The Supreme Court of Japan did not allow married women to retain a pre-marital surname

Not so long ago, the Supreme Court of Japan stated that couples can only use one name for two. At the same time refusals were given to five plaintiffs. All the applicants were asked to give permission for the woman to retain her maiden name.

Strict laws

The law, established in the country in the 19th century, does not specify which of the spouses specifically relates to this rule. That is, the change of name does not necessarily have to be a woman. If you want to pass this procedure, you can also spouse. Although in most cases, still practice the standard option, when the wife takes the name of her husband.

A separate resolution published on Wednesday made changes to the law that a Japanese citizen can not reconnect herself by marriage within six months after the divorce. Now this ban is exactly 100 days.

Opinion of the public

Many women, experts in gender equality, and even the UN Committee have called all of the above laws obsolete and discriminatory.

"Upon hearing this decree, I just burst into tears," said Kyoko Tsukamoto, one of the plaintiffs who wanted to keep their maiden name. - I'm very sad. I feel pain. My name is my personality. "

The role of women in Japanese society is moving upward, affecting the political and economic development of the country. If the state does not find ways to attract more women to the labor force, then it will fall into crisis. Therefore, it is in the government's interest to reconsider the country's cultural issues.

As the experts say, the permission to save women's girl names would help to establish Japan on the right path for further changes. This would contribute to the recognition of the weaker sex in society and would create new labor resources.

"You should have the right to choose your own name," said Machiko Osawa, director of the Research Institute for Women and Careers in Japan.

Problem of employment

Japan is the only developed country that prohibits couples registering a marriage to wear different surnames. For working women in the country, this is indeed a huge problem, especially if they have already established a certain position in the company. It is because of the severe discrimination of the weaker sex that only 65% of women in Japan are employed. This indicator is one of the lowest among other countries with a high level of development. At the moment only about 3.5% of managerial positions are held by women.

The new legislation will come into force in April. This requires large companies, as well as governments, to disclose quantitative indicators of hiring and promoting women.