Out in Japan (The Advocate 2006/03/14)

WORLD FOCUS
Out in Japan (The Advocate 2006/03/14)

Coming out is still very difficult in Japan's traditional culture, even though the country has no antigay legislation on the books. So it came as a surprise to many when lesbian prefectural assemblywoman Kanako Otsuji appeared on the cover of the January 25 issue of Newsweek Japan -- with a gay businessman -- under the headlines "Gay in Japan."

The Osaka lawmaker first made headlines last year with the release of her controversial book Coming Out. "Coming out is important for gaining lesbian and gay rights in Japan, because if we can't see the problems, nothing will change, and if we don't speak out, nothing will improve," Otsuji told The Advocate. In Japan celebrities have immense influence over public opinion, Otsuji said, adding "If a few famous people came out, it could change the situation quite simply."

-- Justin Ellis