TOKYO -- Sixty-two percent of all candidates in the upcoming Oct. 27 House of Representatives election in Japan are in favor of a selective surname system for married couples, in contrast to only 30% among ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) candidates, according to the results of a recent Mainichi Shimbun survey.

The respondents were asked about their support for or opposition to the introduction of a system that allows married couples to choose between keeping their maiden name or taking their spouse's last name. The results revealed a stark contrast between the proactive stance of the main opposition parties and the passive stance of the LDP on an issue related to families.

While 62% of candidates were for the introduction of the selective surname system, 19% were against. There was a gap between gender, with 60% of male and 69% of female candidates in favor.

Amid growing interest, the surname system also emerged as a point of contention in the LDP presidential election in September. Among major political parties, only the LDP showed a clear split among candidates, with 32% opposed and 30% in favor. Twenty-seven percent of LDP candidates did not respond. Even among those who supported the system, some were cautious about an early introduction, writing in the free answer section of the questionnaire that "sufficient discussion is necessary."

In light of this situation, the LDP only pledged to "work to resolve inconveniences as soon as possible by addressing the issue from an operational standpoint," not indicating its stance toward introducing the system.

Meanwhile, 94% of candidates from Komeito, a junior coalition partner of the LDP, were in favor of the selective surname system. The party also stated in its pledge that it would "promote the introduction."

Most of the opposition parties, including the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, incorporated the introduction of the system in their pledges. At least 90% of candidates from many opposition parties expressed their support for the system. However, 75% of candidates from Nippon Ishin (the Japan Innovation Party) were in favor, which was lower than the other opposition parties.

The Legislative Council, an advisory body to the justice minister, reported on the introduction of the selective surname system in 1996, but some LDP lawmakers who placed more importance on traditional family values resisted the proposal, saying that it would destroy family ties. No substantive discussions have progressed since then. The LDP resumed discussions within the party this past July for the first time in three years after the Japan Business Federation, commonly known as Keidanren, proposed an early introduction in June.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba had expressed his positive attitude toward the introduction of the system during the LDP presidential election, but in his policy speech after taking office he closed his own argument by saying, "There are a variety of opinions." At an Oct. 12 debate among party leaders hosted by the Japan National Press Club, Ishiba emphasized, "We will come to a conclusion. We won't drag it out indefinitely," but there are no prospects of a consensus of opinion.

(Japanese original by Eri Misono, Digital News Group)