Japan’s government is moving forward with its first national program aimed at improving public understanding of queer people and other sexual minorities. A draft of the plan, approved by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, outlines efforts to raise awareness in schools, workplaces, households, and local communities. The government could formally adopt the program later this month. Officials plan to promote academic research, distribute educational materials, strengthen counseling systems, and publish annual reports on queer policies. The program also calls for age-appropriate support for young people and increased involvement from school counselors. The initiative follows Japan’s 2023 LGBTQ+ understanding promotion law. The draft program took nearly three years to complete amid disagreements between supporters of LGBTQ+ protections and conservative opponents within the ruling party.
