There are numerous peculiar laws around the globe, ranging from forgetting a wife’s birthday leading to legal action to feeding pigeons considered a crime. Some countries even restrict the act of covering one’s face or wearing heels. However, perhaps one of the most unusual laws exists in Japan, where regardless of caste and religion, individuals must share the same surname. Failure to comply with this provision can result in penalties.
This law has been in force since 1898 and was upheld by the Supreme Court of Japan in 2015. It originated during Japan’s Meiji era, characterised by a feudal family system where males typically headed households, relegating women and children to subordinate roles.
According to a report by Metro, Japan’s population, totalling around 125 million, currently sees Sato as the most popular surname, utilised by over 1.5% of the nation’s populace. Between 2022 and 2023, the usage of the surname Sato increased by 100%. Experts speculate that by 2446, more than 50% of the population will share the same surname and by 2531, the entire population could adopt it.
Professor Hiroshi Yoshida of Tohoku University, as reported by Sky News, expressed concerns regarding the potential consequences of this trend. He warned that if this pattern persists, a day may come when all individuals in Japan will need to address each other by first names or numbers. Professor Yoshida emphasised that his research was based on calculated scenarios, noting, “Everyone having the same surname will not only be inconvenient but also undermine individual dignity,” as reported by the Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun. He further added, “This would also lead to the loss of family and regional heritage associated with surnames.”
Japan’s unique law mandating a shared surname irrespective of caste or religion has garnered attention for its potential societal implications. As the prevalence of certain surnames increases, concerns arise regarding individual identity, dignity and the preservation of familial and regional heritage.
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