Within meters of the Tokyo Pride Parade was this sexy jump-roper. Although perhaps not gay, he didn’t mind the attention. I must be missing some pop culture because I didn’t know that people jump-rope to hip hop, let alone use this “sport” to exhibit their sexy bodies. Have you seen anything like this?
Ni-chome, Tokyo’s gay bar district in Shinjuku, hosted a summer festival, or omatsuri, the day after the Tokyo Pride Parade two weekends ago. Lots of color: traditional omikoshi, or portable shrine carrying; drag and summer yukatas; foreigners looking Japanese and Japanese looking foreign; some youths who look alien in their highly processed hair; an odd World War II cosplay (even more bizarre since the date was August 15, which marks Japan’s surrender); and a variety of frozen ice, giant sausages on sticks, and plenty of beer in cans.
I am ending my photos about Tokyo Pride Parade with this odd grab bag: rainbow socks with chunky heels, an outfit somewhere between farmer and rickshaw driver, two guys in chaps and bow ties, Google’s gay robot t-shirt, and this celebrant who passed out in the heat.
Mostly the Tokyo Pride Parade was about fun, community, and visibility. There were a few political statements that struck me as especially relevant.
Above these incredibly young kids are posing with a sign saying, “自分らしさをあきらめない” (Jibun rashisa wo akiramenai, which means “I won’t give up my individuality”). Go, kids!
Below, there’s a message linking visas and marriage. I also love the woman with the rainbow umbrella, super colorful dress, and sign that says “God doesn’t bless marriages.” As part of an international couple, I feel the inconvenience of Japan and the US’s lack of immigration rights for gay spouses.
This Okinawa dance and music group is a regular participant at Tokyo pride events. They performed at the stage during Tokyo Pride Parade and the following day at the Shinjuku ni-chome festival or omatsuri (more on that soon).
I caught some photos of their rehearsing prior to the performance, a video of the performance, and their getting out of costume afterwards.
So much fun drag at the Tokyo Pride Parade last weekend. I love how Marie Antoinette stands near the 60s mod flight attendant (whom the husband thinks is a famous person; anyone know who she is?).
The drag fun also included some real women in fantastic outfits, including this very happy pink bunny above. I love how the lady below made her dress and hat and necklace all out of the ubiquitous blue sheet.
There was also some fierce foreign drag.
An interesting “international” couple with lady towering over gent.
And another variation of the American flag as costume.
A sexy pirate.
“Sex bomber” silver underwear, plus knee pads.
This was the 7th Tokyo Pride Parade, and unlike last year’s “festival” it included a walk through Shibuya and Meiji Jingu Mae. It was odd how the police and organizers allowed traffic between the floats, but it was fun to see the startled reactions of the Saturday shoppers.
Parade supporters lined up on this pedestrian bridge to cheer the marchers. It was cool to see seniors, women, foreigners, and a mix of all types of people.
The stage show was also fun. Great people watching, and some fun music and dancing, along with a transsexual politician. I love how everything was signed for the deaf.
Tokyo Pride Parade, like any gay festival, has its fair share of scary drag. Above is a possibly female, definitely middle-aged school girl with a small stuffed animal pinned to her head. Below is what the hubb calls “Akebake” or Akihabara inspired costume that includes a long un-styled wig and hugge paws with pink palms. I’ll post some more appealing images tomorrow!
Another favorite from the Tokyo Pride Parade last weekend. I love her outfit and her pose. Somehow, she reminds me of Cher. And her American-themed outfit is at once a tribute to the still occupying super-power, and also a desecration of its national symbol. I half-expected her to belt out “Half Breed” while sitting on a stationary horse.
Tokyo Moe 