Tokyo’s Shocking Scoop: A Business Lady Lists Her Legal (and Love‑Legal) Status
Meet Kazuyo Katsuma, a 49‑year‑old powerhouse with three kids and a spot on the Wall Street Journal’s “50 Women to Watch” list. And guess what? She’s officially out – not just politically, but for love, too.
Who’s the Reason Behind the Smiles?
- Hiroko Masuhara, age 40, is not just a partner but a proud LGBTQ+ activist.
- Katsuma says she kept her attraction to the same sex under wraps—until the moment she met Hiroko, when the ice in her heart finally melted.
- “I hope this announcement sparks a change,” she told BuzzFeed Japan, waving her ticket to a new chapter.
Why This Is a Big Deal in Tokyo
In Japan, folks generally chill when it comes to same‑sex relationships (researchers say – but let’s be honest, it’s still a bit of a “you can’t brag about it on a billboard” situation). Same‑sex marriage? Not yet. And discrimination still lurks in the shadows—think not being able to visit a loved one in the hospital or renting an apartment on the assumption you’re “off‑kilter.”
The Courage Factor
- Katsuma admits it takes real courage to go public in a place where prejudices and long‑standing stereotypes still have a foothold.
- Her partner, Hiroko, is thrilled but surprised by the media storm. “The public is opening up!” she says. “More allies are rolling out of the gate,” she adds.
- Tokyo Rainbow Pride’s co‑chair, Fumino Sugiyama, projects that this revelation could ripple across the business world. “It takes a lot of guts for a seasoned professional to come out,” she commends. Suggests others—artists, Olympians—should feel free to show off their flair.
Lightning‑Fast Progress
In 2015, Shibuya began awarding symbolic “partnership certificates” to same‑sex couples—an unmistakable push for progress. Hiroko even earned the first one, hand‑in‑hand with a former partner. Other cities are following suit, and corporate culture is beginning to nod toward recognising legal commitments between same‑sex couples.
Bottom line: Kazuyo Katsuma isn’t just breaking her own personal silence—she’s lightening the load for a generation to come. Kyoker, the best thing ever to happen
