Tokyo begins issuing same-sex couples partnership certificates.

Tokyo has begun rolling out a partnership certificate scheme to same-sex couples - allowing them to be treated as married couples for certain public services for the first time, but falling short of marriage equality.

Some hope this may be a step towards the whole of Japan embracing equality.

It is currently the only country in the G7 group of developed nations which doesn't recognise same-sex unions.

However, recent polling suggests most Japanese support gay marriage.

According to a survey conducted in 2021 by Japan's public broadcaster NHK, 57% were in favour, while just 37% were against.

Despite this widespread support, a district court in Osaka ruled earlier this year that the existing ban on same-sex marriage was constitutional. Then, in October, Noboru Watanabe - a local representative for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party - called same-sex marriage "disgusting". The comments were widely criticised.

Anyone aged over 18 who either lives or works in Tokyo is allowed to apply, with 137 applications having been submitted by Friday.

Source: www.bbc.com

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