Description of the issue: The article discusses whether married couples in Japan should be allowed to have separate surnames or continue sharing the same family name after marriage. Unfortunately, progress toward introducing a dual surname system has taken a major step backward since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and the Japan Innovation Party opposed the idea. They believe that allowing separate surnames would destroy traditional family values. However, they support the use of maiden names for business or official purposes, but not as legal surnames. On the other hand, some argue that simply allowing the use of maiden names does not solve the problem. Keidanren points out that many women face difficulties when their legal and business names are different. Moreover, women’s and civil rights groups, along with Makiko Terahara and the Komeito Party, strongly argue that gender equality and personal freedom should be respected. ...