TOKYO, Oct. 28 (UPI) — Shibuya Ward in Tokyo became the first local government in Japan to accept applications for same-sex partnership certificates.
The city district, one of the most densely populated and known for its shopping and nightlife, had approved an ordinance in March for same-sex partnership recognition, Japan press reported.
Early Wednesday, couples were waiting in line outside the ward office to apply for their certificates, the Asahi Shimbun reported. The documents would then be issued Nov. 5, making Shibuya the first government in Japan to formally recognize same-sex unions.
Two women, Koyuki Higashi, 30, and entrepreneur Hiroko Masuhara, 37, had arrived at the office before 7 a.m. and said they had been looking forward to this historic day.
“If we get the certificate, we want to hold on to a copy as our good luck charm,” Masuhara said.
Couples applying for the certificate must be at least 20 years old and residents of Shibuya Ward. They also are required to submit papers indicating they have agreed to share living expenses in the same residence.
In March, the ward also had agreed to make public the names of individuals and organizations that commit violations against the human rights of sexual minorities, and on Wednesday the office allowed couples who sought privacy to apply for certificates in another room, away from the public counters.
Japanese law does not recognize same-sex marriages, and the Shibuya certificate subsequently is not legally binding. But the ward has requested the partnership certificates of registrants who also are registered businesspeople in the ward be recognized.
Legal recognition of same-sex marriages could bring significant changes to the families affected. Same-sex couples would be allowed to apply for family housing like heterosexuals, and would be allowed hospital visits as family members, if legally recognized.
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