Happy New Year from your friends at the Japan Gay Guide! As we turn towards the bright light of 2026, we thought we would take a moment to look back at the year that was: the good, the bad, and the fierce!
Society
2025 saw both positive and shocking developments regarding potential recognition of marriage equality, as well as a significant anniversary for the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights and recognitions across Japan.
Osaka High Court Ruling
In March, the Osaka High Court reversed a ruling made by the Osaka District Court, and ruled that a lack of same-gender marriage recognition was in violation of the Japanese constitution. It declared that the lack of marriage equality is an obvious and irrational violation of the right to equality, and therefore the only remedy is to recognize same-gender marriage.
Tokyo High Court
Conversely, in December, the Tokyo High Court made a ruling that decreed that it was constitutional that same-gender marriage is not allowed under Japanese law. The logic justifying this was so tortured that even some who are opposed to marriage equality distanced themselves from the ruling.
Ten Years of Partnership Oaths
2025 also marked the tenth year since the Partnership Oath system debuted in Shibuya. Although this system lacks legal authority, local governments have, in the decade since it was introduced in Tokyo, increasingly adopted policies to give more recognition to same-gender couples. In the ten years since, it has spread to cover the vast majority of Japan.
Cocona
A member of the band XG, Cocona came out as trans-masculine non-binary, and revealed that they had had top surgery. One of the most visible musicians in the country to make such a declaration, their announcement was met with praise in Japan and beyond.
LGBTQ+ Media
2025 was a big year for LGBTQ+ media in Japan. Here are just a few of our top selections of the most interesting queer media.
10Dance
Anticipated by many, this live-action adaptation of the long-running manga came in just under the wire at the end of December. It has been praised by fans and critics for its faithfulness to the source material, as well as for the performances of the main cast. While there might be a little left to be desired when it comes to the dancing, this is a thoroughly enjoyable movie. Read more in our review here.
Watanare
Short for *Watashi ga Koibito ni Nareru Wakenaijan, Muri Muri! (Muri Janakatta!?), or There’s No Freaking Way I’ll be Your Lover! Unless…, this anime revolves around Renako Amaori, who gets into a complicated relationship with school idol Mai Oduka, as they debate whether to be besties or lovers. Slightly problematic, it is a nonetheless compelling show that stands out among girls’ love media. Read more here.
Unexpectedly Naughty Fukami
Very much more on the naughty side, this anime takes around one hour to watch from start to finish, but is a fun set of short stories bout the developing relationship between the narcissistic Akihiro Kaji and the unassuming but surprisingly sexual Yu Fukami. The show is funny, sweet, and horny as hell. Definitely NSFW, but definitely worth a watch. Read more about the show here.
And so it is that we bid farewell to 2025. As 2026 beckons, we at JGG hope that you have a wonderful year, and that each day brings the Land of the Rising Sun that much closer to queer liberation.
