News

LGBTQ groups cheer Tokyo’s same-sex partnership move

Published

4 years ago

December 9, 2021

Tokyo is moving to introduce a same-sex partnership system, an announcement welcomed by many

Japanese LGBTQ rights activists on Wednesday hailed Tokyo’s move to introduce a same-sex partnership system as a huge step in their fight for equality in the only G7 country that does not fully recognize same-sex marriage. Emer McCarthy reports.

Japanese LGBTQ rights activists are hailing Tokyo’s move to introduce a same-sex partnership system as a huge step in their fight for equality, in the only G7 country that does not fully recognize same-sex marriage.

Tokyo’s governor Yuriko Koike announced on Tuesday (December 7) that partnerships would be allowed early next year and made legal in the fiscal year beginning April 2022.

The partnership system allows same-sex partners to register their relationship and gain some of the privileges enjoyed by married couples, like being allowed to rent places to live together and gain hospital visitation rights.

“I think it is very revolutionary. I think diversity will continue to progress, so I think what the Tokyo governor said was good.”

“In rural areas, there are long-standing cultures and way of living, so I think those kinds of things are kind of difficult to root in immediately. I think Tokyo can set itself as a good example, and that can spread nationwide.”

Activists have long lobbied for the capital to adopt the system, and pushed its efforts ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

LGBTQ rights activist Gon Matsunaka said the Olympics helped sway public opinion.

“We had the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, and I think Tokyo is thinking about what to it should do in regards to the legacy of the Games. In fact, the United Kingdom legalized same-sex marriage after the London Olympics. In that sense, since Koike made the announcement in the year of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, in which ‘diversity and harmony’ was the theme, although she said she would introduce it next year, I think the Games had an influence.”

Activists say the next goal is making marriage possible, though this probably requires more local areas to adopt same-sex partnership regulations, creating enough pressure that the national government can no longer ignore it.

News

Amazon launches AI tools to change film and television production

Amazon MGM Studios tests AI to streamline production, reduce costs, enhancing but not replacing human creativity, says AI Studio team.

Published

5 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Amazon MGM Studios tests AI to streamline production, reduce costs, enhancing but not replacing human creativity, says AI Studio team.

Amazon MGM Studios is stepping into the future of entertainment by developing artificial intelligence tools designed to reduce production costs and streamline filmmaking processes. This closed beta, launching in March, will let industry partners test how AI can enhance creativity and efficiency on set.

Amy Cheng, leading the AI Studio team, emphasises that while AI can accelerate workflows, it will never replace the unique contributions of human creativity. The initiative represents Amazon’s push to innovate in content creation while maintaining the art of storytelling.

The use of AI in Hollywood is expanding rapidly, sparking discussions about its impact on jobs and the future of the industry. As studios explore automation, the balance between efficiency and human artistry remains a central concern.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

Ryan Routh receives life sentence for attempted Trump assassination

Ryan Routh sentenced to life for attempting to assassinate Trump; lawyer plans to appeal due to personal issues.

Published

5 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Ryan Routh sentenced to life for attempting to assassinate Trump; lawyer plans to appeal due to personal issues.

Ryan Routh, who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump, has been sentenced to life in prison. The 59-year-old was convicted on five criminal counts after representing himself during the trial.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon described Routh’s actions as a premeditated plot to take a human life. Prosecutors emphasised that his plan was aimed at disrupting American democracy.

Routh’s attorney plans to appeal the conviction, arguing that he is a troubled individual with a good core. Routh had been found hiding with a firearm near Trump’s golf course shortly before the 2024 election.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

Trump issues stark warning to Iran amid nuclear tensions

Trump warns Iran’s supreme leader amid escalating tensions and concerns over nuclear site strikes and potential program restart.

Published

8 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump warns Iran’s supreme leader amid escalating tensions and concerns over nuclear site strikes and potential program restart.

President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, saying the country’s supreme leader should be very worried as geopolitical tensions escalate. His comments signal a hardening tone as rhetoric between Washington and Tehran sharpens once again.

In an interview with NBC, Trump addressed past strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and growing fears that Tehran could restart its nuclear programme. The remarks reignite debate over deterrence, diplomacy and the risk of further conflict in the region.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker