Japan's LGBTQ+ couples still fighting for marriage equality

Aki and Hikari, a same-sex couple in Tokyo, faced discrimination when they tried to rent a house together. Real estate agents told them that the places they liked were only for heterosexual couples. Despite being together for seven years and having a baby, they are not seen as a legitimate couple by the law or society. Japan is the only G7 country that does not fully recognize same-sex couples or offer them legal protection, leaving the LGBTQ+ community vulnerable. Some progress has been made, such as the creation of a government post focusing on LGBTQ+ rights and a new law against discrimination. However, activists are disappointed because the law falls short of recognizing marriage equality and prioritizes the majority over the rights of sexual minorities. The lack of legal recognition makes life harder for same-sex couples, from parental rights to inheritance and hospital visitation. Aki and Hikari even got married in Canada, but in Japan, they feel invisible. While there is resistance to change from conservative politicians, activists like Akira Nishiyama continue to fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Despite feeling exhausted, they want to change Japanese society and protect their rights. Older gay couples like Keitaro and Hideki are more hopeful, cherishing their partnership certificate as a symbol of their union. However, discrimination and the need for secrecy still persist in Japan. Aki and Hikari, along with other same-sex couples, hope for a more inclusive society where their children can live without hiding and they can be legally married.