Photo/Illutration Sample resident registration form created by Tokyo’s Nakano Ward, assuming the introduction of “unregistered husband/wife” on the same-sex couple resident card (Masashi Kisanuki)

Nakano Ward and Setagaya Ward in Tokyo will allow same-sex couples to be officially listed as “unregistered husbands” or “unregistered wives,” on their residence registries—just like heterosexual couples in common-law marriages—starting Nov. 1.

Setagaya Ward officials announced the change on Oct. 17 and Nakano Ward followed suit on Oct. 24.

Since they will implement their new residence registration options on the same day, they will both be the first wards in Tokyo to implement this system.

Same-sex couples in Japan do not have the same legal status as opposite-sex couples in common-law marriages. 

The internal affairs ministry, which has jurisdiction over the basic resident registration law, has argued that allowing same-sex partners to be listed as in “unregistered” marriages is problematic and would create obstacles such as social security procedures. 

However, the Nakano and Setagaya wards hope to advance LGBT rights by allowing same-sex couples the same resident registration that opposite-sex common-law married couples have.

“We have conducted a thorough study and determined that there are no obstacles," Nakano Ward Mayor Naoto Sakai said at a news conference. "I hope that the central government will tackle this issue head-on.”

Setagaya Ward Mayor Nobuto Hosaka said, “There is no misidentification or confusion” with heterosexual common-law marriages.

HOW TO REGISTER

In Nakano Ward, the new system will be available to ward residents who have completed the Nakano Ward partnership oath, which officially recognizes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couples and others, or the Tokyo metropolitan partnership oath.

The ward’s oath system will introduce electronic applications on Nov. 1 for ease of use.

Applications will be accepted at the family and resident registration counter at the Nakano Ward office.

In Setagaya Ward, same-sex couples who wish to use the new system can apply at 10 locations in the ward.

The new system will apply to ward residents who have taken the oath of partnership and familial relationship, in which the ward officially recognizes LGBT couples and others.

A note recognizing the residents’ relationship status will then be added to their residence certificates.

Hosaka said he hopes that this will be an opportunity to “move toward guaranteeing the rights” of same-sex couples in areas such as national laws and regulations and corporate welfare programs.

According to Setagaya Ward officials, nine municipalities nationwide have already introduced a similar system for same-sex couples.

(This article was compiled from reports written by Masashi Kisanuki and Eiichiro Nakamura.)

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