Family Registry
The family registry or 'koseki' system is a traditional system of tracking Japanese ancestry that has existed in some form as census since the 6th century AD, but its modern form was adopted in 1947.
Registration is generally considered proof of Japanese nationality by its citizens, but reporting is voluntary for the system, and there have been some cases where failure to report has disenfranchised people born in Japan from citizenship.
The law requires notification of births, deaths, marriages, adoptions, divorces and other major events to the local authorities for tracking of these events.
The main criticism of the koseki system is that information registered becomes easily obtainable and can be used for discriminatory practices. It is common practice for the system to be used to discriminate against unwed mothers, children born out of wedlock, LGBTQIA+ individuals and people with a burakumin[1] ancestor from academic admissions, jobs, or even consideration from marriage by the families of prospective marriage partners.
While laws have been changed in order to try to address this in the workplace, they are seldom enforced, and eligibility to obtain these records are quite broad.
Other criticisms is that recently updated partnership oaths for LGBTQIA+ individuals are not eligible for the koseki system[2], and that only one family name is allowed on the registry, often requiring that women sacrifice their maiden family name, no matter their personal feelings.
Notes
- ↑ A caste in Medieval Japan associated with kegare or 'impurity' due to the occupation being associated with death. Butchers, tanners, executioners, and gravediggers are just some of many such professions.
- ↑ Partnership oaths did not exist in Japan until 2015 at the earliest. The Velvet Room MUSH begins in 2012, and such does not exist yet in character.