Setagaya Ward in Tokyo to Issue Residence Certificates for Same-sex Couples, Following Common-law Marriage Guidelines

Tokyo‘s Setagaya Ward has announced that it will​ issue certificates of residence to same-sex couples ⁣using new wording that is equivalent to a common-law marriage between a ​man and a woman.‌ Currently, the wording on ‌the certificates is either “cohabitant” or ​”has connection.”​ However, starting in November, the ward will use the terms “husband (unregistered)” or “wife (unregistered)” for same-sex couples who request‌ these certificates. Mayor Nobuto Hosaka made this announcement during a regular meeting of the ward assembly. He mentioned⁣ that ⁤he had instructed relevant departments to ⁢study the system’s design back in⁢ June. Setagaya Ward, with its​ population of 920,000 and implementation of the Partnership ⁢Oath System, considers this move significant. The ward is currently making preparations for issuing​ these certificates‍ smoothly. To be‍ eligible for these certificates, same-sex couples must be residents of ⁢Setagaya Ward and ⁤registered in the Partnership Oath‌ System ⁢with either the metropolitan government or the⁢ ward itself. Couples can apply for these ⁣certificates at various⁤ locations within Setagaya Ward, ‌including both its main office and branch offices.