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Japan Times
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
At Tokyo Pride's first queer art exhibition, intimacy and resistance share the wall
On the third floor of Tokyu Plaza Harajuku's Harakado space, the inaugural Queer Art Exhibition — one of the main events of Tokyo Pride 2025 — unfurls as both celebration and reflection. With 36 works by 30 LGBTQ+ and allied artists, the show presents a broad spectrum of media: painting, photography, illustration, mixed media — and an equally wide spectrum of voices. The result is less a tightly curated gallery show than a spirited, grassroots salon: uneven, but moving. The range of artistic quality is as wide as the range of mediums, and that goes for the messaging as well. While some pieces are fairly predictable — rainbow flags in various settings (one work is simply a painted flag) — others are intricate, formally sophisticated art objects. These standout pieces offer layered social commentary on what it means to live as an LGBTQ+ individual in Japan today, while also showcasing the technical and conceptual ingenuity of their creators. Organized through an open-call submission process, the exhibition is crowdsourced in the best sense, shaped by community rather than institution. That openness extends to the structure: visitors are invited to vote for the Tokyo Rainbow Pride Award, a ¥100,000 prize granted by public decision. Donations and artwork sales go directly to the artists themselves. In its structure and spirit, this is a show designed not just to exhibit queer art but to empower queer artists. 'Ordinary' by moriuo | ©TOKYO PRIDE 2025 Among the more resonant pieces is 'Ordinary' by moriuo, a painting drawing lightly on comic-book style, depicting a young male couple hand-in-hand by the ocean as a train passes in the background — perhaps in Kamakura. The image is seen through the eyes of an older gay man, who never had the freedom to express love so openly. 'I wish you could see this view ... this time that has finally come,' reads the artist's quietly devastating caption. It's a moment of tenderness across generations — a reckoning with what was once impossible. Noumra's 'In My Closet' turns introspection into visual poetry. A large, cutout panel painted in exquisite detail, it features the face of a bearded man surrounded by a wreath of flowers, foliage and a fox-like creature whispering into his ear. The face is serene. Here, the 'closet' is not a site of repression but a blooming inner landscape — a place where identity takes root. Noumra rejects outward signifiers of queerness and instead renders the closet as a space of psychological richness, where pride grows inside before reaching the surface. 'わたしたちの生活' ('Watashi-tachi no Seikatsu,' 'Our Lives') by Moe Kano | ©TOKYO PRIDE 2025 Moe Kano's photographic collage 'わたしたちの生活' ('Watashi-tachi no Seikatsu,' 'Our Lives') also echoes a commitment to pride via smaller gestures. A collection of slice-of-life, candid domestic moments shared with her partner — boxed lunches packed, rooms lived in, messes left uncleaned — it resists spectacle in favor of truth. 'We argue. We disagree. Sometimes we're broke,' she writes. 'But we're together.' The work gently insists that queer love doesn't need to be extraordinary to be valid. Then there are pieces that pierce more directly. Kazutaka Nagashima's '玫瑰少年' ('Meigui Shonan,' 'Rose Boy'), a gorgeous woodblock print, memorializes Yeh Yung-chih, a Taiwanese queer teenager who died as a result of bullying. Nagashima merges a rose tattoo motif with printmaking in an aching tribute. 'I could have ended up like him,' he confesses, reminding us survival can be political. '玫瑰少年' ('Meigui Shonan,' 'Rose Boy') by Kazutaka Nagashima | ©TOKYO PRIDE 2025 Natsuki Yoshida's trio of partially monochrome paintings — rooted in manga — traces lesbian romance with emotional clarity and quiet intensity. Through tender embraces, haunted gazes, and symbols like smoke and floating neck halos, these works capture the intimacy between young women, and also the beauty, hesitation and ache of desire in a world still learning how to hold it. Otokokokoto's '屁' ('He,' 'Fart') is a playful standout, a mixed-media depiction of a man in a public bath. Both irreverent and strangely tender, the work turns bodily humor into a bold artistic gesture. Queer art, it turns out, can embrace absurdity and the delightfully unserious. Taken together, these works form a constellation of perspectives — some polished, some raw, all urgent in their own way. And in this mix lies the true strength of the exhibition. Because it is crowdfunded and community-sourced, the show makes no claim to curatorial perfection. But it does succeed, powerfully, in reflecting a grassroots artistic community in all its heartfelt and irreducible complexity. The overall message is one of unity and inclusion: Everyone is welcome. The Queer Art Exhibition at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku's Harakado, runs through June 18. For more information, visit
Japan Times
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
The persistence of Pride: LGBTQ+ events in Tokyo and beyond
The centerpiece parade and festival of Tokyo Rainbow Pride may be over, but there's still ample opportunity to celebrate diversity and show your solidarity with the queer community. The following programs and events showcase the creativity and resilience of queer people and platforms in a range of creative and professional domains. Queer Art Exhibition (until June 18): Stop by Harajuku for a group show at Baby the Coffee Brew Club, featuring 30 queer artists from around the world working in mediums from wood engraving and photography to illustration. Admission is free. Some of the artwork is for sale and there will be a tip box for contributions to the artists. You can also vote for your favorite artist in the show, with the winner receiving the Tokyo Rainbow Pride Award of ¥100,000. Instagram: @ (until June 18): Stop by Harajuku for a group show at Baby the Coffee Brew Club, featuring 30 queer artists from around the world working in mediums from wood engraving and photography to illustration. Admission is free. Some of the artwork is for sale and there will be a tip box for contributions to the artists. You can also vote for your favorite artist in the show, with the winner receiving the Tokyo Rainbow Pride Award of ¥100,000. Instagram: @ Events at Loneliness Books (June 20-22, 27-29): The queer bookstore in Higashinakano will host a number of programs on the final two weekends of June, including a book launch for Naoki Ota's essay collection 'Gray and Life,' a cinema club discussion and a release party for the latest issue of magazine Kaguya Planet. Instagram: @lonelinessbooks (June 20-22, 27-29): The queer bookstore in Higashinakano will host a number of programs on the final two weekends of June, including a book launch for Naoki Ota's essay collection 'Gray and Life,' a cinema club discussion and a release party for the latest issue of magazine Kaguya Planet. Instagram: @lonelinessbooks Rainbow Reel Tokyo (June 21-22; July 12-13): The 32nd Tokyo International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival will be held at two different venues in Shibuya, EuroLive and Tokyo Women's Plaza Hall. Five feature films and five shorts will be screened, representing productions from Belgium, France, India, the U.K. and the U.S., many of which are premiering in Japan for the first time. Instagram: @rainbowreeltokyo (June 21-22; July 12-13): The 32nd Tokyo International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival will be held at two different venues in Shibuya, EuroLive and Tokyo Women's Plaza Hall. Five feature films and five shorts will be screened, representing productions from Belgium, France, India, the U.K. and the U.S., many of which are premiering in Japan for the first time. Instagram: @rainbowreeltokyo Human Rights Conference (June 22): At Shiseido Hanatsubaki Hall in Ginza, LGTBQ+ activists, academics and professionals will convene to discuss contemporary social issues connected to this year's Tokyo Rainbow Pride theme of 'Same Life, Same Rights.' Three panels and a keynote speech will cover topics such as marriage equality, media misinformation and combating discrimination. Admission is free, but registration is required. (June 22): At Shiseido Hanatsubaki Hall in Ginza, LGTBQ+ activists, academics and professionals will convene to discuss contemporary social issues connected to this year's Tokyo Rainbow Pride theme of 'Same Life, Same Rights.' Three panels and a keynote speech will cover topics such as marriage equality, media misinformation and combating discrimination. Admission is free, but registration is required. Aomori Rainbow Parade (June 28): The coastal city of Hachinohe will host a parade on the final Saturday of the month, beginning from the plaza in front of city hall. X: @RainbowAomori (June 28): The coastal city of Hachinohe will host a parade on the final Saturday of the month, beginning from the plaza in front of city hall. X: @RainbowAomori Seisho Queer Pride (June 29): Manazuru, Kanagawa Prefecture, will celebrate Pride with a parade and party. Original merchandise will be on sale to support the local community. The parade departs from Manazuru Station at 11 a.m. Instagram: @seisho_queer_pride Looking past the summer and beyond the capital, a slew of regional Pride events — some launching for the very first time — are scheduled throughout the fall. Most of these programs have only the dates and venues locked in, and other details are yet to be announced. Make sure to check their websites for the latest information about how to attend or get involved.
Tokyo Weekender
11-06-2025
- Tokyo Weekender
Japan in June: The Best Things To Do and Places To Visit
June in Japan brings the enchanting rainy season ( tsuyu ), transforming the country into a lush wonderland dotted with pastel hydrangeas, known as ajisai in Japanese. While the frequent showers might seem daunting, this is actually one of Japan's most beautiful and underappreciated months. The rain nourishes spectacular hydrangea blooms, creates misty mountain landscapes and offers a more intimate, contemplative side of Japan. Plus, there are fewer tourists braving the wet weather. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of Japan in June. List of Contents: June Travel Overview Popular Activities and Things To Do in June Top Japan Destinations To Visit in June Travel Tips and Recommendations Related Posts June Travel Overview June marks the beginning of the rainy season, typically lasting from early June to mid-July. Temperatures range from 20 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius with high humidity. Lightweight, breathable clothing and rain gear are essential. Hydrangeas bloom spectacularly throughout the country, creating stunning purple, blue and pink displays. Major advantage: significantly fewer crowds at popular attractions and lower accommodation prices. The rainy season creates dramatic, misty landscapes perfect for photography. Popular Activities and Things To Do in June Marvel at Hydrangea Displays June is hydrangea season in Japan, when millions of these stunning flowers bloom across temples, parks and mountainsides. The most spectacular displays can be found at Meigetsuin Temple in Kamakura, where thousands of blue and violet hydrangeas create an otherworldly atmosphere. Hakone's various gardens and the famous Hasedera Temple also offer breathtaking hydrangea viewing opportunities. For more off-the-beaten-path options, Shimoda Park in Shizuoka Prefecture offers Japan's largest hydrangea display with more than 150,000 shrubs against the scenic ocean view of Shimoda Port. Kenei Gongendo Park in Saitama (also famous for its spider lily displays in autumn) displays 10,000 hydrangeas that stretch along the plains like a carpet. Hanachozu diaplay at a temple's washbasin Many temples host special hydrangea festivals with extended viewing hours and hanachozu , a special display of seasonal flowers in the water basins for purification before entering the shrine. Experience Firefly Season Parks and rivers across the country come alive with thousands of twinkling fireflies, creating an almost supernatural atmosphere. Popular firefly ( hotaru ) viewing spots include Izumiya Park in Chiba, Nagusa Firefly Village in Ashikaga and Manyo Park in Yugawara. Celebrate Pride Month in Tokyo June marks Pride Month in Japan, with Tokyo Rainbow Pride being the country's largest LGBTQ+ celebration. The festival typically features a colorful parade through Shibuya and Harajuku, along with music performances, food stalls and cultural events in Yoyogi Park. It's a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusion that adds an extra layer of excitement to Tokyo in June. Tokyo Pride 2025: LGBTQ Events Happening This June Enjoy Indoor Cultural Experiences The rainy weather makes June perfect for exploring Japan's incredible indoor attractions. Visit world-class museums like the Tokyo National Museum, the stunning Nezu Museum with its covered garden walkways, or the interactive teamLab Borderless museum. Traditional activities such as tea ceremony classes , pottery workshops and cooking classes become especially appealing during rainy afternoons. 35 Must-visit Museums and Galleries in Tokyo Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture Top Japan Destinations To Visit in June Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture Just an hour from Tokyo, Kamakura transforms into a hydrangea paradise in June. The ancient capital's numerous temples are surrounded by blooming flowers, while the coastal location provides refreshing sea breezes. The famous Enoshima Electric Railway — also affectionately known as Enoden — offers scenic rides along hydrangea-lined tracks. Kamakura Hidden Gems and Sacred Sites Private Tour Iya Valley, Tokushima Prefecture Deep in Shikoku's mountains, the Iya Valley offers one of Japan's most remote and dramatic landscapes. Ancient vine bridges span misty gorges, while traditional thatched-roof farmhouses provide authentic accommodation. The valley's pristine rivers come alive with fireflies in June, and the dramatic cliff-side hot springs offer spectacular views enhanced by mist and waterfalls. Luxury Boat Tour to Iya Valley's Kazurabashi and Oboke Gorge The Hakone Open Air Museum Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture The mountain resort town of Hakone embraces the rainy season with spectacular hydrangea displays and misty lake views. The Hakone Open-Air Museum features both indoor and covered outdoor exhibits, while the various hot spring resorts provide visitors with the perfect opportunity to relax on a rainy day. The scenic railway journey to Hakone is especially beautiful when mist clings to the mountainsides. Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture On this remote island in the Sea of Japan you can enjoy cultural experiences such as tub-boat rides along the scenic coast, which call to mind a similar scene with Chihiro and No-Face in Spirited Away . Former gold mining areas create dramatic landscapes enhanced by June's atmospheric conditions, while Rengebuji Temple — a historic temple founded by Buddhist monk Kukai — boasts magnificent hydrangea displays. The island's pristine nature reserves come alive with fireflies and rare bird species. Sado Island Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture Often called 'Little Kyoto,' Kanazawa shines during the rainy season. The famous Kenrokuen Garden is beautiful whatever the weather, with covered viewing pavilions and rain-enhanced landscapes. The city's well-preserved samurai and geisha districts offer covered shopping arcades and traditional craft workshops that are perfect for rainy days. Kanazawa Hidden Gems with a Local Host, Custom & Private Tour Goto Islands, Nagasaki Prefecture These remote Catholic islands offer dramatic coastal scenery with medieval churches and pristine beaches. The combination of Japanese and Portuguese cultural influences creates a unique atmosphere, while the island's remote hot springs provide therapeutic experiences with ocean views. Travel Tips and Recommendations Pack for Rain and Humidity Bring lightweight, quick-dry clothing, a quality rain jacket and waterproof shoes. A compact umbrella is essential to avoid getting caught in the sporadic rain. Embrace the Weather Don't let rain deter you — many of Japan's most beautiful sights are enhanced by mist and moisture. Covered shopping arcades, department stores and indoor attractions also provide plenty of options. Check Hydrangea Bloom Reports Like cherry blossoms, hydrangea timing varies by location and year. Check local bloom reports to time your visits perfectly. Sweetfish (Ayu) skewers Try Seasonal Specialities June offers culinary delights including fresh ayu (sweetfish), seasonal vegetables like bamboo shoots and early summer fruits like melons and plums, as well as special hydrangea-themed sweets at temples and cafés. Take Advantage of Lower Prices Many hotels and attractions offer reduced rates during the rainy season, making June an excellent time for budget-conscious travelers to experience luxury hotels and popular destinations. Related Posts Navigating Japan's Rainy Season: A Guide to Tsuyu Enchanting Hydrangea Festivals To Visit in Japan This Summer The 10 Best Places To See Hydrangeas in Tokyo 28 Best Places to See Hydrangeas in Japan
Metropolis Japan
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Tokyo Pride 2025
Experience the vibrant celebration of love, diversity, and inclusion at Tokyo Pride 2025, formerly known as Tokyo Rainbow Pride. This year's event marks a significant shift, aligning with global Pride Month in June and introducing a new name to reflect its broader scope. The theme for 2025 is 'Same Life, Same Rights', emphasizing equality and human rights for all. Pride Festival: Held on June 7–8 from 11am to 6pm at Yoyogi Park Event Plaza, the festival features booths from LGBTQ+ organizations, businesses, and food vendors, along with live performances on the Pride Stage. Pride Parade: Join the march on June 8, starting at 12pm, as participants walk a 3km route through Shibuya and Harajuku, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Pre-registration is required for participants. Pride Night: Celebrate the culmination of the weekend on June 8 from 6pm to midnight at AISOTOPE LOUNGE, featuring music and performances. This is a ticketed event. Youth Pride: Aimed at younger generations, this festival-style event takes place on June 14–15 at WITH HARAJUKU HALL, offering resources and networking opportunities. Queer Art Exhibition: From June 6–18, visit the exhibition at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku 'HaraKado' 3F, showcasing diverse artistic expressions from the LGBTQ+ community. Human Rights Conference: Engage in discussions on critical human rights issues on June 22. Details on the venue and schedule will be announced on the official website. Yoyogi Park Event Plaza ￥Most events are free and open to the public. However, some events, like Pride Night, require tickets.
