Newly appointed Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki's first news conference saw him addressing the ongoing debate surrounding the right for married couples in Japan to choose their surnames. With calls for allowing separate surnames gaining momentum, Suzuki's response was guarded, emphasizing the need for discussions on the topic within the Diet rather than expressing a definitive stance in support or opposition.
Replacing Hideki Makihara of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Suzuki's hesitation to commit to a position on the issue contrasts with his earlier statements of support for separate surnames in various media surveys. While past justice ministers have shown openness to proposing legislation on this matter, opposition within the LDP has hindered any progress. Yet, with the backing of the Keidanren and growing support from opposition parties and the ruling coalition partner Komeito, the push for introducing the choice of surnames for married couples seems to be gaining momentum. This shift is further highlighted by the fact that the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan now leads the Lower House’s Judicial Affairs Committee.
Despite Suzuki's personal alignment with the idea of selective surnames, his official stance during the news conference remained neutral, citing the need to consider various developments and take discussions within the Diet into account before making any concrete decisions. Refraining from sharing his personal views on the matter at the press conference due to his role as the justice minister, Suzuki's approach reflects the complexity of the issue and the political landscape surrounding it.