## Japan's Business Leaders Push for Optional Two-Surname System
Japan's business community is increasingly calling for a change to the country's mandatory single-surname system for married couples. This push is driven by the growing number of women in management and executive positions who find the current system inconvenient and costly.
Both Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) and Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives) have criticized the single-surname system, arguing that it hinders business processes. They have submitted requests to the Justice and Foreign Ministries, urging the introduction of an optional two-surname system.
This campaign is supported by a petition signed by 1,000 corporate executives and spearheaded by prominent business figures like Yoshihisa Aono, president of Cybozu Inc.
The powerful business lobbies have been aggressively pushing for a dual-surname system since earlier this year. Keidanren Chairman Masakazu Tokura and Keizai Doyukai Chairman Takeshi Niinami have both publicly voiced their support for the change, emphasizing its importance for diversity and inclusivity.
Previously, Keidanren had been content with the government's initiative to allow citizens to use their maiden names on official documents. However, the broadened use of maiden names has been deemed insufficient, especially as more women rise to leadership positions.
The business groups argue that the current system creates inconvenience and potential damage for companies, as illustrated by the experience of Naomi Motojima, a managing executive officer from Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. She faced difficulties while on a business trip to the United States due to the discrepancy between her maiden name and her official married name.
Masumi Abe, a senior managing director at Aida Sekkei Co., also shared her struggles with the single-surname system. She uses her maiden name for business but her official name for legal documents, leading to confusion and potential business complications.
Keidanren plans to develop a proposal for a dual-surname framework in the coming months and continue pressing the government for change. This push reflects the growing recognition of the need for a more flexible and inclusive system that supports the increasing number of women in leadership roles.