"Partnership" certificates are to be issued to same-sex couples in Tokyo's largest district from November.

The district will become the second in the country to recognize such unions following a pioneering move by the capital's bustling Shibuya ward.

While the certificates will not be legally binding, Setagaya District Council said it hopes they will encourage hospitals and landlords to ensure that same-sex couples receive similar treatment to married people.

Applicants must sign a declaration stating their intentions.

The decision, made last week, comes after neighboring Shibuya district - a business and shopping hub that is home to international firms and embassies - passed an ordinance in March to start issuing the partnership certificates.

It was the first such recognition of same-sex unions in Japan. Shibuya's certificates are expected to be issued from October.

Setagaya ward is the largest of Tokyo's 23 districts with a population of about 874,000, including around 6,000 foreigners.

(China Daily 08/04/2015 page10)