The journey toward equality for the LGBTQ+ community in Japan has been something of a ping-pong match over the past few years. The country has indeed taken steps toward inclusion and equal rights, such as the recent establishment of the partnership system of same-sex couples. But just when we think we’re beginning to see a glimmer of hope, that hope is shot down by disappointing news, such as what one anonymous transgender woman recently faced. According to Japan Times, the transgender woman in question was denied legal parental rights on Friday, August 19 by the Tokyo High Court – to her own biological child. The ruling comes from Japan’s outdated laws regarding legal guardianship. It also points out Japan’s lack of rights for not only transgender parents, but trans people and same-sex couples in general.