Catholic Archbishop of Tokyo Supports New Government Plan to Protect LGBT People in Japan

Catholic Archbishop of Tokyo Cardinal Isao Kikuchi has welcomed the Japanese government’s decision to promote public understanding of sexual minorities. The new state guidelines address the treatment of LGBT individuals in national and local government agencies, as well as in schools and businesses.

In an interview with UCA News, cited by New Ways Ministry , Cardinal Kikuchi called the new initiatives “meaningful.” According to him, an inclusive community is the first step toward realizing the world that God calls people to build.

These recommendations, approved earlier this summer, are based on the 2023 LGBT Understanding Promotion Act. The authorities’ initiative was also supported by representatives of the Buddhist clergy, who noted the importance of respecting people regardless of their gender identity and sexual orientation.

Japan remains the only G7 nation that does not recognize same-sex marriage at the national level, offering only localized partnership certificates. The local advocacy group Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation (J-ALL) appreciated the government’s steps but expressed regret that it took three years to implement the law. Activists also noted that the new measures are mainly focused on education and counseling services, without addressing concrete legal protections such as marriage equality or anti-discrimination.