What is marital status discrimination?

As its name suggests, marital status discrimination is workplace discrimination based on an employee’s marital status. It can occur whether you are married or single. Note that, however, same sex partnerships and civil unions are not recognized in Japan.

The unlawful discrimination arises when an employer makes employment decisions based on marital status. Conduct may include the denial of employment, employment opportunities or promotions, harassment, unequal pay and/or other negative actions.

For further context on same sex unions, here is an article on the recognition of same sex unions in Japan.