This nationwide cross-sectional internet survey estimated the proportion and characteristics of sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in Japan among people aged 15 and older, using inverse probability weighting calibrated to a 2019 national reference survey (n=27,690 eligible respondents, data collected September–October 2022).
An estimated 8.6% of Japan's population aged 15+ identified as SGM: 4.9% gay/lesbian, 1.1% bisexual, 1.0% asexual, and 1.6% gender-diverse. SGM respondents were younger, less often married or partnered, and showed disparities in household income, employment, and psychological distress compared to cisgender heterosexual respondents.
- All measures were self-reported, limiting objective verification. - Web-based sampling may underrepresent older adults or those without internet access. - Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference; differences are descriptive distributions only.
Clinicians in Japan should routinely ask about sexual orientation and gender identity, as SGM individuals represent an estimated 8.6% of the adult population and face measurable disparities in psychological distress, income, and employment. Standardized SOGI collection in clinical and administrative settings is needed to monitor and address these health gaps.
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