Japanese city leads the way as marriage support extended to LGBTQ+ couples

In a significant step towards equality, the city of Ichikawa in Chiba Prefecture has announced a new initiative to support newly married couples, as well as those in long term LGBTQ+ relationships.

The city will allocate 100 million yen (approximately USD $660,000) from its 2025 budget to provide rent subsidies for eligible couples.

Ichikawa City will be extending the same support to both married and LGBTQ+ couples

This groundbreaking program offers qualifying couples, regardless of sexual orientation, a monthly subsidy of 20,000 yen (USD $132) towards rental fees for a total of one year.

Additionally, the city will provide a one-time payment of 50,000 yen (approx. $330 USD/£260 GBP) to assist with initial rental expenses, such as realtor fees and “reikin”, commonly referred to as “key money”, which is a non-refundable payment made to landlords upon moving in.

To be eligible for the subsidy, couples must be under the age of 39 and sign an agreement to lease a property within the city of Ichikawa anytime after March 1st 2025.

Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in Japan, but many local authorities operate systems that extend some of the same legal rights to LGBTQ+ couples

While same-sex marriage is not legally recognized at the national level in Japan, many local governments, including Ichikawa City, have implemented partnership systems that offer LGBTQ+ couples some of the legal and social benefits of marriage.

Ichikawa City proactively promotes this system through its official website, making it straightforward for those in such partnerships to find information regarding their rights and to access the benefits on offer.

Long term partners looking to move in together will benefit from the new subsidies

Mayor Tanaka Ko emphasized the city’s continuing commitment to inclusivity, stating: “We implemented this program because we view Ichikawa as a place that recognizes LGBTQ+ people”.

This statement is a welcome message of support for LGBTQ+ rights, espcially in the face of growing discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in some parts of the world.

Ichikawa City’s new initiative sets a positive precedent for other municipalities in Japan and demonstrates a commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all residents.

Source: Tokyo Shimbun