Tokyo court rules Japan's same-sex marriage ban constitutional

Published: 28 November 2025 Friday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A Japanese court has upheld the country’s ban on same-sex marriage, ruling it constitutional, in a verdict that defies a series of other high court decisions across Japan that had suggested a trend toward marriage equality.

The decision disappointed plaintiffs and their legal team, who gathered outside the Tokyo courthouse holding signs that read “unjust verdict.” Judge Ayumi Higashi stated that laws regarding same-sex marriage should be addressed first by Japan’s parliament.

Japan remains the only G7 nation that does not fully recognize same-sex couples or provide clear legal protections for them. Within Asia, only Taiwan, Thailand, and Nepal legally allow same-sex marriage.

Plaintiffs expressed shock and outrage at the ruling. Shino Kawachi described the decision as “difficult to comprehend,” while her partner Hiromi Hatogai called it “extremely outraged,” though they vowed to continue fighting for legal recognition.

Amnesty International criticized the verdict as “a damaging step backwards on same-sex marriage,” urging the Japanese government to take proactive steps toward legalization so same-sex couples can enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples.

This ruling from the Tokyo high court is the final decision among six high court cases on same-sex marriage filed nationwide between 2019 and 2021. Five of the previous rulings had found the ban unconstitutional but denied compensation claims. The cases are expected to move to the Supreme Court next.