On 1 July, Ibaraki Prefecture will become the first among Japan’s 47 prefectures to offer partnership certificates. Some local governments have already opted to issue certificates, which give limited rights such as public housing, hospital visitation rights, the right to make medical decisions for the partner, and special benefits given by employers.

With a population of three million, Ibaraki Prefecture is also the largest municipality to recognise same-sex couples. ‘This is a matter of human rights, and we must work swiftly in order to eliminate discrimination and prejudice,’ said Ibaraki Gov. Kazuhiko Oigawa at a news conference.

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