The film has been developed so I am going to post some photos from last week’s Tokyo Rainbow Parade. It was a gorgeous sunny day, and the crowds seemed larger and happier than ever. I like this conductor’s costume, and the hunky saxophone section at the entrance to the Yoyogi park gathering spot.
Tokyo’s LGBT parade will take place on Sunday, April 27 this year. Here’s information about the parade, and also about Rainbow Week, which extends across the public holiday. See you in Yoyogi park!
The mascot is a flying squirrel that lives in Shinjuku named Tobe. The name combines the Japanese word “fly” (飛ぶ) and the English word “to be” signifying personal expression.
Everyone else is bundled up in winter clothes, and this red shorts youth is jumping around playing hacky sack. Does he love the sport, or does he know he has an amazing pair of legs?
I heard that singer Hamasaki Ayumi is a gay-rights supporter, so I don’t mean to be harsh on her. But this image, plastered on a car hood outside Yoyogi Park, alternately fascinates and haunts me. I am amazed that such a pornographic look can circulate in public with no friction. Is this a day look? Should children see this?
I understand that the male gaze prizes artifice over reality, and that simple drag tactics are very effective in attracting male attention (big hair, heavy make-up, scary long nails, and a blank look). I am not shocked that these images are popular, but I am surprised to see them in the daylight and on the street.
There’s a decades long tradition of mostly male rockers dancing at the entrance to Yoyogi Park. They are sporting nearly identical 1950s greaser big hair and outfit. Maybe they were young when they started, but now they’re getting a bit older and drunker. I’ve heard warnings that they do not like it when non-members join the dance. On the plus side, are the tattoos and the sheer love of dance.
Yoyogi Park, under the overpass.
In Yoyogi Park, under the overpass.
I love that this large group of guys hang out with their portable dance floor below the overpass linking Yoyogi Park and NHK hall. Don’t let the heat stop you from dancing!
These ‘bad boys’ are sporting the newest accessory: baby carriages. Glad to see that fatherhood doesn’t get in the way of fashion.
Brazil Day in Yoyogi Park.
Tokyo Moe 