Japanese Wedding Law

The provision of Japanese Law (for the protection of consumers) is evident in the requirement of a Religious Activities visa for foreigners to preside at Christian-style wedding celebrations. The strong suggestion therefore is that these events are religious.

There are people who argue that these celebrations are not religious but better understood as the simulation of a genuine religious ritual. However, a cursory glance at websites and promotional material issued by Wedding Agencies reveals no hint that the services offered are merely a simulation of the 'real'. In fact, many draw attention to the solemnity of the pastor's involvement and blessings. This is unsatisfactory.

If the product is a simulation rather than a religious experience then it must be clearly advertised as such.

The current ruling party in Japan is making steps to create a new consumer agency. Following a string of business scandals (many were the mis-labeling of food items), the government is moving towards firming up consumer protection. It is hoped that the Christian-style wedding industry will be high on the agenda for the new consumer agency.

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The author posed a question to a lawyer with particular expertise in Japanese law relating to religious matters and church affairs:

Are Christian-style wedding celebrations a 'Religious activity' or part of the 'Entertainment Industry'?

In Japan wedding celebrations including Christian-style ones would be regarded as an ordinary service business. Anyone may do it without any license. For a foreigner to do it either an investment/business management visa or a religious visa would be required. ........ As I have found no particular references in laws/regulations on Christian-style wedding celebrations the above opinion is based on my personal interpretations from the general rules of law. You may wish to confirm with the Immigration Office on this subject.

This lawyer's comment is backed up by other sources which help understand the place of religion as defined in law.

...religion is conceptualised as an industrial category which is part of the service industry in contemporary Japan. www.japanesestudies.org.uk

It could be that the ambiguity of being an expression of the service industry means that these Christian-style wedding celebrations can potentially be perceived as religious, or entertainment or even religious entertainment. But the question about why a Religious Activities Visa is preferred over a Humanities Visa (or even an Entertainers Visa) remains.

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Being a Wedding Celebrant is not a career. Training is minimal. The value of this occupation in preparing the laborers for future employment is questionable.