Introduction
Nana Takamatsu (たかまつなな), a Japanese journalist and comedian, recently sparked renewed debate on X (formerly Twitter) by asking:
“Why hasn’t selective married couple surnames been implemented yet?”
Her post drew significant attention and reignited public discussion on Japan’s mandatory same-surname law for married couples.
International Reactions from Reddit
Here is a collection of Reddit discussions on the issue of married couple surnames in Japan.
flower5214 (OP)
What are your thoughts on allowing couples to keep their own surnames after marriage?
Japan is known for the fact that, unlike China and South Korea, when a couple marries, the wife follows the husband’s surname. Are there many people dissatisfied with this? I’d like to hear everyone’s opinions on separate surnames for married couples. Thank you.
aizukiwi 🇳🇿 (Kiwi, living in Japan)
I am a New Zealand woman living in Japan. I married a Japanese man, but because I am a foreigner, my name is not officially changed in the family register, so my name hasn’t changed. My child has my husband’s surname, but mine is different. If I want to change it, I can first change it in my own country and then take my new passport, etc., to the city hall in Japan to change it, but it’s troublesome and I’m not at a disadvantage because it’s different.
I often hear that it’s for the sake of the family to have the same surname, but our family is already different, and there is no problem. Changing my name, which is known in my work, and having to change all my documents and identification is quite troublesome, so I think it would be nice if I could choose. Incidentally, the reason I have to have the same surname now is because of the “family register”. All the names listed in the family register must be the same, so it can be my husband’s or mine, but I have to choose one.
kenogata11 (Japanese)
This country’s administration is truly negligent. They dislike changing their own procedures and, without legal grounds, won’t consider convenience at all. Politicians actually say it’s possible even now, but when you actually try to go through the procedure, a mountain of obstacles arises.
Freak_Out_Bazaar (Japanese)
I’m neither for nor against it. Japan has a mountain of more important issues to deal with right now.
Incidentally, it’s also possible for the husband to take the wife’s surname. The only requirement is that the couple have the same surname.
Gmellotron_mkii (Japanese)
Before that… My father uses his maiden name. Isn’t it strange that it’s commonly known that wives always follow their husband’s surname? Do husbands in China and Korea use their maiden names?
testman22 (Japanese)
Honestly, I don’t care, but in the case of separate surnames for married couples, there will undoubtedly be confusion. For example, what to do about the children’s surname, being mistaken for not being a couple, and paperwork procedures are also examples.
On the other hand, if couples don’t use separate surnames, the rate at which surnames decrease will accelerate.
TawnyOwl_296 (Japanese)
The problem is the lack of choice, and the vast majority of women have to take the husband’s surname (very rarely does a man take the wife’s surname). I’m against it. Which country in the world does that? But if you think changing your surname is no big deal, then the men who say it’s no big deal should do it, from social procedures and everything else.
831tm
I changed my surname to my wife’s when I married my Japanese wife. I hated my maiden name, so it was a good opportunity to change it.
Officially, either surname can be freely chosen, but only about 5% of people choose the wife’s surname; in reality, it’s a forced change to the husband’s surname.
What Is Optional Married Couple Surname? Japan’s System and Global Context
Under Article 750 of Japan’s Civil Code, couples must share the same surname upon marriage, almost always resulting in the wife’s surname changing—reported in over 95% of cases.
This approach is highly unusual internationally. In countries across North America and Europe, you can choose your spouse’s surname, keep your own, or even hyphenate. Similarly, in East Asian neighbors like China and South Korea, there’s no legal requirement to change your name when you marry. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) has repeatedly recommended Japan reform this policy.
Key Arguments For and Against
Supporters Say:
- It’s a matter of gender equality and individual dignity. A forced surname change can harm one’s identity, especially for women.
- The name change can disrupt careers and daily life, from professional credentials to informal social networks.
- It can raise psychological barriers to marriage for those reluctant to give up their name.
- Prominent institutions such as leading business groups and legal bodies have voiced support.
Opponents Raise Concerns About:
- Family cohesion—sharing a name symbolizes unity for many.
- Impact on children, who may face confusion or social friction with a different name than their parents.
- Practical legal complications: Japan’s family register system is built around “households,” and changing this could entail broad administrative reform.
- Cultural tradition—some argue the current system reflects enduring values that shouldn’t be discarded for international trends.
A Compromise: Expanded Use of Maiden Names (Old Surnames)
Japan has made limited progress allowing women to use their maiden names in some contexts—such as at work, on passports, or in courts.
Advantages:
- Helps mitigate disruption to careers and identity.
- Easier to implement than full legal change, appealing to more conservative groups.
Drawbacks:
- The law still forces one surname on the family; this is a workaround, not a solution.
- Inconsistent rules across institutions create confusion and burdens.
- It may reduce momentum toward real reform by becoming a political shortcut.
Why Japan Stands Out Globally
| Region | Practice on Married Surnames |
|---|---|
| North America & Europe | Fully optional (keep, spouse, or combine) |
| China, South Korea | No mandatory surname change |
| Japan | Mandatory same surname (exceptional globally) |
Risks of Social Division By Rushing Reform
Push for optional surnames could intensify social friction if introduced hastily, particularly because:
- Advocates focus on “rights and identity”, while opponents emphasize “family and tradition”.
- Generational gaps exist: younger people tend to support change, older generations less so.
- The issue is vulnerable to political polarization—becoming a symbolic battleground.
Often Overlooked but Crucial Issues
- Children’s surnames: Should children follow one parent, use a hyphen, or choose later?
- Family register implications: Will the entire system need systemic overhaul?
- Social friction: Will spouses with different names face discrimination or administrative hurdles?
- International marriages: Often treated as exceptions—fairness concerns arise.
- Dual legal and social names: Made worse by inconsistent use of maiden and registered surnames.
- Urban vs rural divide: Metropolitan areas often support change; rural communities may feel alienated.
Moving Forward: A Gradual, Inclusive Strategy
- Deepen legal use of maiden names and promote visibility of name diversity.
- Build consensus through practical dialogue: address children’s names, legal logistics, and social acceptance.
- Normalize use in corporations and government services to foster familiarity and reduce cultural resistance.
Conclusion
Japan’s surname system intersects with identity, constitutional principles, family registration, tradition, and political dynamics. While expanded use of maiden names offers a practical interim step, the real issue remains: should individuals have the legal right to keep their surname after marriage? Moreover, any reform must be careful not to unintentionally deepen social divides.
