Society

Sapporo Court Rules Against Surgical Requirement For Gender Change

SAPPORO, Sep 25 (News On Japan) - A transgender man living in Sapporo has won a landmark case after the Sapporo Family Court ruled that the legal requirement demanding surgical or hormonal changes to alter the appearance of one’s genitals in order to change gender on the family register is unconstitutional.

Japan’s Special Act on Gender Identity Disorder outlines five conditions for changing one’s legal gender. In 2023, the Supreme Court struck down one of these conditions requiring individuals to lack reproductive capability, declaring it unconstitutional.

In the latest case, the Sapporo Family Court ruled that the so-called “appearance requirement,” which demands genital surgery or hormone treatment to alter external appearance, lacks a rational connection to contemporary medical practices for gender identity disorder, and is therefore unconstitutional.

The petitioner was unable to undergo surgery or hormone therapy due to concerns over allergies and side effects.

This marks the first time a court has declared the “appearance requirement” unconstitutional nationwide. The ruling was issued on September 24th.

Source: HBCニュース　北海道放送

Japan Set for First Female Leader

A special session of the Diet convened on October 21st, where Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Takeuchi is expected to be chosen as Japan’s next prime minister in the afternoon’s leadership vote. Following a coalition agreement reached on October 20th between the LDP and Nippon Ishin no Kai, Takeuchi’s appointment is now virtually certain, paving the way for her to become the first woman in Japan’s constitutional history to lead the government.

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) Strengthens Over South China Sea, Heavy Rain Forecast For Japan

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) is strengthening over the South China Sea and is expected to make landfall in Vietnam later this week, according to forecasts. Satellite images on October 201st show extensive cloud coverage over the central South China Sea. After passing over the Philippines, Fung-shen temporarily weakened but is projected to intensify again as it continues westward through Tuesday.

Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

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