Transgender woman granted long term residency in Japan cnn.com

Tokyo (CNN) A woman from Southeast Asia has become the first transgender person to receive a long-term residential visa in Japan, according to her lawyer.
This special permit is usually awarded to foreigners who marry a Japanese citizen, said lawyer Miho Kumazawa.
The 58-year-old woman, who has not disclosed her name and nationality, has been living illegally in Japan for 26 years.
But they were unsuccessful, as same-sex marriage is not allowed under Japan's laws, and transgender people are rarely recognized as such.
Nevertheless, in August 14th, she was finally granted the long-term residence permit, which her lawyer credits to the court's sympathy.