Will Japan’s New PM Pass Marriage Equality for LGBTQ People?

A majority in Japan support marriage equality for same-sex couples. But will new PM Ishiba Shigeru do anything about it?

Picture: chachacha / PIXTA(ピクスタ)

By Jay Andrew Allen

A new Prime Minister is taking power in Japan. The question is: Can Ishiba Shigeru stay in power now that he has it?

One way the new PM could gain such public support is by backing policies that are…well, actually popular. Two key issues with strong public support are separate spousal surnames and marriage equality. Where, exactly, does Ishiba stand on these pressing social issues?

The ascent of Ishiba

“LOLed at new PM Ishiba’s smile. Charm is crucial.” (Source: X)

Ishiba Shigeru emerged from a crowded field of nine candidates to become the next president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). That makes him the country’s next Prime Minister. He’ll replace outgoing PM Kishida Fumio, whose tenure has been marked by rock-bottom poll numbers and a general loss of support for the LDP.

Ishiba fended off an attack from his arch-rival, the notoriously sexist powerbroker Aso Taro, who backed hard-right candidate Takaichi Sanae. (A picture of Aso looking…