【Tokyo Partnership Oath System】

The Tokyo metropolitan government on Tuesday began accepting applications from sexual minorities to have their partnerships publicly recognized, ahead of the program's launch on Nov. 1.

Applications under the so-called Tokyo Partnership Oath System are in principle conducted online, including the issuance of certificates showing they have been received, to protect the privacy of applicants.

Japan does not legally recognize same-sex marriage, but couples who obtain a certificate under the system will be able to apply for municipal housing and be briefed on their partner's medical condition at municipal hospitals.

To apply, at least one partner must be a sexual minority and reside, work or attend school in Tokyo. The couple should both be legal adults. The system is not limited by nationality as long as the requirements are met.