But same-sex couples will still not be allowed to legally marry.

Tokyo has announced it will begin to recognise same-sex partnerships this year, becoming the largest city in Japan to do so. However, the unions will still not be recognised as legal marriages as its constitution states that "marriage shall be only with the mutual consent of both sexes". Support for sexual diversity has been growing in Japan, but legal protections are still lacking for LGBTQ people. Many often face discrimination at work, school, home, etc., causing them to hide their sexual identities. Same-sex couples can also face barriers accessing services available to married couples, like renting an apartment together or visiting a partner in hospital. Tokyo metropolitan government unveiled the draft plan on Tuesday to accept applications from sexual-minority couples seeking certificates of their partnerships. Applications will start from October and be issued in November. The government was clear that the recognition of partnerships is not the same as a marriage certificate. It is hoped that the new measure will ease the burdens faced by the LGBTQ community. The purpose is “to promote understanding among Tokyo residents about sexual diversity and to reduce inconveniences in daily lives surrounding sexual minorities in order to create more pleasant living conditions for them”, Tokyo's government said in a statement. In 2015, Tokyo’s Shibuya district became the first Japanese municipality to issue non-legally binding partnership certificates to same-sex couples. The new plan will now cover the entire city.