On March 17th 2025, The Center for Coproduction of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (IncluDE) hosted an event entitled “Marriage Equality and Cross-Sector Collaboration from the Perspective of the Same-Sex Marriage Lawsuit – Toward a Society Where Everyone Can Live True to Themselves” at the University of Tokyo Fukutake Hall Learning Studio.
Back row (from left): KOYAMA Daisaku, SHISHIDO George, HIRANO, SUGIYAMA Shiori
Front row (from left): MATSUNAKA Gon, KUMAGAYA Shinichiro, TERAHARA Makiko
At this event, discussions were held around the theme of “co-production” regarding the current situation and future prospects of same-sex marriage lawsuits in Japan, legal perspectives, and initiatives of private companies.
TERAHARA Makiko (Representative Director of the public interest incorporated association “Marriage For All Japan – Freedom of Marriage For All”)
TERAHARA Makiko, the representative director of the public interest incorporated association “Marriage For All Japan – Freedom of Marriage For All”, shared the latest information on same-sex marriage lawsuits, and reported that Japan is the only G7 country that does not ensure legal protection for same-sex couples, and that the “Freedom of Marriage For All” lawsuits have continued to show that current situation is unconstitutional. Additionally, TERAHARA introduced the various activities of Marriage For All Japan to achieve same-sex marriage, including those targeting politicians and companies.
SHISHIDO George (Professor, University of Tokyo Graduate Schools for Law and Politics)
Professor SHISHIDO George of the University of Tokyo Graduate Schools for Law and Politics explained that, based on Article 14 of the Constitution, “equality under the law”, the fact that same-sex marriage is not recognized is a violation of individual rights from the perspective of “autonomy”, “status” and “dignity”. SHISHIDO also referred to the difficulty of ensuring consistency in legislation and reflecting changes in society, and the importance of the participation of companies and civil society came to the fore.
HIRANO (Meiji Co., Ltd.)
SUGIYAMA Shiori (Meiji Co., Ltd.)
KOYAMA Daisaku (LUSH JAPAN G.K)
As part of the corporate initiatives, HIRANO and SUGIYAMA Shiori from Meiji Co., Ltd. introduced the “DE&I Policy” and the “LGBTQ₊ Ally Network Marble” set up by employee volunteers, and reported on activities that respect diversity, such as the proposal of a new value for Valentine’s Day, and how to proceed it. KOYAMA Daisaku of LUSH JAPAN G.K introduced a campaign to legalize same-sex marriage. As “shops are the greatest media”, KOYAMA gave examples of increasing the percentage of politicians in favor of the campaign, as well as how shops have become safe community spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.
KUMAGAYA Shinichiro (Head of Office for DEI Coproduction Strategies at IncluDE)
KUMAGAYA Shinichiro, Head of Office for DEI Coproduction Strategies at IncluDE, discussed the issue of marriage for people with disabilities, and in light of the fact that forced sterilization under the former Eugenic Protection Law was judged to be a violation of the constitution, KUMAGAYA discussed the need for progress in supporting the relationships, marriages and child-rearing of people with disabilities, and the need to create an environment where everyone can raise children together. At the same time, KUMAGAYA also referred to the issues of “freedom from marriage” and “freedom to marry”.
Panel discussion
During the panel discussion, the importance of not regarding marriage as an absolute was pointed out, as well as the need for initiatives that utilize platforms and communities, while also working towards a society where same-sex marriage is an option. In addition, the importance of collaboration and co-creation across sectors was further emphasized, with the following being cited as keys to future promotion: (1) narratives (voices of those involved), (2) logic, and (3) evidence.
At the subsequent reception, the presentations and discussions in the first half of the event led to connections between companies, universities, and support groups for people affected by marriage equality, and enabled the exchange of opinions across sectors.
The event provided an opportunity for participants to consider marriage equality from a variety of perspectives, and to think about what they can do to help create a society where everyone can live as they wish.
After the event, we received comments emphasizing the importance of sharing information, thinking together, and connecting with each other towards the realization of a society where people can live as they wish as below.
- “It was interesting to see people from different backgrounds, including business, discussing what they could do to move in the same direction”
- “While hardware is important, I felt that the network of people and places was ultimately the most powerful”
- “I realized once again that it is difficult to achieve anything just by yourself, and that it is important to connect with people who share the same ambition and speak out together”.
IncluDE remains committed to serving as a platform for solidarity and co-creation, striving toward a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
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For details on our first event held on July 2, 2024, “Diversity and Inclusion of SOGI: Toward a Society Where Everyone Can Live True to Themselves,” please check the link below.
