Japan Business Lobby Urges Government to Permit Spousal Surname Choice

07 Feb, 2024

Japan Business Lobby Urges Government to Permit Spousal Surname Choice

A proposal advocating for the option of spousal surname choice gains traction within Japan's corporate realm, highlighting challenges posed by the nation's rigid naming conventions in an increasingly globalized landscape. Masahiko Uotani, CEO of cosmetics behemoth Shiseido and chair of Keidanren's diversity panel, conveyed concerns to Ayuko Kato, minister for promoting women's participation, emphasizing how the existing system impedes career progress for internationally engaged individuals, citing instances where divergent names hampered overseas engagements.

Under current civil law, couples must adopt one partner's surname post-marriage, with the woman typically altering hers in 95% of cases. However, a growing number of women utilize their maiden names for professional purposes, supported by workplace policies and government provisions permitting the inclusion of maiden names on official documents alongside post-marriage names. Despite this, Japan remains the sole country mandating identical surnames for spouses, prompting Keidanren to amass accounts of hardships stemming from this requirement, including career setbacks and business credibility challenges.

Proposed revisions to Japan's Civil Code to enable surname selection necessitate overcoming decades-long opposition from conservative factions, rooted in concerns over traditional family structures. However, historical roots reveal that the same-name system emerged relatively recently and does not align with ancient practices. Keidanren's advocacy for reform underscores broader societal shifts towards gender equality and workplace inclusivity, resonating with growing support among businesses and the public for spousal surname choice, as evidenced by recent surveys and discussions. Momentum mounts for legislative action to dismantle barriers hindering women's advancement and align Japan's naming regulations with contemporary realities.