Society

Tokyo Rainbow Pride parade celebrates advances in LGBTQ rights

TOKYO, Apr 25 (Japan Today) - Cheering, flag-waving crowds gathered in Tokyo on Sunday for the first full Pride parade in four years, celebrating advances in LGBTQ rights but demanding Japan join other advanced nations in legally recognizing same-sex marriage.

Change is slow in Japan, which hosts a summit next month of the Group of Seven industrial powers as the only member of the G7 that does not recognize same-sex marriage.

But growing support from the nation's top business lobby and major companies is putting pressure on the government of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his conservative ruling party.

Organisers estimated 10,000 people marched in Sunday's parade in the downtown Shibuya district. Participants said they realised how their nation lagged the rest of the G7 but were hopeful of change. ...continue reading

Source: ANNnewsCH

Akita Woman Becomes 13th Bear Victim

Japan’s record-breaking bear crisis has entered a new and deadly phase, with authorities confirming that a 79-year-old woman missing in Akita Prefecture was found dead in the mountains, believed to be the 13th fatality from bear attacks this year.

Second Bird Flu Case of the Season, Massive Culling Underway

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Japan Faces Legal Hurdles in Deploying Military for Bear Control

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Moths Threaten Kyoto’s Famous Bamboo Shoots

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Shibuya Crowds Subdued in Rain Soaked Halloween

Halloween Eve in Shibuya still drew a festive atmosphere, with people gathering in costume and enjoying the night. Tokyo police deployed several hundred officers, including the well-known “DJ police,” to manage the crowds and prevent congestion at the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

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