Same-sex sexual activity was criminalised only briefly in Japan's history between 18, after which a localised version of the Napoleonic Penal Code was adopted with an equal age of consent. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender ( LGBT) people in Japan may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. No legal recognition of same-sex relationships on any government level (symbolic partnership certificates offered by some jurisdictions)
Sexual orientation protected in some cities, though not nationally Change of legal sex allowed since 2004, following sex reassignment surgery and sterilization
