The debate surrounding whether married women should be able to retain their maiden names has ignited significant discussions in Japan, raising important questions on the themes of equality, representation and the role of tradition in modern society.
Currently, Japanese legislation mandates that married women must adopt their husband’s surnames, setting the nation apart from many other countries that established dual-surname systems in 1975 following the United Nations’ International Women’s Year. This legal requirement has resulted in over 95% of Japanese women giving up their maiden names (The Japan Times). However, a recent campaign movement led by groups of Japanese women advocating for legislative equality has attracted global attention, with even The Keidanren, Japan’s largest business lobby, supporting the campaign’s aim to reform the law and to allow women to retain their maiden names after marriage. Despite a Justice Ministry panel recommendation in 1996 to revise the Civil Code and amend it for separate surnames within married couples, opposition from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has impeded its progress. The nation’s conservative politicians argue that this legislative change would damage the family unit, breaking traditional Japanese values and culture. Conversely, activists claim that this tradition has become outdated, labelling it a “patriarchal remnant of the legal system held in place by conservative male politicians” (SCMP). Keidanren Chairman Masakazu Tokura himself expresses support for the reformation, stating, “I personally think it should be done. I want it to be implemented as a top priority to support women’s working styles.” Keidanren has also revealed that they are drafting a proposal advocating for the need to allow different surnames between married couples, which is slated for submission to the government in late 2024. With the support of Keidanren, the activists believe it is only a matter of time before traditionalist ideologies are challenged and legislative changes can be achieved.
Many women cite professional recognition as a key motivation for reforming the law. Machiko Osawa, an expert in labour economics, argues that “for those who have established themselves as professionals, being forced to change their name is a denial of what they have accomplished. It sows confusion and subordinates them to men.”
The current law in Japan mandating shared surnames for married couples has sparked a multifaceted discussion on gender equality, representation and women’s autonomy. While opinions on the matter differ, there is growing support for changing the law to allow married women to maintain their maiden names. Ultimately, the outcome of this debate will shape the future of gender representation and the role of tradition in Japan’s evolving society.
