LGBT couples in Japan say national census makes them disappear, Here’s why

The national census, conducted every five years by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, is used to shape policies on housing, healthcare, and welfare. Yet despite its significance, it still only acknowledges marriages between men and women, leaving same-sex couples to be classified as “roommates” or “other relatives,” even when they declare themselves as spouses.

One such couple is Hitomi Inoue, a 46-year-old veterinarian, and Junko Urimoto, a 45-year-old veterinary nurse, who live together in Osaka. Though they held a wedding ceremony and pledged to spend their lives as partners, the census refuses to recognise their relationship.

In past surveys, Inoue listed herself as “head of household,” while Urimoto tried to register as “spouse.” Instead, census officials changed her status to “other relative.” “We are not just cohabiting,” Inoue said. “We are life partners. But the census makes us disappear,” she told The Asahi Shimbun.

A ministry official said the policy exists because same-sex marriage is not legally recognised in Japan, and to prevent people from incorrectly registering friends or roommates as spouses. As a result, the census form still enforces a definition of “family” rooted in heterosexual marriage.

Professor Saori Kamano of Waseda University warned that removing LGBT households from official data has real consequences. “The census covers everyone, it guides national policy. If LGBT families are not counted, their needs will never be reflected in laws or services,” Kamano said.

Although over 530 municipalities across Japan now issue partnership certificates to same-sex couples, covering 92.7% of the population, the national government still does not recognise these unions.