Traditional family system, local government recognition and citizens' perceptions of homosexuality in Japan: an exploratory study

• Date: 08 January 2024
• Pages: 693-710
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-05-2023-0151
• Published date: 08 January 2024
• Author: Nina Takashino,Robert Joseph Davidson,Minakshi Keeni

Traditional family system, local

government recognition and

citizens’perceptions of

homosexuality in Japan:

an exploratory study

Nina Takashino

Ritsumeikan University, Ibaraki, Japan

Robert Joseph Davidson

University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and

Minakshi Keeni

Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan

Abstract

Purpose –Japan has made some progress in recognizing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer

(LGBTQ) rights, such as passing laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender

identity in some cities. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of legal protection and social acceptance.

Understanding citizens’attitudes toward homosexuality can help inform policies and interventions that

promote LGBTQ rights and reduce discrimination. This study explores factors that influence citizens’attitudes

toward homosexuality in Japan.

Design/methodology/approach –The research was conducted through a web-based questionnaire with

1,806 participants, where they were asked about their views on same-sex partnership recognition, homosexual

rights and traditional Japanese family systems. The collected data were statistically analyzed to determine the

factors that affect individuals’opinions regarding homosexuality.

Findings –The study determined that in Japan, traditional views are inversely related to same-sex

partnership registration. Conversely, local government support for LGBTQþrights is directly associated with

societal acceptance. Additionally, closer contact with the LGBTQþcommunity promotes acceptance.

Social implications –The study provides insights into the factors that shape societal attitudes toward

homosexuality in Japan and highlights the importance of policies promoting diversity and inclusivity. By

identifyingthese determinants,this studycould helppolicymakers and advocates create effective strategies for

promoting acceptance and equality for the LGBTQþcommunity in Japan.

Originality/value –To the best of the authors’knowledge, this is the first study that focuses on

understanding the factors that influence the attitudes of Japanese citizens toward homosexuality.

Keywords Patriarchy family systems, Homosexual rights, SOGI, Japan

Paper type Research paper

1. Introduction

The recognition of homosexuality has garnered considerable scholarly attention, with

research efforts primarily aimed at understanding the self-realization of sexual orientation

and its subsequent navigation within varied socio-cultural milieus. The concept of “inclusion”

presents itself as a complex and layered term, its interpretation fluctuating across different

fields of study. Cordier et al. (2017) enhance our comprehension of “social inclusion”by

Citizens’

perceptions of

homosexuality

693

The authors would like to express their deepest appreciation to the scholars of Amsterdam Research

Centre of Gender and Sexuality (ARC-GS), University of Amsterdam for their insightful comments and

warm support. This work was funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)

KAKENHI (No: 17KK0041 and 17H05036).

The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:

https://www.emerald.com/insight/2040-7149.htm

Received 17 May 2023

Revised 1 September 2023

30 November 2023

Accepted 14 December 2023

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

An International Journal

Vol. 43 No. 4, 2024

pp. 693-710

© Emerald Publishing Limited

2040-7149

DOI 10.1108/EDI-05-2023-0151

associating it with prevailing disparities in health, social, cultural and economic sectors.

Extending this framework, “homosexuality inclusion”is delineated as the societal, legal and

political acknowledgment and assimilation of individuals identifying as homosexual.

Badgett (2019) posits that such inclusion correlates with broader economic indices,

suggesting that societal acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)

individuals bears significant implications for a nation’s economic vitality. The absence of

social inclusion manifests in adverse mental and physical health outcomes within the LGBT

community, as documented by Hafeez et al. (2017). Similarly, Zeeman et al. (2019) observe that

LGBT individuals often encounter substandard healthcare experiences when juxtaposed

with the general populace, accentuating the need for policies that foster inclusivity and

overall well-being. These findings collectively highlight the necessity for equality in rights,

representation and acceptance, thereby ensuring that homosexual individuals are privy to

the same gamut of opportunities, protections and societal privileges enjoyed by heterosexual

individuals (Badgett, 2011).

Complementing these perspectives, Savin-Williams (2005) examines the sexual identity

formation among gay and bisexual men, underscoring the pivotal role of relational support

and community. Diamond (2003) delves into the intricacies of same-sex attraction among

women, challenging the simplicity of binary labels such as “lesbian”or “bisexual”. This

evolving discourse is further enriched by the work of Koken et al. (2009) and Banerjee and

Chakraborty (2020), who illuminate the lived experi ences of lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals within conservative societies, often marked

by hostility and oppression.

As the recognition of gender and sexual diversity advances, many nations have instituted

legal frameworks to support same-sex marriage or civil partnerships. This progress is

reflected in international events such as the Olympics, with the International Olympic

Committee’s(IOC)“Olympic Agenda 2020”underscoring a commitment against

discrimination based on sexual orientation. The historical landscape in Japan, however,

presents a dichotomy where past acceptance of same-sex relationships stands in stark

contrast to the current stigmatization and legal hurdles faced by the LGBTQþcommunity.

In Western countries, a growing body of literature has examined homosexuals’human

rights and a number of studies have tried to explain personal differences in levels of

homosexual acceptance (Davies, 2004;Kelley, 2001;Kite and Whitley, 1996;Steffens and

Wagner, 2004;Stulhofer and Rimac, 2009;Van de Meerendonk and Scheepers, 2004;Whitley,

2009). These studies found that men, the elderly, the lower-educated and religious people tend

to disapprove of homosexual rights more than women, young people, the higher educated and

non-religious people. Also, if people have a homosexual friend, they seem to have a better

attitude toward homosexuals (Steffens and Wagner, 2004).

Scholars have delved into various aspects of homosexuality in Japan, ranging from

historical analyses of same-sex relationships in pre-modern literature and culture to

contemporary studies of LGBTQþrights and activism. Togman Richard’sbook

“Nationalizing Sex: Fertility, Fear and Power”(2019) examines how the Japanese state has

regulated and controlled sexuality, including homosexuality, to promote population growth

and national security. Tom Boellstorff’s“The Gay Archipelago: Sexuality and Nation in

Indonesia”(2005) includes a chapter on homosexuality in Japan, discussing the challenges

facing LGBTQþpeople in a society that prioritizes heteronormative ideals.

While Western academia has extensively explored homosexual rights, studies from a

political perspective in Japan remain scarce. According to Tamagawa (2018a,b), the relatively

low level of tolerance for homosexuals in Japan has caused many to remain in the closet,

leading to their invisibility in society. Studies on homosexual culture in Japanese society have

been mostly literary and historical (Saeki, 1997a,b;Kawasaka, 2016). Recently, discussions

on homosexual rights from legal and administrative perspectives have emerged, stimulated

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