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Tying The Knot With A Surname? The Constitutionality Of Japan's Law Requiring A Same Marital Name, Koji Higashikawa

Con Law Center Articles and Publications

The Japanese Supreme Court issued a decision denying married women the right to retain their separate maiden name legally after marriage. It upheld the constitutionality of an old law requiring both marital partners to adopt the same surname. This essay by a Japanese scholar provides insight and explanation into the Supreme Court’s decision.