Queer Japan

Trailblazing artists, activists, and everyday people from across the gender and sexuality spectrum defy social norms and dare to shine in this kaleidoscopic view of LGBTQ+ culture in contemporary Japan. From glossy pride parades to playfully perverse underground parties, Queer Japan pictures people living brazenly unconventional lives in the sunlight, the shadows, and everywhere in between.

Iconoclastic drag queen Vivienne Sato peels back the layers of language and identity. Maverick manga artist Gengoroh Tagame tours the world with his unapologetically erotic gay comics. Councilwoman Aya Kamikawa recounts her rocky path to becoming the first transgender elected official in Japan. At legendary kink-positive hentai party Department H, non-binary performance artist Saeborg uses rubber to create a second skin. Culled from 100+ interviews conducted over 3 years in locations across Japan, Queer Japan features dozens of individuals sharing their experiences in their own words. Get to know a vibrant and inspiring group of human beings in a country with a unique history of queer expression.

Co-producer Anne Ishii expected in attendance for a post-film Q&A.

SCREENS WITH
In This Family
Director: Drama Del Rosario | 12 mins | Philippines
Ten years after being outed by his teacher, a gay man revisits raw audio recordings of his Filipino family’s reactions. In This Family was the winner of the Loni Ding Award in Social Issue Documentary at CAAMFest 2019.

Preceded By

In This Family

Directed by Drama Del Rosario

Ten years after being outed by his teacher, a gay man revisits raw audio recordings of his Filipino family’s reactions.