In Omura, Nagasaki Prefecture, a same-sex couple, Keita Matsuura and Yutaro Fujiyama, were granted a residence certificate by the city government. This certificate allowed them to acknowledge their relationship in a similar manner to a de facto marriage. The city used the term "unregistered husband" in the document, which was not well-received by Japan's internal affairs ministry, leading to objections and disagreements between the two parties.
Omura city officials defended their decision to use the term "unregistered husband," citing that it was done in alignment with the basic resident registers law and to fulfill the preferences of the residents. The ministry raised concerns about the practical use of the law and requested the city to reconsider their choice of terminology. Despite the pressure from the central government to revise the certificate, Mayor Hiroshi Sonoda emphasized that the city would not make any changes to the document at the moment.
The clash between Omura city and the internal affairs ministry highlighted a larger debate surrounding the recognition of same-sex partnerships in Japan. The ministry's stance on the matter is seen as an attempt to influence local governments while city officials maintain the autonomy to make decisions that reflect the needs and beliefs of their community. The controversy has shed light on the complexities and challenges faced by same-sex couples seeking official recognition and acceptance in a country where traditional views on marriage and relationships prevail.