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Tobias Waters
Posts
Sapporo Rainbow Pride 2026: Everything You Need to Know
As the nights begin to get longer, it’s time to celebrate Sapporo Rainbow Pride and the 30th anniversary of one of Japan’s longest-running Pride parades!...
LGBTQ+ Onsen in Japan: Etiquette, Gender-Separated Baths and Private Options
Visiting an onsen in Japan is an experience that everyone should try at least once — and fortunately, the etiquette and rules are generally the...
What Is It Like to Grow Older as an LGBTQ+ Person in Japan?
Aging is an inevitable fact of life. This is true no matter where you’re from and no matter who you love. Nevertheless, in discussions about...
TORAJIRO’s “A Light That Never Goes Out”: Queer Masculinity, Vulnerability and Hope in Tokyo
On 9 September 2026, acclaimed queer artist TORAJIRO opened his newest exhibition, *A Light That Never Goes Out,* at the Akio Nagasawa Gallery in Ginza,...
Wearing a Kimono of Another Gender in Japan: Is It Rude, and What Should You Know?
Have you ever looked at the kimono, Japan’s national dress, and thought to yourself, “that looks incredible… but I wish I could wear a kimono...
Bara vs Yaoi: What’s the Difference, and Where Does BL Fit?
To the uninitiated, the differences between bara, yaoi, and Boys’ Love (BL) might seem indistinguishable. However, there are important nuances, not only in presentation but...
Hattenba in Japan: What These Gay Cruising Spaces Are — and What They Aren’t
A hattenba is, to put it briefly, Japanese slang for a gay cruising spot. It describes a place where gay, bisexual, pansexual, and all other...
Kagoshima Moves Toward Prefecture-Wide LGBTQ+ Partnership System
On 11 September, 2026, the Governor of Kagoshima Prefecture Koichi Shiota announced plans to consider introducing a prefecture-wide Partnership System for LGBTQ+ people. Speaking at...
Rainbow Festa Osaka 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Get ready for Tokyo Pride’s sister celebration in Osaka, Rainbow Festa! Tokyo and Osaka have enjoyed a friendly rivalry for hundreds of years. This extends...
Trans Man Akira Aramaki Makes History Running for Mayor of Fukuoka
On 3 September 2026, transgender man Akira Aramaki announced his candidacy for the mayoralty of Fukuoka, the largest city on the island of Kyushu. Running...