All About Japan All About Japan

Fresh start every Monday!

LGBT Partnerships in Japan: One Step Forward

Gay marriage in Japan is still not a reality, but partnership systems and certificates are slowly gaining ground. Read on to find out more about options for same-sex couples in Japan looking to tie the knot.

EMA: Leading the Fight for Marriage Equality

Founded in 2014, EMA Japan has been one of the driving forces striving to bring about equal rights to same-sex couples. Learn all about this intrepid group and how they are working to ensure marriage equality for all members of the LGBT+ community.

5 Fun Tokyo Events for Golden Week 2018

Looking for things to do in Tokyo over Golden Week? These five fun events happen to line up perfectly with Japan's most anticipated national holiday!

Venture out to the LGBT-Friendly City of Osaka

It's well known that opinions about same-sex marriage and rights are still divided in Japan. But Osaka seems to be ahead of the curve.

Touching Commercial Highlights Japanese LGBT+

Six Japanese individuals in the LGBT+ community discuss what coming out was like and what they hope to see in the future for LGBT+ rights in Japan.

Japanese Highschooler Wows With His Cute Looks

Japanese high school boy amazes netizens with his cute girl-next-door looks and giving his female classmates a run for their money!

Buddhist Monk on Celebrating Sexual Diversity

Makeup artist and Buddhist monk Kodo Nishimura discusses their views on sexual diversity and faith.

Tokyo Rainbow Pride Guide 2018

Tokyo Rainbow Pride, an annual event taking place in Tokyo every year since 2011, has become a celebration of diversity and more inclusivity for all colors of the sexuality rainbow.

LGBT+ Icons in Japan

As the rights of the LGBT+ community are becoming a huge topic in both people's personal lives and the corporate sphere in Japan, a number of Japanese LGBT+ icons have been leading the conversation—some for a very long time!

Tokyo's New LGBTQ+ Hospitality Home

Pride House Tokyo opened on October 11 as Japan’s first permanent facility for sexual minorities.

Necessary Japanese Jargon for Dating Apps

Dating apps are getting more popular Japan, as it gives people easier access to find dates and meet new people. Just like everything else in Japan, there's lots of jargon hiding the true meaning. Here are some common terms we've decoded for you.

A Quick Guide to Japanese Gay Bars

Here's a quick, smart guide to a segment of Japanese nightlife you're not going to find in your regular guide book.

Students Get Choices For Their Uniform

One brand new middle school is letting students of any gender wear whatever uniform components they feel comfortable in out of consideration to LGBT+ youths.

Kirin Toasts Same-Sex Marriage

Same-sex marriage couples will now receive the same benefits like condolence leave, company housing and other benefits

LGBT+ Groups & Activities in Japan

As visibility for the LGBT+ community is increasingly growing around Japan, so are the number of groups that promote awareness. If you're looking to get involved, here's a great list of groups to get in touch with.

New Web Series Shines Light on LGBT+ Community

The new web series 'Tokyo Neighbors' explores what it’s like to be gay in Japan.

Ex-SMAP Star Plays Trans Role in New Trailer

After releasing a very lengthy trailer, upcoming film Midnight Swan has the internet abuzz with discussions about the theme of the movie—notably former SMAP member Tsuyoshi Kusanagi playing a trans woman—as well as the length of the trailer itself.

Sexual Health in Japan

One of the many taboos in Japan is discussing sex and sexual health in an open and proactive way. However, should you end up living or working here, it's important to know what resources are available to keep you healthy and happy.

Top 5 Anime Girlfriends as Voted by Women

Lesbian anime fans make their picks for their favorite animated romantic companions.

Top 10 LGBT+ Pride Events Outside Tokyo

While Tokyo Rainbow Pride is probably Japan's best-known pride extravaganza, there are plenty of rainbow flags flying across the country. Here are Japan's best-kept-secret prides!

  • 1
  • 2
  • 1
  • 2
  • 1
  • 2
know-before-you-go