News

Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture has become 4th municipality that issues same-sex partnership certificates in Japan.

On June 1st, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, started issuing same-sex partnership certificates that officially recognize same-sex couples. The city...

Japan Transocean Air announces support for LGBT community in Okinawa.

Japan Transocean Air (JTA) announces support for LGBT community by allowing LGBT people to share their miles and inherit mileage from one another. Jap...

Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2016 successfully sets a new record with 70,500 participants.

On April 30th, the opening reception of Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2016 was held at a cafe in Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories. People ga...

Ken Maeda, an openly gay television talent, and Masako Togawa, a Japanese Chanson singer passed away.

Right: Ken Marda, Left: Masako Togawa On April 26th, the entire LGBT community in Japan grieved at the sad news that two openly out television talents...

Iga City in Mie Prefecture started issuing same-sex partnership certificates. The first certificate was given to a local lesbian couple.

2nd right man is the mayor of Iga City, Mr.Okamoto. The center person in red Ninja costume is Soichi Yamaguchi. On April 1st, Iga City in Mie Prefectu...

Being Out in Japan Part 2: The Workplace

By: Roz Back home in Michigan I can legally get married and the next day be fired for it. That terrifying thought is why I have the fear of coming out...

Densha Ojisan

By: Roz I take the Chuo Line train from Yoyogi to home after work. The train is always very packed because it is one station before a major stop, Shin...

Same-sex Wedding Planning

By Roz It is a month before our wedding and tension is high, just as it is for most couples before their wedding, but a same-sex wedding tends to come...

I Dreamt I’m Gay

By Roz I find dreams to be the most fascinating natural occurrences. Even with many theories from psychologists, scientists, religious figures, transl...

Being Out in Japan Part 1: Public Display of Affection

By: Roz Natsuko and I first started dating in February 2013. There was no talk about same sex marriage or any laws protecting LGBTQ in Japan at the t...