Thanks to the generous donations from so many people, we have exceeded our target of 10 million yen, receiving a total of 12,549,700 yen from 1,546 individuals (as of 7:25 PM on March 30, 2026).
We are deeply encouraged by the "voices of support" that those who have made donations have shared with us. Thank you very much.
https://www.call4.jp/search.php?type=pay&items_id=I0000031&run=true&items_id_PAL%5B%5D=match+comp&memo=%20&memo_PAL%5B%5D=unmatch+empty&comment=true

The donations we have received so far have been used for actual expenses such as stamp duty, communication costs, transportation costs, copying costs for documents to be submitted to the court and the defendant country, and costs for holding hearing debriefing sessions.

The "Freedom to Marry for All" lawsuit has been fought in courts in Tokyo, Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka, and there are plaintiffs and legal team members in areas outside of the court's jurisdiction, such as Kagawa, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima.
Of the 112 members of the plaintiffs' legal team, 68 live outside the Tokyo metropolitan area.
We had set a target amount so that all those who wished to could travel to Tokyo and attend the Supreme Court hearings and judgments, but due to rising accommodation costs and other factors, we are unsure how much is needed to guarantee that this will be possible.
Therefore, we will continue to accept donations even after reaching our target amount.
I will use it with care, and I look forward to your continued support.

In addition to the lawsuit for freedom to marry for all, there are other lawsuits concerning marriage equality (same-sex marriage), which are listed on the CALL4 Gender and Sexuality page.
We would appreciate your attention and support for this as well.
https://www.call4.jp/search.php?type=items&run=true&tag=TAG000002

I will continue to dedicate my efforts to the lawsuit for the freedom to marry for all.
We would appreciate your attention and support.

Following the Supreme Court's acceptance of the appeal and referral to the Grand Bench

March 26, 2026 (Reiwa 8)

National Lawyers' Association for the "Marriage Equality for All" Lawsuit

Yesterday (March 25, 2026), the Supreme Court accepted all six appeals in the "Marriage Freedom for All" lawsuits (Sapporo, Tokyo First, Tokyo Second, Aichi, Kansai, and Kyushu) and referred them to the Grand Bench. This marks the start of the appeals hearings for the "Marriage Freedom for All" lawsuits, which will be heard by the Grand Bench, composed of all 15 Supreme Court justices, and a unified ruling by the Supreme Court is expected in the near future.

To date, in the "Marriage Freedom for All" lawsuits, since the Sapporo District Court's unconstitutional ruling on March 17, 2021, only two out of twelve rulings have upheld the constitutionality of the law. In particular, five out of six High Court rulings in the appeals process have clearly declared the law unconstitutional. The judiciary has repeatedly sent the message that the state (especially the legislative branch, the National Diet) must resolve this inequality, in which same-sex couples are legally unable to marry, through legislation.

Nevertheless, even when the opposition party submits a bill for marriage equality (a bill to amend part of the Civil Code) to the Diet, it is not debated at all. Furthermore, the government only states in Diet responses that it "requires careful consideration" and that it "will closely monitor the outcome of the lawsuits," and there is no sign that the government is making any concrete considerations toward legalizing same-sex marriage.

While the government continues its legislative inaction, the appellants and many other individuals who desire legal same-sex marriage remain in an unstable position, unable to have their "marriage" recognized. Some have even passed away without their wishes being fulfilled. Ikuo Sato, a plaintiff in the Tokyo First Lawsuit for "Freedom to Marry for All," is one such person.

We strongly hope that the Supreme Court will consider the gravity of the infringement of the appellants' rights and interests, and that behind them lie the lives of many people who have been continuously excluded from marriage, including those who are currently longing to realize marriage with their partners, or who wished to marry their partners but were never able to do so during their lifetimes. We urge the Supreme Court, with its authority and responsibility as a bulwark of human rights, to issue a clear ruling of unconstitutionality.

That's all.

(Reference legislation)

Rules of Procedure for the Supreme Court

Article 9. Cases shall first be heard by a small court.

In the case on the left, the presiding judge of the Petty Bench must notify the presiding judge of the Grand Bench of that fact.

1. Cases falling under Article 10, paragraphs 1 through 3 of the Court Act

2. When the opinions of the judges of that petty bench are divided into two opposing viewpoints, and the number of votes for each viewpoint is equal.

3. When it is deemed appropriate to hold the trial in a Grand Court.

When the notice referred to in the preceding paragraph is given, the Grand Bench must further hear and render a judgment. In this case, the Grand Bench may hear and render a judgment only on the points specified in each item of the preceding paragraph.

If a judgment is rendered as described in the latter part of the preceding paragraph, the Petty Bench shall hear and judge the remaining matters.

In cases falling under Article 10, item (i) of the Court Act, if the opinion is the same as that of a Grand Bench that previously determined the law, order, rule, or disposition to be in accordance with the Constitution, a Petty Bench may render a judgment notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (ii) and (iii).

The same shall apply when an opinion regarding the interpretation and application of laws and regulations contradicts a judgment rendered by the Supreme Court.

Court Act

Article 10 (Judgments by the Grand Bench and Petty Benches) Whether a case is handled by the Grand Bench or the Petty Bench shall be determined by the Supreme Court. However, in the following cases, the Petty Bench may not render a judgment:

1. When determining, based on the claims of the parties, whether a law, order, regulation, or disposition conforms to the Constitution. (Except when the opinion is the same as a previous Grand Bench ruling that the law, order, regulation, or disposition conforms to the Constitution.)

2. Except in the case of the preceding paragraph, when it is found that a law, order, regulation, or disposition is not in accordance with the Constitution.

3. When an opinion regarding the interpretation and application of the Constitution or other laws and regulations contradicts a previous ruling by the Supreme Court.

This is a message from the Tokyo Bar Association.

On November 28, 2025, the Tokyo High Court handed down its ruling on the appeal in the Tokyo Second Lawsuit "Freedom to Marry for All" (filed on March 26, 2021).

We also filed an appeal on this lawsuit on December 11th.

1. Judgment date

Date and time: Friday, November 28, 2025, 11:00 AM

Venue: Tokyo High Court, Courtroom 101

Judges: Presiding Judge Ayumi Higashi, Judge Koichi Migita, and Judge Fumitaka Hayashi (24th Civil Division)

●The summary of the judgment can be found here: ab3e207e4d0a421b1ae2d44313218d04.pdf
●The full judgment can be found here: 485cd3e00eceac1ef97256024ad39a25.pdf

*Click here to see the flag being raised immediately after the verdict

Streaming URL: https://youtube.com/live/jXwCqqHNa9E?feature=share

2. Summary and issues of this ruling

The Tokyo High Court ruled that the inability of same-sex couples to legally utilize the marriage system and the lack of a legal system for same-sex families do not violate the Constitution.

Even taking into account today's social situation, this judgment repeatedly stated that the union of "one husband and wife (man and woman) and their children" is the ideal form of a family, and that the current heterosexual marriage system is rational for maintaining the country and society, as if legally recognizing same-sex marriage would make it difficult to maintain society.

Furthermore, it goes so far as to state that almost 100% of children are born and raised as children of (legal) "couples."

This ruling completely ignores the existence of children born and raised outside of marriage, children raised by legal same-sex couples, and children raised as adopted or foster children, and is not only a factual error but also discriminatory. In this respect, this ruling is unique and stands apart from the High Court rulings in Sapporo, Tokyo (first lawsuit), Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Osaka, which carefully discussed the current situation of children raised by legal same-sex couples.

Regarding this ruling, the Tokyo Lawyers' Team for the "Freedom to Marry for All" Lawsuit and the National Lawyers' Liaison Council for the "Freedom to Marry for All" Lawsuit have issued a statement. Please see here for more details.

○ Statement by the defense team (posted on the CALL4 website)

bba01f0243abbb29ffafc3c3aaa47d23.pdf

3 Press conference and verdict report meeting

After the verdict, a press conference and verdict report session were held.

Streaming URL: https://youtube.com/live/JI2tyB7__VA?feature=share

4. Appeal

The ruling does not specifically examine why same-sex couples should be legally excluded from the current marriage system.

They simply affirm the current system, basing it on the fact that "the current system is rational for maintaining the country and national society across generations."

This ruling endorses the current situation in which same-sex couples are excluded from the institution of marriage, resulting in their important legal interests and dignity being violated on a daily basis.It is an abandonment of the judicial role of protecting and providing relief to the human rights of minorities, and we must say that it is an extremely unjust ruling.

Therefore, the Tokyo defense team appealed to the Supreme Court on December 11, 2025.

I hope that the Supreme Court will fulfill its role as a bastion of human rights, make the right decision, and that the Diet will begin moving toward legislation soon.

5. Conclusion

We would like to once again express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported and encouraged our "Freedom to Marry for All" lawsuits and activities across the country.

As for the second Tokyo lawsuit, an appeal has been filed and the battle will now move to the Supreme Court.

The plaintiffs and lawyers in the first and second Tokyo lawsuits will continue to do their utmost until freedom and equality in marriage is realized and the dignity of sexual minorities is truly restored.

The court documents, opinion statements, and judgments for the "Freedom to Marry for All" Tokyo lawsuit are available on the CALL4 case website . The latest information is also posted regularly on the official Twitter account of the Tokyo Bar Association, @KejisubeTokyo .

You can also make donations through the CALL4 case site . Your donations will be used to cover the actual costs (excluding legal fees) of the "Freedom to Marry For All" lawsuits in various locations, so we would appreciate your consideration.

Let's raise our voices together until we can create a society in Japan that guarantees "freedom of marriage for all"! Your support will help us. We appreciate your continued support.

Regarding the second Tokyo lawsuit, "Freedom to Marry for All," the Tokyo legal team has announced the date of the appeal court ruling and the ruling report meeting.

In the second Tokyo lawsuit, "Freedom to Marry for All," the Tokyo High Court will finally hand down its appeal judgment on November 28, 2025.

Four years and eight months have passed since the filing of the "Freedom to Marry for All" Tokyo Second Lawsuit, and one year and eight months have passed since the Tokyo District Court ruled it unconstitutional, and the day of the appeal court's decision has finally arrived.

In the "Freedom of Marriage for All" lawsuits filed across the country, which challenge the constitutionality of the current law that prohibits same-sex couples from marrying according to their family register, all five appeals in Sapporo, Tokyo (first round), Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka have been ruled unconstitutional by the high courts. The Tokyo second round, which has been the latest in the "Freedom of Marriage for All" lawsuit series, is now set to receive its sixth appeal ruling.

Please pay close attention to whether the current legal system, which does not recognize marriage simply because two people of the same sex are legally entitled to it, is unconstitutional or constitutional, whether the judiciary will recognize marriage equality, and how it will rule on freedom and equality in marriage. If you can make it, please attend the hearing to observe the verdict.

We believe that this will be the sixth high court ruling that the law is unconstitutional, sealing the deal.
Thank you for your support everyone!

Details of the sentencing date, subsequent flag raising, press conference and verdict report session are as follows:

[Judgment date]

Date and time: Friday, November 28, 2025 from 11:00 a.m.

Venue: Tokyo High Court, Courtroom 101

Case number/Case name: Reiwa 6 (Ne) No. 1861 National compensation claim appeal case

◆Lottery for spectators

It is expected that there will be a large number of people wishing to attend the hearing, so the court will distribute numbered tickets on the day and hold a lottery. For more information, please refer to the court's official website.

https://www.courts.go.jp/app/botyokoufu_jp/list?id=6

◆ Courtroom support tour

On the day of the verdict, we will be holding tours to support those who wish to attend the hearing. Further details will be posted on the Tokyo Bar Association's X account (https://twitter.com/KejisubeTokyo) as the verdict approaches, so please check.

*(Added 11/19/2025) The start time of the support tour has been changed by 30 minutes. The image of the information above has also been replaced.

◆ Flag raising immediately after the verdict

Immediately after the ruling, a flag will be raised near the main gate of the courthouse (on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications side) to announce the ruling. The event will also be streamed live on the Marifor YouTube channel.

Streaming URL: https://youtube.com/live/jXwCqqHNa9E?feature=share

*The hearing is expected to take place around 11:40, but the time may vary significantly depending on the circumstances surrounding the sentencing on the day. Please note that the live streaming may be unavailable or the video and audio may be disrupted due to communication conditions or equipment problems.

[Press conference and verdict report]

After the sentencing hearing on the day, a press conference and verdict report will be held and streamed online.

◆Schedule (planned)

① Press conference: Around 14:30

It is aimed at media representatives, but is open to the public.

② Judgment report meeting: Around 15:45

We will talk about the summary of the judgment, the plaintiff's thoughts in response to the judgment, and the views of the legal team. Anyone can participate.

◆Location

Hibiya Convention Hall (large hall) at Hibiya Library and Museum

https://www.library.chiyoda.tokyo.jp/hibiya/#access

Google Maps ⇒ https://maps.app.goo.gl/afkc8ByppJhYhjrz7

◆Online distribution

Both the press conference and the verdict report will be streamed live on the Malifaux YouTube channel.

Streaming URL: https://youtube.com/live/JI2tyB7__VA?feature=share

[Notes]

• Please note that the start times shown are only estimates and may change depending on the situation on the day. Please also note that live streaming may be unavailable or may result in video and audio disruptions due to communication conditions or equipment problems.
• At press conferences and verdict report meetings, filming will be conducted by the organizers and media organizations, and the general public will also be attending. If you do not wish to be filmed or appear in a recording, there will be a designated no-filming area at the venue, so please sit in that area.
• To media and general attendees, please be careful when taking photos to avoid capturing people sitting in the no-photography areas. Please refrain from pointing your camera or smartphone at the no-photography areas, taking photos, or posting them on social media or the internet.

<X (old Twitter)>

The latest information on the "Freedom to Marry for All" Tokyo lawsuit (first and second rounds) is being posted regularly on the Tokyo Bar Association's X account (@KejisubeTokyo).

We would also like to ask for your support for the National Kejisube Plaintiffs Group (@kejisubegenkoku), which is a direct communication channel for plaintiffs from across the country in the "Freedom to Marry for All" lawsuit.

Tokyo Lawyers Group X Account ⇒ https://twitter.com/KejisubeTokyo

Kejisube Plaintiffs' X Account ⇒ https://twitter.com/kejisubegenkoku

<CALL4>

The judgment, defense team statement, etc. will be published as soon as possible on the case site of the public litigation support site CALL4 once they are ready.

CALL4 case site ⇒ https://www.call4.jp/info.php?type=items&id=I0000031

<Donations>

Support and donations to the nationwide "Freedom to Marry for All" legal team are also accepted through the "Support Us" section on the CALL4 case site.

⇒ https://www.call4.jp/pay_regist.php?type=pay&items_id=I0000031

♪ A brief commentary from the Tokyo defense team ♪

- Reasons for appeal and key points of the High Court ruling -

The Tokyo District Court ruling on the second lawsuit stated, "The provisions in question do not recognize the marriage of same-sex couples, and there is no legal system in place for same-sex couples to enjoy the same legal benefits as marriage or the benefit of social notarization. This is nothing but a deprivation of same-sex couples of the important personal benefit of living a life in accordance with their gender identity and sexual orientation. Therefore, the provisions in question and the lack of legislation as described above cannot be found to have a reasonable basis in light of the demands for individual dignity and essential equality between the sexes, and should be said to be in violation of Article 24, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution."

However, on the other hand, the ruling suggested that the issue could be resolved by "establishing a legal system similar to the current marriage system," and also stated that the current law, which does not legally recognize same-sex marriage, cannot be said to immediately violate Article 14, Paragraph 1 and Article 24, Paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Constitution, which was completely unacceptable, and the court decided to appeal.

Please keep an eye on the High Court to see whether it will differ from the District Court's decision and what decision it will make regarding freedom and equality of marriage.

This is a message from the Tokyo Bar Association.

The third oral argument hearing for the Tokyo 2nd "Freedom of Marriage for All" lawsuit was held, and the Tokyo High Court has concluded its appeal hearing, with the ruling set to be handed down on November 28, 2025. This will be the last high court ruling in the "Freedom of Marriage for All" lawsuit series. We believe that following Sapporo, Tokyo 1st, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Osaka, the high court will also rule the law unconstitutional in Tokyo 2nd. We would appreciate your continued support.

Date and time: May 20, 2025, from 15:00 to 16:00

Venue: Tokyo High Court, Courtroom 101

Judges: Presiding Judge Ayumi Higashi, Judge Koichi Migita, and Judge Fumitaka Hayashi (24th Civil Division)

Attendance: 8 appellants, 18 representatives of the appellee and others, 4 representatives of the appellee

[Contents of the 3rd oral argument hearing]

1. Update of arguments

Because three judges were replaced, a procedure known as "update of arguments" was carried out at the beginning of the trial.

2. Submission of documents and statements (URL links for each document are here )

(1) Appellants

The appellants submitted the following briefs to the Court prior to this hearing:

・Appeal Trial No. 7 Preparatory Brief (Regarding changes in social facts (2))

(2) Appellee (country)

The appellant submitted the following written argument to the court prior to this hearing:

- First Preparatory Brief for the Appeal (Responses to the Appellants' Preparatory Briefs Nos. 4 to 6)

 3 Opinion statement 

 (1) Statement of opinion by Ms. Fujii ( Click here for the full summary of the statement of opinion ) 

 Fujii has been walking through life with Fukuda for 11 years. Five years have passed since the lawsuit was filed in 2021, during which time she lost her mother and her beloved cats. "I wanted to show my mother, who blessed our relationship, that we could get married in Japan and give her peace of mind. But that wish will no longer come true," she said, expressing her heartbreaking feelings. 

They also pointed out that while getting married in New York was a happy moment for them as they became an official couple both legally and socially, it was also true that no matter how much of a wedding ceremony you have overseas, it has no legal effect in Japan.

Finally, they conveyed their heartfelt feelings to the court, saying, "We don't want young people to go through the same things that we did. That's why I want things to change now. By recognizing marriage equality, no one will be made unhappy. It will simply increase the number of people who can be happy, even if it's just one person. One person's happiness does not take away someone else's happiness."

(2) Appellant Fukuda’s statement of opinion ( Click here for the full summary of the statement of opinion )

Ms. Fukuda said that now that she is 50 years old and looking back on her life, she has always lived while giving up something. Before she filed the lawsuit, she lived in an environment where understanding of homosexuality was not advanced, and it was natural for her to hide the fact that she was a lesbian and to lie in accordance with society's expectations. However, when she was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 40, and as she faced the disease, she felt a strong desire to "spend the rest of my life married to my partner Miyuki and to be true to myself."

She also said that in 2023, when she spent three months on a business trip to New York, she realized that she had not been happy in Japan. When their marriage was officially recognized at New York City Hall and she received a message and gift of congratulations from her boss at work, she was filled with the happiness and security of being a wife. She spoke vividly of the scene at the time, as she keenly felt that the happiness and security that can be gained through marriage in Japan was being taken away.

Finally, they quietly but strongly appealed to the court, saying, "Looking at the faces of each and every one of the plaintiffs here and listening to their stories, do you still think that we are people who are not worthy of getting married and receiving blessings?" "We are not seeking any special rights. We simply want the option to get married and pursue happiness, just like heterosexuals. We want the right to live with dignity like everyone else, regardless of the sexuality we were born with. That is all."

 (3) Appellant Kei’s statement of opinion ( Click here for the full summary of the statement of opinion ) 

 Kei spoke about how she has remained in the closet and has not come out about her sexuality in society, and about her life with her same-sex partner, Mr. A, with whom she has been together for over 20 years. She said, "No one ever blessed our relationship, but even when we broke up, I couldn't rely on anyone." 

 And when she obtained a copy of her family register, there was not a single trace of the relationship she had built with A over the course of more than 20 years, and she was treated as if she "did not exist." She was under the illusion that even her own life "never existed." Although she thought she understood it intellectually, the reality was thrust upon her once again, and she described her feelings at the time, saying, "I felt like my dignity as a human being had been taken away." 

 Kei clearly stated, "Whether or not we are recognized as having the freedom and right to live with someone else is a matter that concerns the dignity of each and every one of us," and strongly argued that her reason for standing here and continuing to be a plaintiff and appellant was not to regret her past losses, but "so as not to let her life 'never exist.'" 

(4) Statement of opinion by Mr. Fujii, the appellant’s attorney ( Click here for the full summary of the statement of opinion, and here for the summary of the statement of opinion and attachments )

Given that the composition of the court has changed, Attorney Fujii once again outlined the key points of this lawsuit and referred the parties to the attached document for further details.

Regarding the unique significance of this lawsuit, the court argued that the parties involved are not limited to homosexuals, but include people with a variety of gender identities and sexual orientations, such as the appellants, Mr. Hitotsubashi and Mr. Takeda, couples in which at least one member is transgender and has not changed their gender on family register, and therefore is treated as the same sex under the law.

He also reiterated that the issue in the "Freedom of Marriage for All" lawsuits is not that there is no legal system in place to protect same-sex couples as a family, but rather that the denial of the current legal marriage system violates the Constitution and should also be considered illegal under the State Compensation Act.

(5) Statement of opinion by Attorney Mukai, counsel for the appellant ( Click here for the full summary of the statement of opinion )

 Attorney Mukai argued that the violation of Article 24, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution should be acknowledged. 

 First, she emphasized that the purpose of Article 24, paragraph 1 of the Constitution is not to legally limit marriage to opposite-sex couples, and that the interpretation of Article 24, paragraph 1 needs to be updated in light of the basic principles of the Constitution, taking into account fundamental social changes, such as the social situation since the Constitution was enacted. 

 She then pointed out two major errors in the original ruling: 1) the fact-finding and evaluation of changes in social conditions since the establishment of the Constitution led to the conclusion that "the ruling has not yet reached the point where it is necessary to guarantee the freedom of marriage for same-sex couples under the law," and 2) the court cited the theory of social recognition, giving undue weight to the dissenting opinion of a minority, and using it as a justification for denying the legal guarantee of freedom of marriage for same-sex couples. 

 Finally, she strongly appealed, "We just want a normal life for most people. That is all." "As has been the case in past historic rulings, we expect the judiciary to play its role in proactively showing the new direction in which society should move." 

(6) Statement of opinion by Mr. Masui, the appellant’s attorney ( Click here for the full summary of the statement of opinion )

Masui argued that the violation of Article 14 and Article 24, paragraph 2 of the Constitution should be acknowledged. In particular, he emphasized that establishing a system separate from the current legal marriage system would instead create discrimination, and that same-sex couples should be required to use the current legal marriage system, and that the creation of any other alternative system would not resolve the issue of constitutional violation.

Furthermore, in the series of "Freedom of Marriage for All" lawsuits, the claims for state compensation have not been allowed in any of the district court or high court rulings, so I said that a ruling that allows the claims for state compensation should be made. I strongly urged the Diet and the government not to give them any time to act, because it is easy to see from the past that they will continue to ignore judicial decisions, and that "what the judges should do is not only to find the provisions in question unconstitutional, but also to issue a strong warning to the Diet to encourage legislative measures by recognizing liability for compensation under the State Compensation Act."

4. Communication on deadline

After the statements were made, the court confirmed that the trial would conclude today and that the next hearing would be the date for announcing the verdict.

5. Future plans

The court has set the following dates for the delivery of the judgment:

Friday, November 28, 2025 11:00

Judgment date (public procedure, open to the public)

@Tokyo High Court, Courtroom 101

6. Date report meeting

[Online deadline report session]

A hybrid deadline report meeting was held, broadcast live on YouTube and in person (the archive can be viewed here ).

 Date and time: May 20, 2025 (Tuesday) 16:30-17:30 

 Speakers: (Appellant) Ms. Fujii, Ms. Fukuda, Ms. Hatogai, Ms. Kawachi, Mr. Yamagata 

 (Appellant's counsel) Attorneys Sawazaki, Fujii, Masui, Mukai, and Inoue (moderator) 

7. Other Notices

<X (old Twitter)>
The latest information on the "Freedom to Marry for All" Tokyo lawsuit (first and second phases) is being posted on the Tokyo Bar Association's X account (@KejisubeTokyo) as it becomes available.
We would also like to ask you to please support the National Kejisube Plaintiffs Group (@kejisubegenkoku), which is a direct message from plaintiffs across the country in the "Freedom to Marry for All" lawsuit.
Tokyo Defense Team’s X account: https://twitter.com/KejisubeTokyo
Kejisube Plaintiffs' X Account ⇒ https://twitter.com/kejisubegenkoku

＜CALL4＞
Once the documents to be submitted to the court are prepared, they will be made public as soon as possible on the case site of the public litigation support site CALL4. CALL4 case site ⇒ https://www.call4.jp/info.php?type=items&id=I0000031

<Donations>
You can support and donate to the nationwide "Freedom to Marry for All" legal team by going to the "Support Us" section on the CALL4 case site.
⇒ https://www.call4.jp/pay_regist.php?type=pay&items_id=I0000031
The series of "Freedom to Marry for All" lawsuits will continue until the Supreme Court's ruling unless same-sex marriage is legalized. Your donations will be used to cover the actual costs of the lawsuit (stamps, copying, transportation, fees for requesting written opinions, etc.) excluding attorney's fees. Thank you for your cooperation.  

A report from the Aichi lawsuit.

On May 16, 2025, we submitted the "Statement of Grounds for Appeal" and the "Statement of Grounds for Acceptance of Appeal."

Both petitions are addressed to the Supreme Court, outlining the type of ruling they would like the Court to make.

As a constitutional ruling, they are arguing that the Supreme Court should rule that "the freedom to marry is legally guaranteed to same-sex couples, and excluding them from the legal marriage system is unconstitutional."

In addition, with regard to claims for state compensation, they claim that because it has been clear to the Diet that the lack of legal protections for same-sex couples is a violation of the Constitution, yet the government has failed to take action for a long time, the claim for compensation should be granted.

Each document will be made available for viewing under the litigation files tab at a later date.

We appreciate your continued support.

Regarding the "Freedom of Marriage for All" Tokyo Second Lawsuit, the Tokyo Bar Association has announced the date for the third oral argument hearing in the appeals court and the hearing report session.

The "Freedom to Marry for All" Tokyo Second Lawsuit is currently undergoing appeal hearings at the Tokyo High Court.

The third oral argument hearing will be held on May 20, 2025. The appellants (plaintiffs in the first instance), Kei, Rie Fukuda, and Miyuki Fujii, and their attorneys are scheduled to make their final statements before the verdict is announced.

The appeal hearing will also conclude at this hearing, and a verdict date is expected to be set.

The Tokyo 2nd appeal hearing, which will be the last of the "Freedom of Marriage for All" lawsuits to have an appeal decision, is finally coming to an end, and this will be the last opportunity to directly observe the arguments being made in court. The appeal decisions made by the Sapporo, Tokyo, Fukuoka, Osaka, and Nagoya high courts so far have all found the law unconstitutional. We believe that the Tokyo 2nd lawsuit will also find that the current law, which legally prohibits same-sex couples from using the marriage system, is unconstitutional.

Your support in various forms, such as attending court hearings, participating in and viewing court report sessions, and posting on social media, will help us. We appreciate your continued support.

[Third oral argument hearing in the appeal court]

Date and time: May 20, 2025 (Tuesday) from 15:00

Venue: Tokyo High Court, Courtroom 101

Case number: Reiwa 6 (Ne) No. 1861

Case name: "Freedom to Marry for All" lawsuit appeal case

*Lottery for spectators

Since it is expected that there will be a large number of people wishing to observe the hearing, those who wish to observe the hearing should obtain a lottery ticket at the court's No. 2 issuing office by 2:40 p.m. on the day of the hearing. For details , please check the following URL. .

https://www.courts.go.jp/app/botyokoufu_jp/detail?id=18620&list_id=6

[Date Reporting Session]

Date and time: May 20, 2025 (Tuesday) from around 16:30 (scheduled)

Location: Bar Association Building, 5th floor, Meeting Room 508

1-1-3 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

(Direct from the B1-b exit of Kasumigaseki Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xG9GqoqffygLyRDR9

Live streaming available online on the Youtube Malifaux channel

URL: https://www.youtube.com/live/onAhgUbjZSM

(Note)

・The start times shown are merely tentative and may change depending on the situation on the day. In addition, the live streaming of the deadline report session may not be possible or the video and audio may be disrupted due to communication conditions or equipment problems. We ask for your understanding in advance.

・At the meeting venue, the organizers and media will be taking photographs, and the general public will also be attending. If you do not wish to be photographed or appear in the footage, please sit in the designated no-photography area at the venue.

・To media organizations and general attendees, please be careful when taking photos to avoid capturing people sitting in areas where photography is prohibited. Please refrain from pointing cameras or smartphones at areas where photography is prohibited, taking photos, and posting those photos on social media or the internet.

<X (old Twitter)>

The latest information on the "Freedom to Marry for All" Tokyo lawsuit (first and second phases) is being posted on the Tokyo Bar Association's X account (@KejisubeTokyo) as it becomes available.

We would also like to ask you to please support the National Kejisube Plaintiffs Group (@kejisubegenkoku), which is a direct message from plaintiffs across the country in the "Freedom to Marry for All" lawsuit.

Tokyo Defense Team’s X account: https://twitter.com/KejisubeTokyo

Kejisube Plaintiffs' X Account ⇒ https://twitter.com/kejisubegenkoku

＜CALL4＞

Once the documents to be submitted to the court are prepared, they will be made public as soon as possible on the case site of the public litigation support site CALL4.

CALL4 case site ⇒ https://www.call4.jp/info.php?type=items&id=I0000031

<Donations>

Support and donations to the nationwide "Freedom to Marry for All" litigation legal team are also being accepted through the "Support Us" section on the CALL4 case site.

⇒ https://www.call4.jp/pay_regist.php?type=pay&items_id=I0000031

sorry.

"Freedom to marry for all" - Aichi litigation defense team reports on the Nagoya High Court ruling and appeal.

[Judgment report]

The High Court has ruled the law unconstitutional for the fourth time! Violation of Article 14, Paragraph 1 and Article 24, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution

In the Aichi lawsuit "Freedom of Marriage for All," the Nagoya High Court (Civil Division 3, Presiding Judge Katada Nobuhiro) handed down its appellate court decision on March 7, 2025.

This ruling found that the provisions of the current Civil Code and Family Registration Act, which distinguish same-sex couples from utilizing the legal marriage system, are unconstitutional, violating Article 14, paragraph 1 and Article 24, paragraph 2 of the Constitution.

<Outline of the verdict date>

Date and time: March 7, 2025, 11:00 a.m.

Venue: Nagoya High Court, Courtroom No. 1

Attendance: 1 appellant (plaintiff), an attorney for the appellant, and an attorney for the appellee.

<Summary of the ruling>

The judgment concluded that the provisions in question, which distinguish same-sex couples from utilizing the legal marriage system, are legally discriminatory treatment based on sexual orientation that lacks a reasonable basis in light of the demands of individual dignity, and therefore violate Article 14, paragraph 1 of the Constitution. It also concluded that the provisions in question exceed the scope of legislative discretion given to the Diet, and therefore violate Article 24, paragraph 2 of the Constitution.

On the other hand, the court ruled that the Diet's failure to take legislative measures to allow same-sex couples to utilize the legal marriage system was not illegal under the State Compensation Act, and dismissed the appellants' claim for state compensation.

・Click here for the summary of this ruling

https://www.call4.jp/file/pdf/202503/3d1319cb8501fa1cfddafdf8a56e806b.pdf

Read the full ruling here

https://www.call4.jp/file/pdf/202503/24ff475399f044eefa21d45b39a80f42.pdf

<Significance of this ruling>

This ruling is the fourth in the series of "Freedom of Marriage for All" lawsuits, following the Fukuoka High Court ruling of December 13th of last year, and follows on from the Fukuoka High Court ruling, it clearly found the provisions in question unconstitutional. This ruling is significant in that it determined that the essence of marriage is an intrinsic value linked to the dignity of the individual, carefully fact-finding the disadvantages of not being able to use the legal marriage system, and concluded that "the distinction made by the provisions in question, which means that same-sex couples cannot use the legal marriage system, is a legal discrimination based on sexual orientation that lacks a reasonable basis in light of the demands of individual dignity, and must be said to violate Article 14, paragraph 1 of the Constitution, and also violates Article 24, paragraph 2 of the Constitution as it exceeds the scope of the legislative discretion given to the Diet."

Furthermore, after providing a detailed rebuttal to the arguments against legalizing same-sex marriage, the court stated that it is difficult to imagine any specific disadvantages that the public would suffer, and ruled that it cannot be said that a massive amount of legislative work would be required to amend the law. This is also significant as a stern criticism of the Diet, which has been slow to legalize same-sex marriage.

<Press conference/reporting session>

In the afternoon, a press conference and briefing session was held to report on the significance of the ruling, comments on the ruling, and the state of the courtroom.

Archives are also available. (Subtitles and sign language interpretation available)

・Press conference archive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjmMXxgB77o

・Report Archive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3f8AD22Avw

[Appeal Report] To the Supreme Court

Although the legal team highly appreciates the meaningful ruling of the Nagoya High Court, the following issues remain with this ruling. In order to overcome these issues, the legal team in the Aichi lawsuit submitted a "Notice of Appeal and Petition for Acceptance of Final Appeal" on March 19th.

This will move the case to the Supreme Court for review.

(This document is addressed to the Supreme Court, but the Nagoya High Court is the reception desk.)

There are two points that require further progress towards the Supreme Court's decision:

① The High Court ruling did not explicitly state whether it violated Article 24, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution

② The High Court ruling did not acknowledge any violation of the State Compensation Act

Regarding point ② in particular, the Nagoya High Court ruling determined that since there is no uniformity in the decisions deeming the provisions in question unconstitutional and the Supreme Court has not yet issued a ruling, the legislative failure to enact legislation cannot yet be considered illegal under the State Compensation Act.

However, since nine unconstitutional rulings have been issued by district and high courts, it is clear that the legislature is in a position to immediately enact legislation. The fact that the legislature continues to "keep a close eye" on the issue and continues to neglect to enact concrete legislation means that it is unjust to deny the illegality of the issue under the State Compensation Act.

At the Supreme Court, we will take on the case together with legal teams from other regions, with the goal of winning a unified Supreme Court ruling on the violations of Article 24, Paragraphs 1 and 2 and Article 14, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution, and a ruling that the Diet's inaction on legislation was an unjustifiable omission and illegal.

Last year, the Hokkaido Bar Association created an explanatory video on how the proceedings proceed after the appeal to the Supreme Court and how to support the case. Please take a look at this video as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBiF58n8mKs&list=PLAIGLlWV4D0wdp9qk5BrQSEX_h7qPJIsT

In order to achieve a legislative solution without waiting for the Supreme Court's decision, we will continue to work together with the Aichi plaintiffs and their supporters on activities both inside and outside of litigation.

We appreciate your continued support.

The Kansai lawsuit will finally be decided by the Osaka High Court on March 25th.

Stay tuned for the final High Court ruling in the first lawsuit!

The verdict was delivered:

Date and time: March 25, 2025 (Tuesday) 11:00

Venue: Courtroom 202, Main Building, Osaka District and High Court

is!

[Details of the schedule on the day]

10:00-10:15 Distribution of spectator lottery tickets and lottery drawing

Admission to the hearing is expected to be by lottery.

Those who wish to observe the hearing should pick up their lottery ticket in front of the main entrance of the Osaka High Court main building by 10:15 a.m. Please note that if you do not receive your ticket, you will not be able to take part in the lottery and will not be able to observe the hearing.

Please check the following information for information regarding the distribution of lottery tickets.

・Osaka High Court: Spectator Ticket Issuance Information https://www.courts.go.jp/osaka-h/kengaku/index.html

・Kansai Lawyers Group X https://x.com/kejisubeKansai

If you do not win the lottery, you can wait near the courthouse until the scheduled flag-off from around 11:30. If you do not win the lottery, you will not be able to enter the courtroom, but you will be able to enter the courthouse building. You will also be able to use the Osaka Bar Association's second floor hall from 11:00.

Around 10:30, the plaintiffs and their lawyers entered the courtroom through the main gate.

The plaintiffs and their lawyers carried banners and entered the courtroom through the main gate on the south side of the courthouse.

11:00 Judgment @ Osaka High Court, Courtroom 202

In court, the judge will read out a summary of the ruling (a summary of the main points).

Please remain silent until the judge leaves the room.

Around 11:30 Flag raising

Following the verdict, the defense team will display a flag informing viewers of the content of the verdict and will answer questions from the media on the south side of the sidewalk (planned location) across the roadway in front of the south main gate of the courthouse.

Many media outlets will be filming this event, so if you want to see the flag raising but don't want to be filmed, please take measures such as watching from the camera's blind spot or hiding your face with a hat or mask.

Those watching are welcome to take photos of the members raising the flag. However, please be careful not to include supporters in your photos, as there will likely be many people watching the flag raising.

The flag raising will be broadcast live in real time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8JT7LnhG1E

If you can't see it in person, you can watch it here.

12:00 ~ Letter and message board event

In the hall on the second floor of the Osaka Bar Association Building, we will be holding an event to write letters to members of parliament and a message board event to support the lawsuit.

If you didn't win the lottery or have already seen the flag raising event, please come along at any time and let's write letters together.

You can bring your own lunch!

14:00 Press Conference

A press conference for the media will be held in the hall on the second floor of the Osaka Bar Association Building.

Supporters are also welcome to attend. Please sit at the back of the venue as the front seats are for journalists.

Media reception is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m., and camera setup will begin at 1:30 p.m.

The press conference will be broadcast live.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9QZlG7wu5M

*Please note that depending on the reception conditions at the venue, the broadcast may be interrupted or may not be possible.

The broadcast will be subtitled. Sign language interpretation and subtitles will be available at the venue.

In addition to a report on the verdict from the defense team, we will also hear comments from the four plaintiffs (appellants).

During this time, we will be speaking to the media, and questions from the media will be given priority during the Q&A session. Questions from people outside the media will be answered at the verdict report session, which will be held after the press conference at around 3 p.m. If you have any questions, please post them in the chat during the report session.

15:00 Judgment report session

After the press conference, there will be a break followed by a debriefing session.

We will be broadcasting a live report on the Osaka High Court ruling to supporters.

Please feel free to send us your questions or comments in the chat section.

Moderator: Maki Muraki (CEO of Certified NPO Nijiiro Diversity)

Speakers: Kansai Bar Association, Kansai Lawsuit Plaintiffs (Appellants), and Supporters

The verdict report will be broadcast live.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCZwIeOtucY

*Please note that depending on the reception conditions at the venue, the broadcast may be interrupted or may not be possible.

Sign language interpretation and subtitles will be provided both online and at the venue.

The event is scheduled to finish around 4 p.m. You can enter and leave at any time.

[Notable rulings and news highlights]

The Osaka District Court was the only court to rule the law constitutional at the district court level, but subsequent district courts, as well as the Sapporo High Court, Tokyo High Court, Fukuoka High Court, and Nagoya High Court, have all ruled the law unconstitutional.

Please watch the video below for a summary of the Fukuoka High Court ruling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhnGmNxFL_U

For more information about the Nagoya High Court ruling, please watch the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3f8AD22Avw

Please see below for the report of the Osaka District Court ruling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JoqJWAPJ4k

[Latest update from the legal team]

Kansai Bar Association's X (formerly Twitter) will be posting regular updates regarding the lawsuit.

https://x.com/kejisubeKansai

In addition, the verdict and the defense statement will be posted on call4 on the same day.

https://www.call4.jp/info.php?id=i0000031&type=items