Mizuho bank has revised its rules governing housing loans to expand the scope of “same-sex partner” under the definition of “spouse”. This makes Mizuho Bank is the first bank in Japan to provide this expanded housing loan accessibility to same-sex couples at all branches throughout the country. This amendment to existing rules makes it easier to extend to same-sex couples the same eligibility as married couples when applying for housing loans.

Since July of this year, Mizuho has been the only bank in Japan to accept a certificate of partnership issued by Shibuya ward as legal proof of a same sex partnership when applying for bank services. Mizuho now expands that accessibility by designating same sex couples as spouses and not partners.This means Mizuho will also accept, as proof of partnership, other designated documents, thus making the certification process less restrictive.

This progressive policy is an early response to increased societal awareness of individuals who identify as LGBT (an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, and here also includes all other non-heterosexual sexual orientations and non-binary gender identities). You can read the press release here.