Introduction to Opulence
“It all started two years ago when we decided to start this drag event that would invite the Ru girls to perform in Japan.”
That’s Vera Strondh, events coordinator for Nichome bar Eagle Blue and one half of the organizing team behind Japan’s biggest, sparkliest, and most international drag event. We’re talking about Opulence, which has been making waves and promoting drag in Japan since it first debuted in Zepp DiverCity in 2022.
Now on its fifth major event, Opulence continues to go from strength to strength, and this drag juggernaut shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon following a domestic tour that saw performances in Tokyo and Osaka in 2024.
But how do the performers feel about being part of such a massive event? What does Opulence do for the drag scene in Japan? And what kind of effort goes into creating such an incredible spectacle? We went behind the scenes to find out.
History of Opulence
Opulence Tokyo was first conceived as an idea by the CEO of Nichome bar Eagle Blue, Yuta Furukawa. The venue had been hosting watch parties for RuPaul’s Drag Race, and there was a determination to put Japan’s drag scene on the international map.
The first event took place in 2022, organized by Eagle Blue staff members Tom Hall and Vera Strondh. It was a simple concept – to create an international event combining famous RuPaul drag queens while also showcasing local drag talent supported by jazz and hip-hop dancers.
This was when Rose was first introduced to the show by established Tokyo drag queen and wig extraordinaire Sera Tonin. “I knew her from Haus of Gaishoku,” Rose explains. “She said ‘I really want you to dance for me in my number for this new show.’ We weren’t supposed to have that much involvement in it,” she says, referring to herself and longtime business partner Barbara “Babs” Kobayashi, with whom she runs a dance school called CDynasty.
But the pair quickly found themselves more involved than they had planned to be when they were asked to dance for other queens and contribute choreography. “We kinda jumped in and saved the day,” says Rose with a cheeky smile.
Opulence’s debut event took place in Zepp DiverCity, but the 2023 shows transferred to Zepp Shinjuku and went from strength to strength. The RuPaul queens continued to show an interest – the show has played host to Trinity the Tuck, Kylie Sonique Love, Alaska, Courtney Act, Nymphia Wind, Precious Paula Nicole, and Jaida Essence Hall, among others.
From the second event, Rose started playing a much more active role, contributing more choreography and scheduling and running rehearsals, which she describes as gruelling, at least for other people. “Rehearsals are often overnight, from 10pm until 6am,” she says. “It’s a bit hard for some of the girls who have office jobs because they have to go straight to work afterwards. But I don’t have a 9-5, so I can sleep!”
As the events have grown more refined, so has the rehearsal process. “All the dancers are now also choreographers, so we usually work on it all together,” says Rose.
Co-founder Strondh also has a hand in the choreography, which contributes to a plethora of tasks that must be completed to ensure the event goes smoothly. “I also check in on my fellow performer’s rehearsals and give them feedback,” she says.
“And on the day of the event, I check the lighting and the visuals of the stage to make sure the customers fully feel the magic of Opulence.”
Opulence 2024
The hard work is clearly paying off though. October 2024’s instalment of Opulence was its biggest yet, and the show even went on tour for the very first time with a show in Osaka. Regular performer Sera Tonin, who has performed in all five volumes of Opulence, describes how “months of hard work came together on the day.
“We plan and rehearse so much, we costume-create by ourselves, so when we see it with the stage and the lights I think we are as excited as the audience!” Rose agrees, adding that the show feels like it goes by in a second, so “it was great to have the chance to do it twice [in 2024].”
And for those wondering if the Osaka event had the same level of fabulousness and fandom as the Tokyo edition can consider themselves reassured: the Osaka event was just as popular and wild in spite of being away from the home turf.
Opulence Tokyo 2024
Opulence Tokyo 2024 featured international talent in the form of Jaida Essence Hall (Drag Race season 12), Nymphia Wind (Drag Race season 6), and Precious Paula Nicole (Drag Race season 4). It also featured homegrown Tokyo talent in the form of drag queens Vera Strondh, Sera Tonin, Sasha B Savannah, and Derek Toro.
In addition, welcome queens Miss Leading, Meringue, and Temanda were on hand to make sure the audience had a good time, while crazist, Kaikai, Yoma, and CODY were responsible for MC-ing.
Asuka, Babs, Rose, Erena, Ryuki, and Yomi featured as backing dancers.
Opulence Osaka 2024
Opulence Osaka 2024 featured an identical show to the one in Tokyo with the same RuPaul queens and the same backing dancers, but with changes to the welcome queen lineup to show off some Osaka talent. Akiko Kardashian, Bitchorina, and Mini Meow welcomed the Osaka crowd, while Velma Belle performed in Derek Toro’s place.
The MC line-up remained the same apart from crazist, who was unable to make the Osaka show
Upcoming Shows
So what’s next for Opulence? “There will be another one next year,” promises Rose with a playful smile, “but I’m not sure I’m allowed to tell you when.” Those hungry for drag are advised to keep an eye on the Opulence website and social media accounts where new shows are announced.
But one thing is for certain – it will continue to evolve. “They’re keen to keep trying new things and keep refining it … seeing what works,” Rose adds. A tantalising hint of what is to come, perhaps? But she remains tight-lipped on the details.
Regardless, it’s definitely an event you’ll want to add to your calendar. Miss Leading, who has worked onstage and offstage for Opulence and holds the honor of being the first AFAB (Assigned Female At Birth) queen to perform at the event – as an MC, no less – says “It’s only going to get bigger and bigger, bringing more international and local talent.
“I see further domestic touring in the future – this will help the drag scene expand in Japan and give the Japanese drag community opportunities that wouldn’t necessarily be possible otherwise.”
Where To Buy Tickets
Tickets for Opulence next year are yet to go on sale, but will be announced via the event website (https://www.opulence.tokyo/) and social media accounts on Instagram (@opulence_official_japan) and X (Opulence Japan).
Not An Event You Can Miss
Opulence might bring the sparkle, the spectacle, and the style to Japan’s drag scene, and you’re absolutely sure to have a good night out. But the performers are all keen to emphasize the community aspect.
“I’m just really so proud of what a bunch of people who drink in Nichome can achieve,” says Rose. “It’s really brought us together.” Miss Leading agrees, talking of the “incredible bond that has formed over time with our cast and crew.”
Buying a ticket to Opulence means you’ll be supporting this wonderful community and allows you to experience the magic first hand. “You will feel all the passion and love that we put into every second of the event.”
Sera Tonin agrees: “It’s a chance to walk into a world that the queens and creatives of Tokyo have made for you to be a part of. Why would you wanna stay home?”