The certification framework is intended to cover both same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples who cannot marry for some reason, as well as relatives within the third degree of kinship.
Aichi will become the first prefecture in Japan to recognize sexual minorities and common-law couples and their children as families under a “family ship” oath system that will come into effect on April 1.
“The mechanism will be of great help in raising awareness about sexual diversity,” said Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura during a press conference reported by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper.
The certification framework is intended to cover both same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples who cannot marry for some reason, as well as relatives within the third degree of kinship.
Those who take the oath will have the right to public housing provided by the prefecture and will have the right to give consent when a loved one needs surgery at a hospital managed by the prefecture.
Applicants must notify their intentions to the prefectural authorities at least one week in advance, and couples can complete the declaration process either in person or online.
Once the family declaration is approved, applicants will receive an A4-sized certificate, as well as a family identification card that they can carry in a wallet.
As of March 1, officials said that 28 cities and towns in Aichi Prefecture had adopted same-sex couple systems or family ship declaration mechanisms to cover sexual minorities in relationships, as well as others, but the prefectural government had not introduced such systems or mechanisms.
“By including opposite-sex couples and their children, our system will also cover those who are excluded from the prefectural municipal government programs,” Omura assured.
The prefectural government now wants to ensure that these families can access local resident services, even in prefectural municipalities that do not have their own certification programs.
Prefectural officials also intend to reach out to private companies to ensure a wider range of services available for same-sex and other couples with children, and to increase public awareness of sexual minorities.
Under the program, certified family members will qualify for price reductions on insurance contracts and cell phone purchases. The plan will also require more flexible requirements for rental housing.
