Celebrating Love: A Historic LGBTQ+ Wedding Ceremony in Japan

On December 11, 2025, the Japan LGBTQ+ Support Association, located in Kyoto, held a remarkable public wedding ceremony titled "GIFT~A Future Linked by Love~" at House of OMOTESANDO in Shibuya, Tokyo. This event celebrated the union of a transgender couple, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards societal acceptance for LGBTQ+ partnerships in Japan.

A Vision for Inclusivity

With the slogan "A society where everyone can build a happy family," the Japan LGBTQ+ Support Association focuses on matching LGBTQ+ individuals with the help of traditional matchmaking practices from Japan. The ceremony brought together friends and matchmaking professionals from across the country, exceeding attendee expectations and creating an atmosphere filled with joy and emotion as the couple exchanged their vows.

“Some kinds of love can't be answered in black or white,” reflected the organizers. The event embodied the evolution of Japan's traditional matchmaking culture into a support system for LGBTQ+ couples, showcasing a powerful message about diverse forms of love while fostering a cultural shift within the matchmaking industry.

Background and Significance

A survey by Dentsu in 2023 revealed that approximately 9.7% of Japan’s population identifies as LGBTQ+. Despite such a considerable percentage, opportunities for these individuals to celebrate and affirm their relationships remain limited. The ceremony's aim was to send a clear message to society that weddings should be a commonplace option for everyone, paving the way for a future where diverse love is considered not special, but simply normal.

“I never thought I’d live to hear someone say ‘Congratulations’ to a transgender person like me,” said Hikaru, a 35-year-old transgender man from Hokkaido. He recounted how he met his partner, Tsubasa, a 39-year-old transgender woman from Tokyo, through the association’s online matchmaking platform. Their relationship blossomed despite long distances, culminating in a proposal under the starlit skies of Hokkaido. Hikaru’s experience perfectly encapsulates the societal challenges faced by many in the LGBTQ+ community while highlighting the profound implications of the ceremony.

Ceremony Highlights

The wedding ceremony was beautifully themed around Mr. Children’s song "GIFT." The lyrics resonated with attendees, prompting reflections on life and love: “What is the most beautiful color? What shines the brightest? I’ve been searching for the best GIFT…” Each participant carried away a unique personal connection from the event, as the ceremony celebrated love without constraints.

The couple donned stunning outfits from the genderless wedding brand Ameris, which represents inclusivity and personal expression. Tsubasa wore a golden ball gown and tiara, while Hikaru sported a beige tuxedo. This was not just a wedding but a statement of identity and acceptance, showcasing that love comes in many forms and representations.

A Step Toward Change in the Wedding Industry

The wedding planning was spearheaded by association members and certified instructors, ensuring an event that broke away from traditional constraints and highlighted each individual’s uniqueness. Their mission was clear: to create a wedding that was informed by knowledge and understanding of sexuality, a testament to the careful, respectful integration of diverse identities.

Ceremony Details

- Event Name: GIFT~A Future Linked by Love~ (Public Wedding Ceremony)
- Date: December 11, 2025
- Venue: House of OMOTESANDO, Shibuya, Tokyo
- Organizer: Japan LGBTQ+ Support Association
- Planning and Management: Marriage consultation service maricoco, La poche, and Dreamplanning wedding
- Outfits and Venue Support: Ameris (Foursis & Company)

Future Directions

As its activities continue, the Japan LGBTQ+ Support Association aims to normalize celebratory opportunities for LGBTQ+ couples while promoting ongoing education in diversity within society. They will also be organizing a workshop titled "LGBT Wedding + Basics Workshop" on January 14, 2026, to further spread awareness.

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This historic ceremony is just one of the many steps the association is taking to ensure that love, in all its forms, is recognized and celebrated across Japan—and eventually the world.