Japan only G7 country that does not legally recognize same-sex couples
Advocacy group celebrated landmark decision
Sanae Takaichi became country’s head of government last month
Discrimination, lack of legal recognition undermine progress
Protests forced then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign in August 2024
Sanseitō on July 20 won 14 House of Councillors seats
March 28 quake killed thousands, devastated country’s second-largest city
