What Is a Drag Show?
A drag show is a performance where either a man dresses up as a woman, a woman dresses up as a man, or someone of a different gender dresses up in a way other than their gender identity. A drag show can mean many things, but the main gist of it is that someone is dressing in a genderbent manner, plays up this new character for entertainment, and puts on a good show!
In general, men who dress as women are called “drag queens”, and women who dress as men are called “drag kings”. However, like many things in the queer community, these definitions are mutable.
The most popular form of drag is, by far, done by drag queens: to the point where, if someone thinks of drag, they’ll probably think of a drag queen first. Drag queens tend not only to drape themselves in genderbent outfits, but also to dress and sometimes act in the flashiest, most flamboyant way possible. This overall opulence and campiness is what draws people to drag shows and keeps them coming back.
These performances can take place at bars, clubs, concert halls, and many other venues, but drag shows are generally a form of nightlife entertainment that you wouldn’t usually see before 6pm.
Where Are Drag Shows Usually Held in Japan?
Drag Bars
Drag bars are a popular concept in Japan’s gay areas, and can offer a more intimate venue, as opposed to a club or festival, where you can get to know a drag queen and have a casual chat. Campy! Bar is one of the most well-known drag bars in Tokyo, and usually has two drag queens working there on any given night, as well as regular bartenders dressed in normal clothes. The main job of the queens on staff is not to serve drinks, but rather to talk with customers.
This chill atmosphere is perfect for people who want to learn more about drag but might not be up for a loud, flashy performance that involves a large crowd and leaves their eardrums pounding.
Drag Clubs
If you really want to live it up and party, a drag club is the place to go. When you think of loud music, drag performers in flashy costumes prancing down the runway, and crowds of people all here for the same reason you are, a drag club is where it’s at!
I’ve mostly been to drag clubs in America, and not as many in Japan, so my experience of them might be a little different than what you’d find here. But, from what I remember, they were an assault to all of my senses – and not entirely in a bad way.
Eager onlookers crowded the seating area of the venue, chattering and waiting for the performance to start. In the middle of the room was a runway where various luxuriously adorned drag queens walked out, struck saucy poses as the crowd cheered, and sauntered backstage again. All the while, EDM and/or Lady Gaga was blasting, and the entire experience was a cacophony of sound that left my ears ringing for hours after.
Drag clubs in Japan are probably more subdued than this, mostly because the venues that hold them are (usually) a lot smaller. But they’re still the place in Japan to go if you want to see some drag in a raucous, party atmosphere.
LGBTQ+ Festivals
The one place where you will almost certainly find drag shows happening during the day is at an LGBTQ+ Pride festival. Pride festivals and parades tend to be held during the daylight hours, and are more family friendly than drag bars or clubs.
In addition to drag shows, you’ll find an assortment of other activities at Pride festivals, such as Pride parades and speeches by prominent members of the queer community. That is to say that drag performances aren’t usually the main event of an LGBTQ+ festival, but they are a prominent part of it. And many people come to these festivals just to see their favorite drag queen or king perform.
Why Are Drag Shows in Japan Special?
As I mentioned, drag shows overseas are probably a little (or a lot) different from those held in Japan. Each country and region will have its own flare and unique characteristics when it comes to their drag shows. A lot of the time, the drag performed in a certain region will reflect that location in both costumes and attitudes. So, while you may see drag queens in Japan dressing in kimono quite often, doing so in another country may be considered offensive. It’s all about the place you’re in and what is considered tasteful vs. tacky.
Drag shows in Japan actually host a fair number of international queens – maybe even more so than Japanese queens. When looking over the advertisement for drag shows at Eagle Tokyo and Kingdom, both only featured drag queens from overseas, including many who had competed in and won seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race. So, in this way, Japanese drag shows are actually pretty international. But there are still things you’ll probably only find in Japan, such as Japanese music and dress being incorporated into drag shows, and performances in smaller, more intimate venues.
If we’re talking about Tokyo, then the best place to see a drag show is in Shinjuku Nichome, the city’s most famous LGBTQ+ district. Any drag show Tokyo is famous for will probably be found here, so keep up to date with JGG’s website to learn more about upcoming drag shows in Tokyo and other LGBTQ+ events!
What Are the Best Drag Shows in Tokyo?
Regular Drag Shows at Kingdom
Kingdom, a gay club and event space in Shinjuku Nichome, hosts regular drag shows, all featuring both well-known and underground performers from Japan and abroad. These shows really have something for everyone, and if you don’t love the lineup of performers on one night, there will always be another night with performers that you might like. Drag shows are an institution at Kingdom, making it one of the prime destinations to see one in Tokyo.
Opulence
Opulence is a much-loved drag show managed by Eagle Tokyo, touted as the largest gay bar in Shinjuku Nichome. This year it will be held on October 25th, 2024 at Zepp Shinjuku in Tokyo, and on October 27th, 2024 at Zepp Namba in Osaka. Tickets are available on Opulence’s homepage.
With this show’s multi-city presence, you’ll get two chances to see this drag extravaganza! Featuring drag queens from the U.S. and the Philippines, this isn’t the best place to see Japanese drag queens, but if you want to attend a raucous party in a huge event hall with lots of people, this is the place to go!
Kings of Tokyo
Drag kings, the lesser-known brothers of drag queens, are harder to come by when searching for a fun drag experience. But, Tokyo happens to have its very own drag king troupe, Kings of Tokyo! These gentlemen regularly perform at various smaller venues around the city, so keep up to date with their Facebook page to find out where they’ll be next!
Tokyo Closet Ball
Tokyo Closet Ball describes itself as a “Japanese original drag comedy show”. Created in 2013 by queen Tatianna Lee, this cabaret-style event is a little bit of everything, with performers including not only drag queens but stand up comedians, musical talent, and more!
You’ll have a blast at this lively and provocative show, which occurs at various locations in Tokyo throughout the year. Take a look at their Facebook page, where they post most frequently, to find out more about their upcoming shows and events!
Conclusion
Drag is an incredibly diverse artform, and with that diversity comes a wealth of ways in which you can enjoy it. Whether you want calmer, quieter talks with queens at a tiny bar, boisterous, campy shows, or artsy drag king performances, Tokyo’s got everything you’re looking for. Come to the city with an open mind, get ready to explore, and I guarantee you’ll have a blast!
