Abstract
In 2015, Shibuya ward became the first district in Japan to start issuing same-sex partnership certificates, signifying the first step towards public recognition of same-sex couples in Japan. Same-sex marriage in Japan has been a contentious issue, with opponents arguing that it will end up supporting the patriarchal and discriminatory family registry system. Marriage nevertheless serves as an important means of recognition in society, and there are many queer individuals who aspire towards it. Using the concept of institutional performativity, this article discusses the social significance of marriage, and how same-sex marriage may serve as a means of “queering” hierarchical social structures.
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