In Japan, LGBTQ couples are unable to get legally married, so they celebrate their love with “photo weddings” where they wear traditional kimonos and fashionable formal wear. These images are often kept hidden in a society where prejudice and stigma against LGBTQ individuals are common.
Reuters documented these photo weddings by studio Onestyle in Tokyo and Yokohama, where couples shared their stories while protecting their identities due to discrimination fears. Despite facing challenges, they find solace in creating tangible memories to commemorate their relationships.
Japan, unlike other G7 nations, does not recognize same-sex marriage or provide legal protections for LGBTQ people. Although some municipalities allow partnership agreements, rights remain limited.
While societal attitudes towards LGBTQ individuals are slowly shifting, there is still a generational divide in acceptance. However, some couples have found acceptance within their families.
Despite legal and social challenges, the LGBTQ community in Japan continues to push for change, with recent court rulings challenging the ban on same-sex marriage. Slowly, progress is being made, but true normalization and acceptance are still needed.
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