (1 April 2019)[218]
Sakai, Osaka (1 April 2019)[219][220][221]
Katano, Osaka (22 November 2019)[222]
Daitō, Osaka (4 December 2019)[223][224]
Tondabayashi, Osaka (1 July 2020)[225]
Kaizuka, Osaka(1 September 2020)[226]
Ibaraki, Osaka (1 July 2022)[227]
Ikeda, Osaka (1 November 2022)[228]
Suita, Osaka (1 April 2023)[229]
Matsubara, Osaka (1 May 2023)[230]
Prefectural registry
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.
Saitama Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Saitama, Saitama (1 April 2020)[232]
Kawagoe, Saitama (1 May 2020)[233]
Sakado, Saitama (1 October 2020)[234]
Kitamoto, Saitama (1 November 2020)[235]
Kōnosu, Saitama (1 December 2020)[236]
Okegawa, Saitama (1 February 2021)[237]
Ina, Saitama (1 March 2021)[238]
Ageo, Saitama (16 March 2021)[239]
Gyōda, Saitama (1 April 2021)[240]
Honjō, Saitama (1 April 2021)[241]
Koshigaya, Saitama (1 April 2021)[242]
Miyoshi, Saitama (1 April 2021)[243]
Higashimatsuyama, Saitama (1 July 2021)[244]
Iruma, Saitama (1 September 2021)[245]
Kawajima, Saitama (1 October 2021)[246]
Kuki, Saitama (1 October 2021)[247]
Moroyama, Saitama (1 October 2021)[248]
Sayama, Saitama (11 October 2021)[249]
Tokigawa, Saitama (1 December 2021)[250]
Sōka, Saitama (1 December 2021)[251]
Hannō, Saitama (1 January 2022)[252]
Hidaka, Saitama (1 January 2022)[253]
Tokorozawa, Saitama (1 January 2022)[254]
Yoshikawa, Saitama(1 February 2022)[255]
Fukaya, Saitama (23 March 2022)[256]
Fujimi, Saitama (1 April 2022)[257]
Hatoyama, Saitama (1 April 2022)[258]
Kamikawa, Saitama (1 April 2022)[259]
Kamisato, Saitama (1 April 2022)[259]
Kumagaya, Saitama (1 April 2022)[260]
Misato, Saitama (1 April 2022)[259]
Miyashiro, Saitama (1 April 2022)[261]
Yashio, Saitama (1 April 2022)[262]
Yokoze, Saitama (1 April 2022)[263]
Yoshimi, Saitama (1 April 2022)[264]
Fujimino, Saitama (1 July 2022)[265]
Misato, Saitama (1 September 2022)[266]
Toda, Saitama (1 October 2022)[267]
Ogano, Saitama (1 January 2023)[268]
Shiraoka, Saitama (1 January 2023)[269]
Wakō, Saitama (10 January 2023)[270]
Ranzan, Saitama (1 March 2023)[271]
Kazo, Saitama (23 March 2023)[272]
Asaka, Saitama (1 April 2023)[273]
Hasuda, Saitama (1 April 2023)[274]
Kasukabe, Saitama (1 April 2023)[275]
Matsubushi, Saitama (1 April 2023)[276]
Namegawa, Saitama (1 April 2023)[277]
Niiza, Saitama (1 April 2023)[278]
Ogawa, Saitama (1 April 2023)[279]
Satte, Saitama (1 April 2023)[280]
Shiki, Saitama (1 April 2023)[281]
Sugito, Saitama (1 April 2023)[282]
Tsurugashima, Saitama (1 April 2023)[283]
Higashichichibu, Saitama (1 June 2023)[284]
Warabi, Saitama (1 July 2023)[285]
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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.
Shiga Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Karatsu, Saga (1 October 2021)[287]
Kamimine, Saga (1 March 2022)[288]
Prefectural registry
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.
Shizuoka Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Hamamatsu, Shizuoka (1 April 2020)[290][291]
Fuji, Shizuoka (1 April 2021)[292][293]
Kosai, Shizuoka (1 April 2022)[294]
Shizuoka, Shizuoka (1 April 2022)[295]
In addition, registries are being discussed in Fujieda[296] and Shimada.[297]
Prefectural registry
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.
Tochigi Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Kanuma, Tochigi (3 June 2019)[298]
Tochigi, Tochigi (1 November 2020)[299][300]
Nikkō, Tochigi (1 September 2021)[301]
Nogi, Tochigi (1 April 2022)[302]
Sano, Tochigi (1 September 2022)[303]
Nasushiobara, Tochigi (1 October 2022)[304]
Ōtawara, Tochigi (1 October 2022)[305]
Nasukarasuyama, Tochigi (1 April 2023)[306]
Oyama, Tochigi (1 April 2023)[307]
Prefectural registry
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.
Tokushima Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Sakaiminato, Tottori (1 July 2022)[308]
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.
Tokyo Metropolis
Tottori Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
- Sakaiminato, Tottori (1 July 2022)[309]
Registries have been discussed in Daisen[310] and Nichinan.[310]
Prefectural registry
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.
Wakayama Prefecture
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Municipal registries
Hashimoto, Wakayama (1 October 2022)[312]
Nachikatsuura, Wakayama (1 April 2023)[313]
Shingū, Wakayama (1 October 2023)[314]
Prefectural registry
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.