civil union
A legally recognized relationship similar to marriage, often used for same-sex couples. The term is a direct loanword and is used in legal and social contexts in Japan.
In some countries, civil unions are recognized for same-sex couples.
Debate continues over the introduction of a civil union system.
Standard katakana spelling for the loanword 'civil union'.
Variant with interpunct; less common but still seen.
Direct loanword from English 'civil union', adopted into Japanese with katakana spelling.