Photo: SoraNews24
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Nintendo Japan officially provides spousal benefits to same-sex partnerships

23 Comments
By SoraNews24

It’s been slow moving, but bit-by-bit regions of Japan have been moving to recognize same-sex marriages here and there. However, there is still a lot of progress needed in that area, so much so that corporations have begun taking the initiative and allowing their employees to enjoy the same benefits as conventionally married couples regardless of their own sexual orientation or gender identity.

The latest major company to do so has been video game legend Nintendo Japan, which recently updated its website to include a number of changes under the banner of Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR.

All of these changes have been laid out in detail on Nintendo’s CSR website in Japanese and English, but the one that has gotten the most attention was the announcement of their Partnership System. This system went into effect in March last year but was only recently announced publicly, and ensures that any two people in a common-law partnership regardless of their sex or gender and regardless of whether or not they are legally recognized as “married” by the government, will be treated the same as far as company policy and benefits are concerned.

Reaction to the news was well received by Japanese netizens who felt that even though Nintendo is only one organization, a company with its influence has the potential to make similar policies spread.

“Does this mean they’ll bring same-sex marriage to Tomodachi Collection?”

“If the company changes their mindset, then it will be reflected in their games, which will influence the world over time.”

“That’s fantastic! Large companies like that often have extensive benefits for families.”

“Wonderful! I hope this spreads.”

“I’m really happy about this. Japan is moving in the right direction.”

“Opposition to same-sex marriage is irrational anyway.”

“I feel like Mario is on my side now.”

In addition to recognizing a wider range of family structures, Nintendo’s CSR policy also vows to respect people’s privacy should they choose not disclose such matters in the workplace. Other points on Nintendo’s CSR agenda include sourcing materials from places that adhere to both environmental and human rights standards.

Hopefully, these steps will help people enjoy Yakiniku Simulator even more, knowing they’re virtually cooking meat on a machine that respects all people’s rights and freedoms.

Sources: Nintendo CSRDenfamico GamerTwitter

Read more stories from SoraNews24.

-- Kirin beer company toasts same-sex marriages for its employees

-- Same-sex couples to be recognized in Sapporo, Japanese city with population of around two million

-- Two Tokyo wards issue Japan’s first ever same-sex partnership certificates

© SoraNews24

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

23 Comments
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Paul you miss the point of my comment where the cost fact is near zero for Woke PR weather that good or not for the company only the investor will determent that. Japan Government and Tax system does not recognise same sex marriage. The company give the rebate but the government will take off the person not legally married.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

All the married couples at my Japanese workplace claim an annual tax rebate for their non working dependent partner. So, John San you are wrong!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Conventionally married couples are not a family and do not receive any benefit for that status unless they have children and that when benefit are offered, So how many same sex couples in Japan, not many, so how many have children. It would not register, So what will it cost companies? I assume that company would spend more on T Paper. So all this is, is PR. Weather it good PR or bad PR. You will be indicating that your company is effected by woke mentality. People invest money to make money, not feel good about the method of the profit made.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Shareholder profits direct to a scared cow, how will the shareholders respond ? I see investing in companies that are pro woke will decline.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Corporate benefits vs Government ... the former are small gestures. But, show a sense of impartiality - which is good. People go to work, to be productive and ear pay as a result, not to play Politics or Religion, so regardless to how people think about LGBQTO, etc. this is a ground-breaking good move for a Company within Japan.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

The entire purpose of giving financial benefits for marriage was for the sake of families, not two childless people that just want to spend money on their cats and iPhones.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Could we get a definition of the word "partnership"

Why do you need it?

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

I reckon just cancel any benefit that any kind of relationship may bring. Keep everyone happy.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

"any two people in a common-law partnership". Why not three? What about two brothers living together? Love is love? Why should different types of relationships be given the same kind of recognition?

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Personally this thing about letting same sex partners equal rights like normal married couples is so wrong o so many levels.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

Ass Today 10:49 am JST

Why?

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

I just came to read how many tears are shed and how many masculinities are injured by this news..

lol..

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

Pretty progressive for a Japanese company. Of course more could be done to make sure that couples who struggle to live openly gay can benefit too, but obviously hard to manage that one for everyone involved.

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

They should, considering the arm and a leg they are charging for their online services.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Why?

0 ( +6 / -6 )

I’m thinking if Japan can progress to same sex marriages, then next should be PR taxpayers having the right to vote?

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Another instance of hollow corporate virtue signaling. To be clear, I am in favor of this decision, but their hostility towards fan projects, emulation, competitive Smash, and even free publicity in the form of people streaming their games is well documented.

Nintendo remains extremely consumer unfriendly and stubborn.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

Well done, Nintendo Japan! A step in th right direction.

The homophobe remedial class is along the hallway, just past the "what is a woman?" transphobe room.

Beautiful comeback. Love it. All the applause to you.

-6 ( +6 / -12 )

This is good. People who love one another (and because of archaic, bigoted laws, can't get married) should be able to do this. Love is love, and if people want to hate same-sex relationships, then they are not worthy of consideration.

-7 ( +6 / -13 )

Love is love, as long as it’s not to children. Couples who can prove they have cohabited for two years should be allowed to register at the city office and get all the benefits of married couples.

-8 ( +6 / -14 )

Hopefully, these steps will help people enjoy Yakiniku Simulator even more, knowing they’re virtually cooking meat on a machine that respects all people’s rights and freedoms.

Machines respect rights?

I’m learning more and more on this site everyday…

3 ( +6 / -3 )

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