2026 POLLS: Dual Surname Issue Put Aside during Campaign

Tokyo, Feb. 6 (Jiji Press)–The campaign for Sunday’s general election in Japan has lacked active discussions on a possible dual surname system for married couples. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, also president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, has rarely touched on the issue or the party’s pledge to create legislation on the use of maiden names, apparently due to persistent opposition from conservative voters to the introduction of a dual surname system. The Centrist Reform Alliance, a new party formed by the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito, has promoted a dual surname system, but it seems to prioritize other issues, such as the LDP’s political funds scandal. During last year’s ordinary session, the Diet held deliberations on legislation regarding the introduction of a dual surname system for the first time in 28 years, after the LDP-led coalition lost its majority in the House of Representatives the previous year. As some LDP lawmakers supported the system, momentum for its introduction increased temporarily. However, the LDP lost the House of Councillors in July, while Sanseito, a conservative party that opposes the system, gained ground. For the upcoming House of Representatives election, the LDP is aiming to regain support from conservative voters. During a campaign speech in the western city of Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, on Wednesday, Takaichi highlighted her goal of achieving economic growth through responsible and proactive fiscal policy. She also expressed her intention to work on measures related to foreign nationals, but did not mention the use of maiden names. Promoting the use of maiden names is included in the coalition agreement between the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party, and also listed in the JIP’s campaign platform. Yoshihiko Noda, co-leader of the Centrist Reform Alliance, has barely mentioned the dual surname issue, as well. In his stump speech in the city of Ichihara, Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, on Wednesday, Noda stressed that his party will prioritize residents, while criticizing the LDP for endorsing candidates involved in its funds scandal. Among other parties, the Democratic Party for the People, the Japanese Communist Party, Reiwa Shinsengumi and the Social Democratic Party support the use of different surnames by married couples. In addition to Sanseito, the Conservative Party of Japan and a new party called Tax Cuts Japan & Patriotic Alliance are negative. Team Mirai is calling for discussions from various viewpoints and based on public opinion. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]