Japnese gay sex
Homosexuality In Japan: A Surprisingly Colourful History
In and out of battle, the Samurai loved a good sword fight.
While the history of homosexuality in Japan is a nuanced topic, it’s worth noting the ancient Samurai and other Japanese openly indulged in same-sex shenanigans. It was only our Western (and specifically Christian) influence that soured their outlook on gay culture, but today, things are once again looking up! Read on for more.
The Religious Paradox
As old as Japan itself, Shintoism has been around since 1000 BC. This spiritual tradition believes all people are fundamentally fine, and that sex – regardless of your spouse – is an phrase of love. Certain Shinto gods, especially Hachiman, Myoshin, Shinmei and Tenjin were even considered guardian deities of man-on-man sex.
Shinto tradition was soon followed by Buddhism, which encouraged abstinence in the name of spiritual purity but known sexual desire was normal. There was no shaming, confession, or penance. Ironically, while Buddhism appreciated the synergy of a gay dalliance (“You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours”) women were still considered – in no uncertain terms – evil and treac
Coming Out in Japan From Pots and Pans to Alphabet Soup: Japanese Queer Identities in Context
It's sound to say that most learners of Japanese wish to experience life in Japan someday. Whether it's for a temporary wait or something more eternal, one of the most fascinating things about living in a foreign nation is the way you experience a shift in identity. For one, your national identity becomes more salient than ever before. Paradoxically, it also becomes less salient, as you find yourself in the loosely-defined category of "foreigner." Based on your outward appearance, you might deliver as part of the minority or the majority, and the privileges or discrimination you experience in your home country may shift or take on new meanings.
While we could probably write dozens of articles about the persona topics above, this article is going to emphasize on less visible identities — those of the LGBTQ+ community. Unlike identities related to your nation of origin or ethnic background, queer identities often have to be revealed in order to be recognized. This poses a problem for queer learners of Japanese. How undertake I come out in Japanese? If I opt to come out, accomplish I k
LGBTQ+ Travel Guide to Japan
Interesting Cities to Visit in Japan
TOKYO
Tokyo is the capital, and main transport hub of Japan. On one hand it’s a very modern city, with neon-lit skyscrapers, but on the other, it’s very traditional with historic temples and palaces, like the Meiji Shinto Shrine and the Imperial Palace. Tokyo is also a foodie’s paradise, with many small izakayas (small gastro pubs) and the world’s largest fish market, Tsukiji. Shinjuku Ni-Chõme is where the city’s gay bars and clubs can be found. It is notable for having the world’s highest concentration, with over 300 tiny gay bars crammed together in unassuming, unremarkable blocks. Some of the most famous involve Arty Farty, Annex, FTM Bois Bar, Campy!, Aiiro, Dragon Men and Leo Lounge. Read more about Tokyo from Passport Magazine >>
KYOTO
Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan, and was the former capital capital until 1869 when it was moved to Tokyo. It has retained its regal charm, with beautiful temples and intricate gardens. The most famous are the Golden Temple, Kinkaku-Ji, and the Silver Temple, Ginkaku-Ji. Other highlights
A Guide to Gay Lock Etiquette in Japan
Tokyo’s well-known gay district, Shinjuku Ni-Chome, has one of the world’s highest concentrations of LGBT-friendly businesses. For the most part, it’s a place where first-timers can hang out without needing to worry too much about special customs or cultural knowledge.
Ni-Chome is used to tourists but, those who want to sneak into smaller, more local LGBT bars might discover some cultural practices surprising. In Japan, manners are everything, so here are some insider tips on what to expect when visiting LGBT bars off the beaten path, and how to get the most out of the experience.
Venturing away from westernized gay bars
Photo by: Alex Rickert Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name, but sometimes you gotta venture into the unknown.
Most gay bars in tourist spots appreciate Ni-Chome or Doyamacho in Osaka mimic American-style bars that feature large shot bars, dance music and dark atmospheres where customers of various sexes, genders, sexualities and identities can drink and make merry. You can certainly locate these kinds of bars, especially in Tokyo, but the vast majority are similar to what is commonly referred to as a スナックバー
.