TOKYO (AP) — Panasonic Corp. says it will recognize same-sex marriages in its employment policies in a rare move for a major Japanese manufacturer.
The company says Thursday the new policy will come into effect in April.
Although details are being worked out, some of the benefits allocated to married employees include maternity leave, health insurance and a small cash bonus.
The Osaka-based maker of Viera TVs and Lumix digital cameras says it has been studying LGBT issues for more than a decade.
Japan doesn't recognize same sex marriages, but a handful of local governments, such as Tokyo's Shibuya Ward, which attracts startups and a youth culture, allow same-sex couples to register their unions.