Japan is preparing to institute a nationwide LGBTQ+ education program intended to address the lack of public knowledge on gender and sexual identities in the country. ABC Japan reports the measure is a result of the recent Act on the Promotion of Public Understanding of the Diversity of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. The act was passed in 2023 and mandated that the country develop a new plan.
The plan has already been approved by Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and is now expected to gain final approval via a signature from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet. However, Takaichi has publicly voiced her opposition to marriage equality according to LGBTQ Nation. Her exact position on the issue has been questionable, as she has also previously said “there should be no prejudice against sexual orientation or gender identity.” Takaichi was elected to lead by the Japanese Parliament in October, 2025.
ABC Japan reports that while the details of the official program has not been made public, it includes requirements for education institutions to offer curriculum on gender-diverse people and different sexualities, alongside access to social workers and counseling. It will also mandate that universities and higher education institutions implement training on sexual diversity for those studying to be future healthcare workers and academic professionals.
LGBTQ+ Japanese citizens are left somewhat confused at the decision, as same-sex marriage is still not fully accepted in the country. Currently, queer couples are only allowed to identify their relationships via an “unregistered cohabitation” status. This means same-sex couples in Japan do not have equal access to marital rights granted to straight couples.
This paradox has been reflected in the responses of LGBTQ+ Japanese residents. Alisha Khojanazar, trans woman and research technician at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology said of the decision: “If it would lead to some kind of broader protection by law, that would be great. But with the current political climate in Japan, I would love it to be more inclusive.”
According to Equaldex, public opinion generally leans supportive for LGBTQ+ identities especially among younger generations. But social stigma still makes being out and proud more difficult. “It’s very hard to meet someone who is open and queer and Japanese,” Khojanazar told ABC News. She reported that many queer Japanese citizens were “reluctant to speak freely about their sexuality or gender.”
Efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in the country persist. Just recently a petition in support of marriage equality with upwards of 36,000 was submitted to the nation’s highest court.
