koseki

LGBTQ

Osaka High Court: Japan’s Family Registry Discriminates Against Non-Binary People

An Osaka High Court ruling found that Japan's gender-binary family register violates Article 14 of the Japanese Constitution. But it dismissed the…

CULTURE

Why 3,000 People in Japan Claim the Imperial Palace Is Their Home

Japan's registered domicile law means that, when you get married, you can claim you hail from anywhere in the country. And many…

SOCIETY

Poll: Over Half of Married Japanese Women Wanted to Keep Their Maiden Names

Politicians are still duking out the merits of changing the Meiji-era law forcing joint spousal surnames.

LAW & CRIME

Japan to Add “Taiwan” Identification to Family Registry

For the first time ever, Taiwanese citizens who marry or naturalize in Japan will be able to express their identity accurately.

SOCIETY

Acceptance for “Kira Kira” Names? How Japan’s Koseki Rules May Change

The rise of Japanese "kira kira" names with unexpected kanji readings has sparked controversy over the past few decades. Will altering the…

SOCIETY

Why The Mukoseki is Japan’s Deadliest Legal Trap

People without a family registry can die without access to essential services. Divorce law and Japan's koseki system explain why.