In a meeting held last December as part of developing Japan's sixth Basic Plan for Gender Equality, discussions highlighted the inclusion of a provision for the legal use of former names. Of the nine private sector members present, five commented on the draft, with three endorsing the option for selective married surnames. The Bureau's records, released in mid-February, showed that while some members support the initiative, others voiced concerns over the limited scope of the proposal, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive legislation that encompasses the selective use of surnames in marriage.

Among those expressing opposition was Yoko Yoshino, Chair of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation, who criticized the draft's failure to address the broader issue of selective surname choices for couples. Her statements have sparked debate in the media regarding the necessity for legal reforms that accommodate both individuals' surnames without imposing barriers. Furthermore, Emiko Nami, a representative from the National Women's Conference, articulated her disappointment over the proposal, underscoring the importance of establishing a legal framework that recognizes the selective surname option as vital to achieving true gender equality.