Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Japanese Pop Star Comes Out As Gay To Fans During Event: 'I Don't Want People To Struggle Like Me'

Shinjiro Atae
Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images

Shinjiro Atae announced his sexuality to 2,000 fans at a special event, and later shared a heartfelt post on Instagram about his coming out.

Japanese pop idol Shinjiro Atae came out as gay in front of 2,00 fans at an event at the Line Cube Shibuya in Tokyo.

The high-profile singer's bold announcement was rare and significant, especially considering Japan's conservative views on LGBTQ+ issues.


Japan is the only country of the G7 nations that has not legalized same-sex unions.

Taiwan remains the only Asian nation or territory that legally recognizes same-sex marriages.

The 34-year-old singer/songwriter and actor revealed his sexual identity on Wednesday night, telling audience members:

"I respect you and believe you deserve to hear this directly from me."

He continued, per The New York Times:

“For years, I struggled to accept a part of myself."
"But now, after all I have been through, I finally have the courage to open up to you about something."
"I am a gay man."

Atae added:

"I don't want people to struggle like me."

Following Wednesday's announcement, he penned a heartfelt letter to his followers on Instagram.

"To all my fans, today was a very special day for me. For years, I struggled to accept a part of myself," he wrote.

"But now, after all I have been through, I finally have the courage to open up to you about something. I am a gay man."
"It has taken me a long time to be able to say I am gay. I could not even say it to myself."
"However, I’ve come to realize it is better, both for me, and for the people I care about, including my fans, to live life authentically than to live a life never accepting who I truly am."
"I hope people who are struggling with the same feeling will find courage and know they are not alone."


Twitter users applauded the singer for his bravery and for becoming an inspiring role model in a country that is still behind in LGBTQ+ acceptance.







Atae explained why it was so important for him to come out in front of fans.

"I held this event today because I wanted to tell as many of you as possible directly."
"For those unable to attend I will be posting my full speech on my website tomorrow so you can hear the news in my own words. The link is in my bio (English subtitles available)."




He continued:

"When I think of my work in the entertainment industry and the many things for which I am grateful, it is my relationship with my fans that first comes to mind."
"I thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for standing beside me over the years."
"I’d also like to thank my family, friends, staff members and my fellow AAA members for providing me their full support throughout this process."

The number of Japanese municipalities allowing same-sex couples to enter partnership agreements has surged from 26 to 300 since Japan's last pre-pandemic Pride parade in 2019.

Although the partnership agreements grant same-sex couples 18 years or older the same privileges that were previously exclusive to married heterosexual couples–like living in public housing together–there are still some restrictions.

Same-sex partners cannot legally inherit each other's assets and same-sex couples are denied parental rights to each other's children. Additionally, hospital visitation rights are not always guaranteed.

In spite of Japan's social attitudes and established cultural framework forcing many LGBTQ+ people to stay under the radar for fear of discrimination from family and work colleagues, a majority of the public has gradually shown increased support for LGBTQ+ equality.

According to a 2022 survey, 65% of the Japanese public supported same-sex marriages–up from 41% in 2015.

Atae made his music debut as part of the co-ed Japanese pop group AAA in 2005 before embarking on his solo career in 2016.

Former AAA bandmate Misako Uno voiced her support for her friend.

Atae's coming out announcement coincided with the release of his new single "Into the Light"–which is now available for purchase and streaming.

A press release stated that proceeds from the single will be donated to Pride House Tokyo: Legacy–a consortium that will establish Japan's first permanent LGBTQ+ center–and ReBit, a nonprofit organization support group for LGBTQ+ youth based in Tokyo.

More from News/lgbtq

People Reveal The Dark Secrets They Discovered About Someone After They Died

Sometimes you never know who someone is until they're gone.

Everyone has their secrets.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot of Jesse Watters; Hakeem Jeffries
Fox News; Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Jesse Watters Pathetically Tries To Burn Hakeem Jeffries With Bizarre 'Rule For Men' Rant

Fox News personality Jesse Watters was widely mocked after he criticized House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for having recently shared a photo of himself on Instagram that appeared to be digitally altered—with the bench he was leaning against noticeably warped around his hips.

You can see Jeffries' photo below.

Keep ReadingShow less
Snoop Dogg
Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images

Snoop Dogg's Puppy Instagram Breaks Internet

Snoop Dogg introduced his fans to the newest little bow-wow in his household, a puppy named Baby Boy Broadus.

The adorable small tan French bulldog made his debut on the rapper’s Instagram account on June 28th, sporting a Louis Vuitton leash and chewing on his owner’s Death Row Jacket.

Keep ReadingShow less
Donald Trump
DRM News/YouTube

Trump Ripped After Going Off On Bonkers Rant About Room's Decor During Cabinet Meeting

During Tuesday's cabinet meeting while the press was in attendance, MAGA Republican President Donald Trump gave a rambling stream of consciousness speech that went all over the place before landing on paint versus gold leaf, leading people to again question the POTUS' mental acuity amid a notable cognitive decline.

In a disjointed monologue about the decor in the cabinet room, Trump said he stole a grandfather clock from Secretary of State Marco Rubio's office and chose a painting of James Polk because the frame matched the frame around his favorite President—Andrew Jackson.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshots of Eric Adams
@ericadamsfornyc/Instagram

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Roasted After Viewers Notice Awkward Detail In His 'Morning Routine' Video

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was widely mocked after he shared a video on social media of his "morning routine," with time stamps showing his activities—only for viewers to notice that a standard black-and-white wall clock visible in part of the video showed a very different time.

Adams jumped on the latest Instagram trend this week, sharing his version of a “morning routine” video with his followers. The trend, which has already begun to fade, typically features sped-up clips of people going through their early rituals—complete with edits, ambient music, and timestamp overlays.

Keep ReadingShow less