Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has expressed his intention to legalize the use of maiden names across various official documents. This reform is expected to stir discussions regarding the freedom and rights of women in Japan’s traditional society. While no specific timeline for this change has been given, the announcement has sparked significant media attention and public debate.

The issue of marital surname has long been contentious in Japan. Currently, Japanese law requires married couples to have the same surname, a tradition that typically sees women abandoning their maiden names. Kishida's policy reflects a significant shift in Japan's conservative society and indicates changes in the societal and legal values of the country.

In contrast, in the countries of the United States and European Union, it is common for women to retain their maiden names after marriage, or they may choose to hyphenate both names. The decision is largely seen as a matter of personal choice, reflecting societal values of individuality and gender equality.