Japan lesbian couple 'wed' amid calls for same-sex marriage

Japanese actress Akane Sugimori (R) and her partner Ayaka Ichinose, both dressed in white, pose together at a press conference after their marriage ceremony in Tokyo on April 19, 2015

Tokyo (AFP) - A lesbian couple held a symbolic wedding ceremony in Tokyo on Sunday, as calls grow for Japan to legalise same-sex marriage.

While their marriage will not be recognised under law, actresses Ayaka Ichinose, 34, and Akane Sugimori, 28 -- both dressed in white -- tied the knot in front of some 80 relatives and friends.