Despite a series of court rulings challenging Japan’s same-sex marriage ban, public opinion remains largely unmoved. Robert Nordström presents evidence from new survey data which reveals the fleeting influence of judicial action in advancing LGBTQ rights in this conservative society
Research Associate, School of Political Science and Economics (SPSE), Waseda University
Robert specialises in gender, LGBTQ+ issues, local politics, electoral systems, and public opinion.
His research examines how uncontested and uncompetitive elections influence democratic quality in Japan, focusing on legislators’ behaviour, fiscal outcomes, and voter trust.
Robert also explores how gender disparities shape the content and priorities of Japanese local politics and the societal and political dynamics surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, including same-sex marriage.
Through his work, he aims to provide new insights into the intersections of gender, representation, and democracy in Japan.
