national

Japan releases results of its first national same-sex marriage survey

35 Comments
By Jamie Koide, RocketNews24

In March this year, soon after Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward began recognizing same-sex partnerships, the National Institute of Population and Social Security surveyed 1,259 men and women between the ages of 20–79 regarding their feelings about gay marriage in general.

On November 28, the results of Japan’s first national survey about attitudes toward gay marriage were revealed. What kind of image did they paint of the people of Japan?

Results were divided, with an almost 50/50 split between those in support and those against it, with those in total or partial support at narrowly becoming the majority at 51.1%.

However, when surveyed about their feelings about the issue hitting closer to home, the scales were slightly tipped in the other direction.

Of those surveyed, 53.2% answered that they would not be supportive if they learned that a male friend was gay, while 50.4% of respondents said they would not be supportive if it transpired that a female friend of theirs preferred women. The survey also noted that more than 70% of men in their 40s said that they would not approve if they found out their co-worker was gay.

With Prime Minster Shinzo Abe’s wife even making an appearance at the Tokyo Rainbow Pride earlier this year, there is evidence to suggest that Japanese society is more aware and understanding of LGBT issues than ever before, even so, it looks like there still much work to be done before both citizens and the government are ready to tackle them with a more open mind.

Source: GENXY

Read more stories from RocketNews24. -- Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward to offer marriage certificates to same-sex couples -- Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward to begin legally recognizing same-sex partnerships -- Japan government hard at work trying to prevent Shibuya Ward approving same-sex marriages

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35 Comments
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I thought it was historically accepted ?

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Historically maybe. But 70 years of western influence has changed opinion.

Good to see that it's actually a fairly even split though - I'd imagine that if they did this poll 20 or 30 years ago, there wouldn't be that much support. Hopefully it's moving in a positive direction.

-2 ( +8 / -10 )

Live and let live I say.

Just don't keep banging on about your orientation.

Don't be so insecure about who you are!

Who gives a...

0 ( +3 / -3 )

If western influence was so decisive in creating discrimination, Strangerland, then how come many western societies have gay marriages and anti-discrimination laws while Japan languishes in the rear?

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

this is confusing. so j-people accept gay marriage but don't accept gay colleagues? usually, it's the opposite. people accept gays but they don't believe in gay marriage.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Of those surveyed, 53.2% answered that they would not be supportive if they learned that a male friend was gay, while 50.4% of respondents said they would not be supportive if it transpired that a female friend of theirs preferred women.

Most Japanese surveyed would not be supportive of their friend if they came out, based on this survey. Shame on them. No wonder the suicide rates here are so high with that lack of support for your supposed friends in need.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

this is confusing. so j-people accept gay marriage but don't accept gay colleagues?

"I don't mind gay couples getting married, as long as I don't have to work with them."

A pretty common phenomenon, and perfectly predictable in a country where homophobic opinions are not based on religion. It's also why coming out can be important--it shows people that they're very likely already working LGBT men and women, and probably didn't know the difference.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I worked with gay/lesbian colleagues 20+ yrs ago, never a problem.

At times they were quicker and more helpful than my other friends, they had their orientation and I had mine and we respected it.

Also we often visited bars frequented by gays and lesbians, only there was a problem but my gay friend sorted it. After that no more problem with subsequent visits.

I got no problems with working and socialising with them.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Progress, at the least.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

If western influence was so decisive in creating discrimination, Strangerland, then how come many western societies have gay marriages and anti-discrimination laws while Japan languishes in the rear?

Lots of stuff happens in 70 years.

this is confusing. so j-people accept gay marriage but don't accept gay colleagues?

NIMBY

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Good to see it's moving in the right direction. As Strangerland mentioned, there would have been hardly any support even 10 years ago I'd say.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

With Prime Minster Shinzo Abe’s wife even making an appearance at the Tokyo Rainbow Pride earlier this year,

maybe that's why they don't have kids.

Wouldn't be the first time either. Think Oda Nobunaga and princess Noh.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Lots of stuff happens in 70 years.

Ah, I see.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Japan dips its toes into political correctness. Next on the agenda: official sanctioned polygamy? Unlike this "same sex" marriage thing, that concept actually has a long history in many cultures. Strange to see that PC demands one, but is silent about the other.

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

@WilliB:

that concept actually has a long history in many cultures.

So do slavery, execution without trial, murder, pedophilia, and rape. I don't see your point.

Civil rights require this change in the law. I am glad the tide is turning for same sex unions. People should not have to hide their relationship with another consenting adult.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I don't really see how a survey is about political correctness. It's just a survey. If you don't like PC and are looking for polygamy but without same-sex marriages, WilliB, there are a few countries in the Middle East that you might find more accommodating than Japan.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Historically love and marriage have been separate issues in Japan. Having same sex relations was fine, but the samurai were also expected to produce heirs with suitable partners for the family line.

I think much of this thinking exists. "Sure be gay, but also, do the omiai thing, get married, pop at least one child, have separate bedrooms and largely separate lives." That's been the expectation for marriage straight or gay.

What people don't think about, until it's brought to their attention, is that contemporary marriage is a legal state and that involves a lot of rights that non-married couples miss out on. Things like being "next of kin" and getting to visit in hospital. Being recognized as family by the immigration bureau, real estate agents, etc.

Change is coming. Awareness is spreading. I hope, for the sake of my many friends in international same-sex relationships, especially, that the change comes soon. (Especially to the Immigration office!)

6 ( +6 / -0 )

As a gay man living in Japan with my Japanese boyfriend of 3 years, I must say that Japan really is not accepting of LGBT people. Yes I have quite a few young friends who are supportive, but the overall pressure to stay in the closet here is immence. My boyfriend, a medical student and future doctor, despite wanting to come out fears for his job security seeing as there are no anti-discrimination laws to protect him here. And despite being totally out in my home country of the UK- it seems like I would be comitting social suicide by coming out, judging by figures like the one in this article (70% of over 40's not accepting gays in the work place) Absoloutly terrifying.

The catch 22 being though, that if no one starts coming out, people are still going to have the same, prejuediced and outdated views on gays.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Not a surprising outcome. We need to understand that with Japan's dire demographics, encouraging same-sex relationships is not something that is advisable.

-10 ( +2 / -11 )

Strange to see that PC demands one, but is silent about the other.

True enough

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

We need to understand that with Japan's dire demographics, encouraging same-sex relationships is not something that is advisable.

Why? Please explain the connection.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Not a surprising outcome. We need to understand that with Japan's dire demographics, encouraging same-sex relationships is not something that is advisable.

Ah yes, the classic myth. Unless you have been living under a rock, you'd know that being gay is genetic. Thus, allowing gay marriage isn't going to suddenly change any demographics for the 150 million heterosexuals living in Japan.

Unless of course you are suggesting that all the homosexuals repress their sexuality and find a wife and have children who they will have to lie to and decieve? Way to contribute to Japan's marital misery.

Tired of homophobes using excuses such as christianity and population to cover up their own prejudices and hatred of gays.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

encouraging same-sex relationships is not something that is advisable.

Interesting, you think people can be "encouraged" in choosing their sexual orientation ?! That the straight community is going to become gay ?! Please explain that statement.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

And despite being totally out in my home country of the UK- it seems like I would be comitting social suicide by coming out, judging by figures like the one in this article (70% of over 40's not accepting gays in the work place) Absoloutly terrifying.

Had you been in the UK in the 1970/80s,this is probably how it would have been then. It shows how far Japan is behind in attitudes.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Abe's wife rode in a float in last years Pride Parade. Maybe while Abe is fiddling with the Constitution, she could get him to rewrite the marriage part to make gay marriage constitutional. That would be progress. He could be remembered for that, because he will not be remembered for his attempted remilitarization of Japan and Abenomics, which is going down the drain.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

you'd know that being gay is genetic.

Supporting links please. Well while I'm at it http://www.trueorigin.org/gaygene01.php http://www.livescience.com/50058-being-gay-not-a-choice.html http://www.mygenes.co.nz/summary.htm I have nothing against gays personally, but all the facts should be laid out

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

Supporting links please. Well while I'm at it http://www.trueorigin.org/gaygene01.php http://www.livescience.com/50058-being-gay-not-a-choice.html http://www.mygenes.co.nz/summary.htm I have nothing against gays personally, but all the facts should be laid out

How about the fact that I AM gay? Oh wait, sorry. I forgot people know more about my own sexuality than I do.

And "the Myth of Evolution"? Are you trolling?

0 ( +3 / -3 )

No. Just questioning some basic underlying assumptions. Google is the answer

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

What about not supporting bi?

Ex: which bf wouldn't want his bi gf's gf to join in on the fun?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

"70% of men in their 40s said that they would not approve if they found out their co-worker was gay."

And 100% of those polled don't want to work with a judgmental ignorant homophobe.

Seriously, I mean, probably 100% of these 70% thinks it's okay for men in their 40s to idolize teenage girls paid to turn them on. Yeah, that's normal, that's healthy.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Japan's biggest gay area, Shinjuku Ni-chome, is dying because being gay has become OK again. Go to clubs in Roppongi or Shinjuku, and there are gays dancing together and with their straight friends. So after the older generation dies out, things will be good for gays. And gokai is totally gay. I have not meet with any resistance. I'm not saying I'm charming or something. Based on the comments here, it seems that foreign writers are more concerned about it than Japanese.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Personally, I don't care if you are gay, but like clueless said...

Just don't keep banging on about your orientation.

What you do in the bedroom is your business, not mine. What I have a problem with is being told what I must accept, What I agree or disagree with should be my choice

2 ( +3 / -1 )

" They are a drain on families and can offer nothing to society except their desire to have sex with any male that walks. Homosexuality is the epitome of evil."

I don't know where you're getting 'drain in families' from. The image of sexual promiscuity has been used time and time again to attack gay men in particular. Doesn't marriage generally encourage monogamy?

A lot of the evil I see in the world stem from intolerance and hatred of others based on things like nationalism, religion and race, not the sexual orientation of a minority.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

People sure get really weird ideas about stuff. Gay marriage is really no skin off anybody's nose. If you don't want a gay marriage, don't get one.

Also, a fertile man can have sex with another man 100 times a year. Then have sex with a fertile woman about 12 times and make a baby (believe it or not, 12 times is the average). Humans have being that sort of thing for a long, long time. And yes, the babies just keep coming!

But you know, some people just can't feel any good about themselves with feeling absolutely sure that some group of people are lower than them. It could be any group really. That has also been happening for thousands of years. For those haters who have chosen gays, they won't let go of their pet hate so easily. They would feel they have slipped a notch on the pecking order, and that would burn them up inside.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

It shouldn't be an issue at all. Gays already have the rights that everyone else has. Civil partnerships, which Germany and Australia permit - already suffice. The world's morals - such as they remain - are rapidly going down the drain. Hopefully Japan resists the urge to go with the flow on this one. That said they've done an excellent job of mimicking the US on just about everything else

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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