transgender
Japanese movie depicts the blossoming mother-daughter friendship between a transgender woman, played by SMAP‘s Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and a neglected teenage girl.
For gay, transgender and nonbinary individuals in Japan, filling in forms can be daunting. But how to handle it?
School asserts that it will accept female-identifying students even if they are listed as male on their legal family registry.
Girls- and men dressed as girls- just want to have fun, and now they can at Bar☆Onna no Ko Club.
Dubbed “India’s first transgender band,” the Brooke Bond Red Label 6 Pack Band’s first single shows just how happy the hijra community can get with an Indian-flavored take on the Pharrell Williams hit of 2014.
Miya Inoue is the kimono-clad owner of the chain of bars in Tokyo’s Yushima neighborhood operating under the Kesho Danshi brand staffed primarily by transgender women. She also built the interior of the first location herself by hand, drawing on her previous work experience as a carpenter. As the “Big Mama” of Kesho Danshi, Miya spends her time managing the staff at three locations, chatting with customers, and, amazingly, remembering everyone’s name. Oh, and did we mention she’s written an inspiring book about her life?
If you’re looking for good conversation and a fun place to drink in Tokyo, you can’t find a much better place than sitting across the counter from Miya or any of the welcoming staff members. Click below to take a visit to all three of the Kesho Danshi locations and listen in on our chat with “Miya Big Mama” yourself.
In many ways, Miss International Queen is just like any other pageant: finalists parade in evening gowns, swimsuits and national dress, and the winner will perform twelve months of promotional and charity duties. There’s one major difference, though: all the contestants are transgender women, and the top prize includes cosmetic surgery for the winner – if she wants it.
As the world’s largest transgender pageant hits the stage in Thailand (where else!) for its 10th anniversary year, we take a look at this unique contest.
Crossdressing and genderbending are not only long-time staples of Japanese anime and manga, but also of TV and celebrity culture. From this, anyone would think that Japan was one of the most open and accepting countries when it comes to people who don’t fit into traditional gender roles or relationships. However, the reality outside of media and entertainment is often quite different. Family and work life are both still clearly divided down gender lines, and men who engage in anything that blurs or crosses these lines are generally shunned. But could the girl who dumps a guy just because he turns up to a date in a dress be the one who’s really missing out?
MOST POPULAR
Now
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Maker of Japan’s first crane machine is looking for a working model, offering 100,000-yen reward
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
National Geographic names Yamagata Prefecture on its “Best of the World 2026” travel destinations
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Honda Fit and Weekly Shonen Jump magazine create stunning Japanese itasha manga car【Pics】
Autumn is a great time to visit Uonuma, a gem of Japan’s heartland
Dom Dom Burger releasing Power-Ranger-themed Super Sentai Burger
Weekly
- Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Tokyo all-you-can-eat senbei deal is perfect for newbies to the world of beloved Japanese snacks
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Monthly
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train- Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them- Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
RECOMMENDED STORIES
National Geographic names Yamagata Prefecture on its “Best of the World 2026” travel destinations
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Honda Fit and Weekly Shonen Jump magazine create stunning Japanese itasha manga car【Pics】
Autumn is a great time to visit Uonuma, a gem of Japan’s heartland
Dom Dom Burger releasing Power-Ranger-themed Super Sentai Burger
Pikachu donuts set to return to Mister Donut, bringing new Pokémon sweets and merch too
Back to the Future gets anime/manga artist makeover with chibi Marty and handsome Biff【Pics】
Tokyo police found our lost wallet, but the story of how they did made us feel empty
Kyoto Whopper divides customers at Burger King Japan
10 great autumn Japan travel spots for fall colors and retro atmosphere【Survey】
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Starbucks Japan’s New Year’s lucky bag is one of the most sought after fukubukuro of 2023
What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at Don Quijote in Japan?
-
