Posted in: Tokyo ward rejects couple's marriage registry under separate surnames See in context
Critics say the provision originating from the 1898 Civil Code reflects the traditional concept of marriage as an arrangement involving families rather than individuals. Usually, a woman leaves her family to become part of her husband's family.
The Supreme Court ruled the provision as constitutional in 2021.
The concept of marriage as a woman leaving her family to join her husband's family (or vice versa) no longer reflects reality. So, despite the recent Supreme Court decision, it is likely to be changed, perhaps not too distant future. Polls show that younger generations overwhelmingly do not support the existing law.
"Do you think we should keep the law?": Yes (or No)
19-29 yrs old: 19.8% (50.2%)
30-39 yrs old: 13.6% (52.5%)
40-49 yrs old: 15.6% (49.9%)
50-59 yrs old: 19.1% (48.2%)
60-69 yrs old: 33.0% (41.0%)
70 yrs or older: 52.3% (28.1%)
Besides, this current law (using a common surname) was introduced only in 1898, previously, both husbands and wives were allowed to keep their own surnames. And most Japanese people did not even have surnames at all before Meiji.
