Hana Sato, Grade 12
UWC Costa Rica
This summer I was able to watch several impacting news in Japan. It was June, Pride Month, when I went back to travel to my parents' country, many of the seasonal special news in the TV or companies advertisements were regarding LGBTQ+ topics. It was a source of shock for me, it had been only two years since I did not travel back to Japan and in previous years I was not able to perceive this much of social interest towards this matter. LGBTQ+ social acceptance has been a global theme of discussion in recent years, as well as it is an undeniable truth that even in developed countries such as Japan there still exists so much controversy regarding it. It was studied that about 3 to 8% (Prefecture of Osaka, 2019) of the Japanese population identifies as LGBTQ+ (diverse sexual orientation and identity) belonging, which demonstrates the rich diversity within the society, yet so many arguments are still arising and criticising these as abnormalities.
I believed that as happens in many other social disputes, a source of it can systematically, but hiddenly, exist in daily life factors such as language. In Japan, it is widely used the word "Gender dysphoria" or "Gender identity disorder". Although its initial purpose is not to criticize the differences, in Japan it is in several occasions used with a negative connotation, pointing out the "abnormality". Although it has been a while since these phrases started to be used, I still do not fully understand why it is named as a disorder; I personally find it as a stigmatizing term while every gender identity should be a completely natural feature.
The 24 article of the Japanese constitution declares that "Marriage shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes and it shall be maintained through mutual cooperation with the equal rights of husband and wife as a basis." (Japanese Ministry of Justice, 2022), which superficially does not restrain non-binary marriage, however, substancially marriage can only happen between male and female sex. This issue triggered many controversies in recent years, since Japanese society puts a lot of emphasis on legal family bondings, in such a way that if two people are not legally joined there will appear many inconveniences. For example, unless legally married it is not possible for partners to enter into hospital ICUs (Intensive Care Units), own properties with both signs, or have children custody for both. Depending on region there have been integrated the "Partnership System" which allows for more local accesibilities for non-binary couples or support regional policies; nonetheless, since they are not official legislative policies their influence is only locally applicable.
Social acceptance is also a relevant factor. The annual increase of the aging population is one of the biggest issues in Japan. This main problem is leading to a more conservative politics and national outlook. These mind-sets are also affecting the educational system and intervening to the foundation of non-binary societies. Bullying in schools and discrimination in work spaces are also few reasons why many people can not openly express their identities.
A circumstance that I personally dislike is the way in which LGBTQ+ started to be used as a source of political and industrial publicity. Political parties calling for a more socially tolerant country will definitely create a positive impact, however, so many of them claim it without understanding the actual communities. Or apparel brands creating products using the representative flag colors only for special occasions such as Pride Month does not see to me as an act of empathy. However, it can not be dismissed that due to these influences many more people are gaining awareness about non-binary movements.
I am aware that the LGBTQ+ movement is not well known yet due to educational systems or past patterns. However, its understanding is definitely improving at a fast rate starting from younger generations. I believe that to create a more empathic and livable society it is essential the active participation of young generations, and for them to discuss it to wider age ranges increasing its comprehension among the entire society. Also, communication media will play a decisive role in the way in which they transmit information. It is still a task for the Japanese society to increase its empathy towards diversity and allow every person to embrace their own identities.
Bibliography
Gooddo Magazine Editions. "What is the current issue regarding LGBT and what needs to be addressed in the future? Analysis of Japan's efforts. "Gooddo. 2022. Gooddo, Inc.. August, 2022 https://gooddo.jp/magazine/gender_equality/lgbt_gender/6739/.
LGBT Hudousan. "What is the current situation of LGBT in Japan and what are the three social challenges?. "LGBT Hudousan (LGBT Real Estate). 2018. LGBT Hudousan. August, 2022 https://lgbt-fudousan.com/diary-detail-417267/.
Kamano, Saori. "Sexual Identity. "Osaka Chosa. 2019. Population Trends Research Department, National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. August, 2022 http://osaka-chosa.jp/sogi.html.
Ministry of Justice, Japan. "The Constitution of Japan. "Japanese Law Translation. 2022. Ministry of Justice, Japan. August, 2022 https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/174#je_ch3at15.
Image Courtesy: https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/111299
I believed that as happens in many other social disputes, a source of it can systematically, but hiddenly, exist in daily life factors such as language. In Japan, it is widely used the word "Gender dysphoria" or "Gender identity disorder". Although its initial purpose is not to criticize the differences, in Japan it is in several occasions used with a negative connotation, pointing out the "abnormality". Although it has been a while since these phrases started to be used, I still do not fully understand why it is named as a disorder; I personally find it as a stigmatizing term while every gender identity should be a completely natural feature.
The 24 article of the Japanese constitution declares that "Marriage shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes and it shall be maintained through mutual cooperation with the equal rights of husband and wife as a basis." (Japanese Ministry of Justice, 2022), which superficially does not restrain non-binary marriage, however, substancially marriage can only happen between male and female sex. This issue triggered many controversies in recent years, since Japanese society puts a lot of emphasis on legal family bondings, in such a way that if two people are not legally joined there will appear many inconveniences. For example, unless legally married it is not possible for partners to enter into hospital ICUs (Intensive Care Units), own properties with both signs, or have children custody for both. Depending on region there have been integrated the "Partnership System" which allows for more local accesibilities for non-binary couples or support regional policies; nonetheless, since they are not official legislative policies their influence is only locally applicable.
Social acceptance is also a relevant factor. The annual increase of the aging population is one of the biggest issues in Japan. This main problem is leading to a more conservative politics and national outlook. These mind-sets are also affecting the educational system and intervening to the foundation of non-binary societies. Bullying in schools and discrimination in work spaces are also few reasons why many people can not openly express their identities.
A circumstance that I personally dislike is the way in which LGBTQ+ started to be used as a source of political and industrial publicity. Political parties calling for a more socially tolerant country will definitely create a positive impact, however, so many of them claim it without understanding the actual communities. Or apparel brands creating products using the representative flag colors only for special occasions such as Pride Month does not see to me as an act of empathy. However, it can not be dismissed that due to these influences many more people are gaining awareness about non-binary movements.
I am aware that the LGBTQ+ movement is not well known yet due to educational systems or past patterns. However, its understanding is definitely improving at a fast rate starting from younger generations. I believe that to create a more empathic and livable society it is essential the active participation of young generations, and for them to discuss it to wider age ranges increasing its comprehension among the entire society. Also, communication media will play a decisive role in the way in which they transmit information. It is still a task for the Japanese society to increase its empathy towards diversity and allow every person to embrace their own identities.
Bibliography
Gooddo Magazine Editions. "What is the current issue regarding LGBT and what needs to be addressed in the future? Analysis of Japan's efforts. "Gooddo. 2022. Gooddo, Inc.. August, 2022 https://gooddo.jp/magazine/gender_equality/lgbt_gender/6739/.
LGBT Hudousan. "What is the current situation of LGBT in Japan and what are the three social challenges?. "LGBT Hudousan (LGBT Real Estate). 2018. LGBT Hudousan. August, 2022 https://lgbt-fudousan.com/diary-detail-417267/.
Kamano, Saori. "Sexual Identity. "Osaka Chosa. 2019. Population Trends Research Department, National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. August, 2022 http://osaka-chosa.jp/sogi.html.
Ministry of Justice, Japan. "The Constitution of Japan. "Japanese Law Translation. 2022. Ministry of Justice, Japan. August, 2022 https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/174#je_ch3at15.
Image Courtesy: https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/111299
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