The LGBTQ community in Japan has faced its challenges. Even as some religious and warrior orders have a long and recognized tradition of same-sex love, to be considered different, to be ?the nail that sticks out,” to oppose the pressures of cultural conformity makes coming out difficult, especially to family members and work colleagues.
Even as there remains a conservative strain within Japanese society that prefers the LGBTQ community to remain unseen and that deprives them of a respected voice and legal rights, a welcome change is happening on the ground. A number of cultural figures who are queer are opening up new horizons, an increasing number of districts and cities are adopting domestic partnership agreements, and a growing majority of Japanese people—especially the young—believe that homosexuality should be an acceptable part of society.
Edges of the Rainbow is a photographic celebration of the queer community not only in Japan’s vibrant capital, Tokyo, but in other major cities and small towns. It is a celebration of queer individuals both young and old from across many social strata. In a beautiful series of portraits, acclaimed photographer Michel Delsol and art producer Haruku Shinozaki have brought together a fascinating group of individuals. Edges of the Rainbow is an unforgettable look at a proud and resilient community on the margins of Japanese society.
