Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture Launches Partnership and Familyship Declaration System

Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture, will expand its "Kawanishi City Partnership Declaration System," which was introduced on August 1, 2020, and will launch a new "Kawanishi City Partnership and Familyship Declaration System" starting April 1, 2026. This new system expands the scope, which previously only covered relationships between partners, to now allow for the official certification of family relationships, including the children and parents of those who have declared their partnership.

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Kawanishi City introduced the "Partnership Declaration System" on August 1, 2020. This system issues a "Certificate of Declaration Acceptance" from the city to two individuals, one or both of whom are sexual minorities, who declare their respect for each other as life partners and their commitment to cooperate in daily life.

Kawanishi City has now further expanded the system and will newly introduce the "Familyship System" starting April 1, 2026. This will allow for the official certification of family relationships, not only between the partners themselves but also including their children and parents, under the "Kawanishi City Partnership and Familyship Declaration System."

Under the Familyship System, if a child (including adopted children) or parent (including adoptive parents and their spouses) of one or both partners who have declared their partnership promises to respect each other as family and continuously cooperate in daily life, the city will certify that family relationship. While these systems do not have legal effect, obtaining official certification makes it easier to explain one's 'family' in daily life and offers benefits such as smoother access to administrative and private services.

As a city, we aim to support everyone in living authentically with their important partners and families, and we believe this will take us one step further in creating a city that recognizes diverse ways of life.

[Remarks]
Persons eligible to declare familyship:
● Must be a child or parent of one or both partners who have declared a partnership.
● Must be a relationship where they promise to respect each other as family and continuously cooperate in daily life.
● If declaring familyship including a child or parent aged 15 or older, consent from that child or parent is required.

Kawanishi City Partnership and Familyship Declaration System Flyer