A Japanese court has ruled that not recognizing same-sex marriages is constitutional. It dismissed plaintiffs' claim for government compensation, saying current legal provisions cannot be ruled unconstitutional.

The Tokyo District Court handed down the ruling on Wednesday in a damages suit filed against the government by eight plaintiffs, including same-sex couples. The plaintiffs argued that provisions in the civil code and other legislation that don't recognize same-sex unions are unconstitutional.

The Tokyo District Court is set to hand down a ruling in a damages lawsuit claiming that the government's non-recognition of same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.

The eight plaintiffs argued that the inability of same-sex couples to marry disregards the principles of freedom and equality guaranteed by the Constitution. The Japanese civil code does not allow such marriages. The plaintiffs include same-sex couples living in Tokyo.

Japanese Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo says protection of foreign military assets by Japan's Self-Defense Forces should be viewed differently from the use of force.

Kishi and Australian Defense Minister Linda Reynolds agreed on Monday that Australian naval vessels will be included among foreign military assets the Self-Defense Forces are able to protect under Japan's new security legislation enacted in 2015.

The organizers of the Tokyo Paralympics on Monday announced the competition schedule for the postponed Games. A few adjustments were made to the timing of some sports, but they were able to secure the same venues that had been planned for this year.

The Paralympics will run for 13 days, from August 24, 2021, one day earlier than the start planned for this year. Athletes from around the world will compete in 539 events across 22 sports.

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