| The Japanese version of this website is currently in progress |
This website is not an official guide. It is an in-progress unofficial work that was created as a passion project, meant to provide guidance and support for those wanting to transition in Japan, but it is likely there are mistakes or inaccuracies and the information should not be used as professional advice. Sources and further information will be included, so individuals are encouraged to do their own research.
This website was created with the intention of being a guide to help people navigate medical transitioning, and gender affirmation in Japan. Growing up as a transgender man living in Japan, I was faced with a significant lack of resources and guidance on how to navigate transitioning. Much of the process seemed confusing, or too overwhelming to figure out, and I couldn't find many websites or guides that explained all of the processes clearly. Gender affirmation is a life saving treatment for many trans people, and anyone who wants to transition deserves to be able to, without having to climb so many hurdles to navigate the process. Having readily available knowledge, and resources on gender affirmation is not only beneficial to transgender people, but also can increase awareness and understanding on the topic for everyone as a whole, which can lead to an increase in support, and further push for more access to gender affirmation care. This was the reason for creating this website.
This website is currently a work in progress due to it being a personal project, and it will be continually updated as more information is gathered. Some areas may be lacking in detail or have fewer resources than others at the moment, but I intend to add and edit information as more is collected. While the goal is to gather and share as much information and details as possible, this website aims to at least provide enough understanding and guidance, that each person should be able to navigate transitioning in Japan at least a little more easily on their own.
It is important to note once again, that this website is not a professional or official guide, and each person is encouraged to research and verify information on their own. Sources of information will be supplied and cited to make this process easier. This website is a passion project created with the hope to be a starting point for people looking to navigate transitioning in Japan, and to raise awareness and knowledge on the transgender community in Japan. I wish the best to all transgender people out there navigating this process; don't give up on creating a happier life for yourself, and living as the true you.
All of these steps are dependant upon the individual's personal preferences. Everyone's transition is different, these steps are just the most common when it comes to medical/legal transitioning specifically in Japan.
1. Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis (性別不合診断) - Currently in Japan, if you want to go through any medical transitioning, or legal gender change, you need a Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis.
2. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) (ホルモン療法) - Hormone Replacement Therapy, otherwise known as Hormone Treatment, Hormone Therapy, or HRT. There are commonly two types of treatments that can be given; Testosterone, or masculinizing hormone therapy (for transgender men or transmasculine people etc), and Estrogen, feminizing hormone therapy (for transgender women or transfeminine people etc).
3. Gender-affirming Surgeries - There are many different forms of surgeries for the masculinization, feminization, or androgynization of the body. Top surgery (surgery on chest) and bottom surgery (surgery on genitals) are common forms of gender-affirmation surgery, but even those have many options that can be chosen, as well as many other surgeries for hair, face, voice etc that can be done as well.
4. Legal Gender Change - Legally changing your gender, changing your gender marker, means that the government officially recognizes you as your preferred gender.