Ken Hasebe, mayor of Tokyo's Shibuya Ward, announced Friday that the ward will start accepting applications Wednesday to issue certificates of recognition for same-sex partnerships, a landmark step for the city to protect the rights of sexual minorities.
At a news conference in Shibuya, Hasebe said the ward, known as a mecca of youth culture, on Nov. 5 will start issuing certificates for same-sex couples to guarantee status equivalent to marriage.
Applicants must be residents of Shibuya Ward who are aged 20 or older. They are required to fill in a notarized deed to declare that each will act as a guardian for their partner during their time living together within the ward. They also have to fill out a document promising they will live together with love and trust.