To avoid a repeat of the Russian anti-gay law controversy at last year's Sochi Games, lawmakers established a group to rid Japan of discrimination against sexual minorities ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The nonpartisan body includes Liberal Democratic Party member Hiroshi Hase, a former vice education minister; Komeito member Masaaki Taniai, vice chairman of the party's Policy Research Council; and Democratic Party of Japan member Goshi Hosono, chairman of the party's Policy Research Committee.

"As it hosts the Olympic Games, there is no doubt that Japanese society will be questioned on how it treats its sexual minorities," Hase said. "We must substantiate the principles described in the basic plan of the Games." Read More