Japan is the only country in the world that requires spouses to use the same name, but after decades of inaction, appetite for change is building

For Akiko Saikawa, the administrative nightmare began soon after she married.

The office worker from Tokyo had to go through dozens of procedures to change her name on her passport and other documents, as well updating her social media accounts. All because she had been required, by law, to change her surname as a married woman.