Yokohama recognizes partnerships for LGBT couples

Homosexuality has never been illegal in Japan, unlike Western nations.

And hows about same sex marriage?

Umm, congrats?

It just seems a bit daft that they have to have special recognition. If it were just two guys or two girls renting an apartment it should not make any difference at all. There’s no need to wave the LGBT flag for these particular circumstances. If they want to get married and adopt kids, I could understand.

So much for those who always claim Japan is "too conservative", and "behind the times" to recognize same sex marriage. 

Given that gay marriage does not exist in Japan, and there are no plans to legislate for it, as far as I know, it is clearly conservative and behind the times compared to many other liberal democracies.

Saying that, these local reforms are clearly better than nothing.

What effect will recognizing Partnerships, not necessarily only LBGT ones, have on immigration, visas, and such?

None. Yokohama is a municipality. Immigration is federal.

So much for those who always claim Japan is "too conservative", and "behind the times"

Well it is behind the times if we look at other developed countries who have made same-sex marriage legal.

So much for those who always claim Japan is "too conservative", and "behind the times" to recognize same sex marriage. Homosexuality has never been illegal in Japan, unlike Western nations.

Totally disappointed in Yokohama for their beginning and issuing certificates recognizing the partnerships of sexual minority caving in to peer pressure.

Totally disappointed that some people still want to deny others rights.

I mean, how much impact will this have on their everyday lives that they can dislike it so?

What effect will recognizing Partnerships, not necessarily only LBGT ones, have on immigration, visas, and such?

Once the kinks are worked out of the system, this may become the standard throughout Japan. Certainly a good step forward.

Totally disappointed in Yokohama for their beginning and issuing certificates recognizing the partnerships of sexual minority

Prepare yourself for more disappointments. Same-sex marriage isn’t too far away in Japan.

Totally disappointed in Yokohama for their beginning and issuing certificates recognizing the partnerships of sexual minority caving in to peer pressure. Common-law kudos and about time.

The next step is to get the national government on board for benefiits such as health insurance and pensions.

Quite right. But I also think full marriage equality now is necessary in Japan.

Same here. A de facto partner visa would be nice. Nothing wrong with spending 5-10-20years/your life with a partner you love without feeling the need to get married.

Are you seriously claiming that evidencing your love through a legally binding contract isn’t romantic? (Sarcasm.)

"We would like these kinds of developments to become more common."

Same here. A de facto partner visa would be nice. Nothing wrong with spending 5-10-20years/your life with a partner you love without feeling the need to get married.

Even more 'romantic' if anything!

As I understand, it helps prevent situations like landlords denying an apartment to gay couples on the basis that they're gay, because they will have to answer to the city.

waiting for the same treatment for foreigner....

Sensei, did you skip this paragraph?

Yokohama is planning on allowing those registered in the newly accepted relationships to apply for public housing as a couple. It also plans to work with private-sector medical facilities and real estate agencies on extending the certificate's benefits.

Imagine your loved one has suffered a medical emergency and you are unable to visit or make decisions for them if they are unresponsive.

The next step is to get the national government on board for benefiits such as health insurance and pensions.

As I understand, it helps prevent situations like landlords denying an apartment to gay couples on the basis that they're gay, because they will have to answer to the city.

What exactly does this recognition give the couples?