February 8, 2025

Japanese Communist Party Executive Committee Chair Tamura Tomoko on February 6 attended a symposium held in the Diet building by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) on a dual-surname option for married couples, and emphasized the need for the Diet to hold discussions on the selective dual-surname system.

Tamura asserted that opponents to the option adhere to the outdated idea that “a wife becomes part of her husband’s lineage,” and that this idea has been “putting women in a disadvantageous position and harming their identities.”

Noting that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party has been discussing the two-name system within the party but “nothing has changed in these 30 years,” Tamura stated that the Diet should conduct deliberations on the relevant recommendation issued by the Legislative Council of the Ministry of Justic as well as on the bill submitted by opposition parties in regard to the introduction of the dual-surname system.

Some Dietmembers from other political parties who were present at the symposium also expressed their determination to realize the system.

JFBA President Fuchigami Reiko said that nearly 30 years have passed since the Legislative Council proposed amendments to the Civil Code in 1996 so that the system can be introduced. She added, “I hope we will realize the system without further delays.”

Lawyer Terahara Makiko said that those who do not wish to change their birth name are forced to choose between two unreasonable options (husband’s or wife’s family name) when they get married. She continued to say, “The disadvantage tends to be imposed on women to give up their maiden names,” calling for the introduction of the system as soon as possible.