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A legal system allowing married couples to choose whether to keep the same surname or use separate surnames.
政府は選択的夫婦別姓の導入を検討中だ。
The government is considering the introduction of optional separate surnames for married couples.
選択的夫婦別姓の導入により、女性の社会進出が促進されると言われている。
The introduction of optional separate surnames is said to promote women's social advancement.
This system is currently under discussion in Japan but not yet legally implemented nationwide. It is often discussed in the context of gender equality and women's rights.
This phrase is almost exclusively used in discussions about Japanese family law and gender equality. It is not a term you would encounter in casual conversation.
While the term literally means 'introduction of optional separate surnames,' its significance lies in the broader debate about gender roles and individual rights in Japanese society.
選択的 (sentakuteki) = 'selective/optional', 夫婦 (fūfu) = 'married couple', 別姓 (besshō) = 'separate surnames', 導入 (dōnyū) = 'introduction'. The phrase combines these elements to describe a legal option for married couples regarding surname usage.
This term is primarily used in legal and sociological discussions in Japan. It is not a commonly used phrase in everyday conversation outside of these contexts. The debate around this issue is often framed in terms of gender equality and individual rights.