my go-to spot is definitely grand slam. it's just so vibrant and a little over-the-top, you know? everyone ends up there, which makes it the perfect place to bump into friends and familiar faces.
plus, explosion is right around the corner. it's a smaller club, but they throw some seriously fun events, usually at least one every weekend.
and no trip to osaka is complete without checking out eagle osaka, the newest addition to doyama's gay scene. the owner's a gogo boy, which is always a fun sight.
i also regularly meet friends at dungaree and yuntaku, which tend to attract a more mature crowd - shall we say, the bear-ier types?
faerie events and drag culture in osaka
there's a really exciting new lgbtq+ event popping up: the faerie event from haus of kinki.
it's a clever play on words, referencing the kinki region of japan, where osaka is located. this drag queen performance troupe puts on a show that's open to everyone on the third saturday of every month at the sound garden, a super cool straight bar right by the dotonbori canal.
okonomiyaki: a culinary must-try
before or after hitting the bars in doyama, i always have to grab some okonomiyaki.
it's one of my absolute favorite foods, and i crave it constantly. it's a well-known japanese dish, but it's particularly famous as an osaka specialty.
it's basically a round pancake filled with vegetables and cooked with meat, seafood, or just veggies.
then it's topped with a special sauce and mayonnaise. pretty much every decent japanese izakaya will serve okonomiyaki, but the best stuff is at specialty restaurants.
i always order some yakisoba fried noodles and kimchi to go with it for a complete meal.
it's the perfect fuel for a night out.
a glimpse into japan's historical views on same-sex relationships
in the past, the beauty of young men was compared to cherry blossoms, possessing an ephemeral allure distinct from women. these young men were called wakashū.
once they reached adulthood, they'd adopt more masculine styles and grooming habits, eventually marrying women and starting families.
while physical relationships between men would typically cease, their bond was expected to evolve into a lifelong connection. both men were then free to pursue new wakashū lovers.
it's a fascinating aspect of japanese history.
kabuki theatre and its connection to gender roles
kabuki is a famous form of japanese theatre, celebrated for its blend of dramatic storytelling, dance, and highly stylized makeup and costumes.
it's a truly unique art form.
just like shakespearean actors portraying female characters, kabuki theatre featured onnagata, men who played female roles, as part of its all-male cast. interestingly, the all-male cast became popular specifically to address prostitution involving performers and the overwhelming attention they received from patrons.
it was a time of extravagance and hedonism.
male prostitutes only pretended to be kabuki actors, unlike the other way around. art and literature flourished, with works like "the great mirror of male love" by ihara saikaku gaining popularity. surprisingly, disputes between male lovers were the leading cause of revenge killings.
the shifting tides of history and the rise of homophobia
as more women migrated to cities, balancing gender ratios, and the government cracked down on prostitution, this "golden age" began to fade.
but things took a significant turn when japan opened its ports to foreigners. the nation rapidly became more puritanical as it industrialized. japan even criminalized sodomy. the film "gohatto," or "taboo," is set during this period.
the film revolves around an elite samurai group and focuses on the handsome new recruit, kanō sōzaburō, played by ryuhei matsuda.
it offers a glimpse into the changing social dynamics of the time.
japan's evolving approach to gender expression and lgbtq+ rights
today, japan excels in certain aspects of gender expression. contemporary gay culture is also on the rise. western influence is finally having a positive impact!
however, despite its advancements in many areas, japan still has progress to make.
various civic courts, including the sapporo high court, have ruled that the national ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional. legislation has also been enacted in prefectures like akita and cities like tokyo to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation, although this isn't yet a national law.
steps are also being taken to address trans rights, allowing individuals to legally change their gender under specific conditions.
these include being unmarried, undergoing gender reassignment surgery, and not having underage children. again, these measures are designed to avoid abrupt disruptions to japanese society.
tokyo's ni-chōme: a vibrant hub of gay culture
tokyo's ni-chōme remains the national epicenter of gay culture, though it's by no means a segregated area.
it's a thriving and integrated part of the city.
ni-chōme boasts over 300 bars and nightclubs within just a few blocks, not to mention its numerous restaurants, saunas, love hotels, massage parlors, and bookstores. some of these venues are incredibly small, accommodating only a handful of people - sometimes fewer than five.
it's an intimate and unique experience.
navigating japanese customs and exploring the country
the land of the rising sun is waiting to be explored! but japanese customs can be notoriously complex. it's helpful to do some research before you go.
stefan arestis, co-founder of the gay travel blog nomadic boys, joined a podcast episode dedicated to exploring tokyo's gay scene.
japan may be a small island easily navigated by solo travelers, but truly understanding the local culture and the famously reserved japanese people can be challenging.
that's where a good guide can make all the difference. having someone to help you navigate the nuances of japanese etiquette and social customs can greatly enhance your experience.
resources for gay travelers in japan
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this can help you plan the perfect trip and make the most of your time in japan.
there are numerous resources available to help you plan a memorable and authentic trip to japan, allowing you to experience the country's rich culture and vibrant lgbtq+ scene.
while this information focused on specific locations and aspects of the lgbtq+ experience in japan, there's a broader history and cultural context to consider.
homosexuality in japan has a surprisingly colorful history.
historically, samurai culture had its own complex dynamics regarding same-sex relationships. in and out of battle, the samurai were known for their skill with swords and their deeply personal bonds, which sometimes included romantic elements.
so, whether you're interested in exploring tokyo's ni-chōme, sampling osaka's culinary delights, or delving into japan's fascinating history, there's something for everyone to discover.
plan your trip, respect local customs, and embrace the vibrant culture that japan has to offer.