TOKYO (AP) — A court found Japan's refusal to legalize same-sex marriage was constitutional Friday in the last of six cases that are expected to be brought to the Supreme Court for a final and definitive ruling, possibly next year.
The Tokyo High Court said marriage under the law is largely expected to be a union between men and women in a decision that reversed a lower court ruling last year and was the first loss at high courts in the six cases brought by those seeking equal marriage rights.
Judge Ayumi Higashi said a legal definition of a family as a unit between a couple and their children is rational and that exclusion of same-sex marriage is valid. The court also dismissed damages of 1 million yen ($6,400) each sought by eight sexual minorities seeking equal marital rights.
Plaintiffs and their lawyers said the decision was unjust but they were determined to keep fighting through the Supreme Court.
“I'm so disappointed,” plaintiff Hiromi Hatogai told reporters outside the court. “Rather than sorrow, I'm outraged and appalled by the decision. Were the judges listening to us?”
“We only want to be able to marry and be happy, just like anyone else,” said another plaintiff, Rie Fukuda. “I believe the society is changing. We won't give up.”
With all six high court cases done, the Supreme Court is expected to handle all appeals and make a decision.
Though discrimination still exists at school, work and elsewhere, public backing for legalizing same-sex marriage and support in the business community have rapidly increased in recent years.
Japan is the only member of the Group of Seven industrialized countries that does not recognize same-sex marriage or provide any other form of legally binding protection for LGBTQ+ couples.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi 's conservative ruling Liberal Democratic Party is the main opponent of same-sex marital rights in Japan. The government has argued that marriage under civil law does not cover same-sex couples and places importance on natural reproduction.
More than 30 plaintiffs have joined the lawsuits on marriage equality filed across Japan since 2019. They argue that civil law provisions barring same-sex marriage violate the Constitutional right to equality and freedom of marriage.
Friday’s ruling was only the second that found the current government policy constitutional after the 2022 Osaka District Court decision.
Plaintiffs of same-sex couples, their lawyers and supporters hold placards reading, "Unjust ruling," stand outside a high court after its ruling on same-sex marriage in Tokyo, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Miki Matsuzaki/Kyodo News via AP)
Plaintiffs of same-sex couples march towards a high court, walking along people gathering before its ruling on same-sex marriage in Tokyo, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Miki Matsuzaki/Kyodo News via AP)
People gather outside a high court before its ruling on same-sex marriage in Tokyo, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Miki Matsuzaki/Kyodo News via AP)
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane is questionable to return against the New York Jets after injuring his ribs Sunday.
Achane was slow to walk off the field after a 29-yard run late in the second quarter. He went into the injury tent on the sideline while Jaylen Wright replaced him as the Dolphins' primary ballcarrier.
Achane ran for 92 yards and a touchdown on seven carries and had a 13-yard catch before leaving. He rushed for at least 120 yards in each of his previous three games.
Jets rookie quarterback Brady Cook made his regular-season NFL debut when he replaced the injured Tyrod Taylor with 3:39 left in the first quarter.
Taylor left with what the Jets said is a groin injury. The team said he was doubtful to return after initially saying he was questionable.
Taylor was intercepted on a deflected pass on his last throw, which Miami took advantage of by later scoring a touchdown to take a 21-0 lead.
Cook, signed in May as an undrafted free agent out of Missouri, handed off to Breece Hall on his first two snaps and then threw incomplete to Adonai Mitchell before the Jets punted. Cook's first completion came two possessions later, a 6-yard pass to fellow rookie Mason Taylor.
With 30 seconds left in the first half, Cook also tossed his first interception when his throw for John Metchie III was picked off by Rasul Douglas deep in Dolphins territory.
Cook was serving as the backup to Tyrod Taylor because Justin Fields was ruled out Friday with knee soreness.
Cook, who threw for 9,008 yards and 49 touchdowns with 15 interceptions in five seasons at Missouri, was signed to the active roster Saturday. He had been promoted from the practice squad for two previous games this season but hadn’t played.
Cook was 25 of 38 for 235 yards and a touchdown with one interception in three preseason games.
Jets rookie defensive end Tyler Baron was ruled out with a knee injury. Linebacker Kiko Mauigoa cleared concussion protocol, but was questionable to return. Cornerback Azareye'h Thomas hurt a shoulder in the first half, but came back in the third quarter.
Dolphins linebacker Tyrel Dodson injured a hamstring and was questionable to return. Backup linebacker Caleb Johnson left in the first quarter with a shoulder injury.
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New York Jets quarterback Brady Cook (4) passes against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams (56) hits Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) avoids a sack by DUPLICATE***Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Matthew Judon (8) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Jets quarterback Brady Cook (4) looks to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) hands off the ball to running back De'Von Achane (28) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
