In a recent public opinion poll conducted by the Kyodo news agency, it was found that nearly two-thirds of Japanese citizens believe same-sex marriage should be legally recognized. The survey was conducted only a week after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida fired an aide who had expressed a lack of interest in living next to lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender couples and warned of mass emigration should same-sex marriage be introduced.
As of now, Japan is the only Group of Seven nation that does not legally recognize same-sex unions. The survey revealed that 64% of respondents were in favor of recognizing same-sex marriage, with approximately the same percentage indicating that a law promoting the understanding of sexual diversity was needed. Only slightly over one quarter of respondents opposed the idea of same-sex marriage.
Despite a Japanese court upholding a ban on same-sex marriage last November, the court did suggest that the lack of legal protection for same-sex families violated their human rights. This comment was seen as a step forward by plaintiffs and a move towards aligning Japan with other economically advanced nations.