Is it okay to be gay in japan

Importantly, Japan does not criminalize same-sex sexual acts between consenting adults, and instances of violent attacks against individuals or LGBTQ+ rights activists are rare. The situation for local LGBTQ+ people differs from that of tourists in Japan. Since then, Japan has had no laws against homosexuality. Thus, sexual activity among consenting adults, in private, regardless of gender and/or sexual orientation, is legal under Japanese law.

Since June , the age of consent has been set at 16 years. [35]. LGBT Rights in Japan: homosexuality, gay marriage, gay adoption, serving in the military, sexual orientation discrimination protection, changing legal gender, donating blood, age of consent, and more. While it has been legal since to change gender in Japan, the person must be single, without a child, and an adult because same-sex relationship is not legally recognized in Japan.

Japan is currently experiencing a queer renaissance as many cities, particularly the larger ones like Tokyo, embrace and celebrate LGBTQ+ culture more openly than ever before. The vibrant atmosphere is showcased by lively pride parades and dedicated gay districts that serve as safe havens for self-expression and acceptance. 🏳️‍🌈🎉. Well, perhaps if the story had been more rooted in reality we could have seen that happen. As it turns out, pre-modern Japan was exceptionally accepting, even encouraging, of male homosexuality and bisexuality.

Much like that time we found out that bushido is actually modern-day made-up bullshit , this might surprise you. To be honest, it surprised me, too. I came upon this information while researching an article still to come about the current state of the LGBT community in Japan. My hypothesis was that I would find my answers in Japan's ancient and medieval past, assuming that Japan would be like the West in this regard.

I would point to the Japanese version of Judeo-Christian anti-homosexuality beliefs and call it a day. I thought it would be easy. As is often the case, it turns out I was completely wrong. Japan's pre-modern society was one that not only tolerated homosexuality and bisexuality, but celebrated and even idealized it. In fact, it appeared to be the rule, rather than the exception, for a majority of Japan's pre-modern history.

How in the world did Japan go from celebrating homosexual lifestyles to being in denial about LGBT issues even existing? To understand that, we must traverse the annals of history. Let's go back to the very beginning, right at the moment when Japan was created by the gods. Japan's first main religion, Shintoism, is said to have been established as far back as 1, BC. Both relate the creation myth of Japan.

In addition to this, the Nihon Shoki records some of Japan's early history. Nothing in the Kojiki or Nihon Shoki mention anything about homosexuality, unless you count the fact that the first three generations of deities described in the Nihon Shoki are all male one Tokugawa-era author joked that the conception and birthing of these generations must have been logistically difficult.

But, maybe this is the point.

homosexuality in ancient japan

There is no overt approval of homosexual behavior, but there is no condemnation, either. Let's step back a moment, however, and think about what the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki say about sex. The basic question we're faced with is: does Shintoism view sex as inherently good or inherently evil? Part of the answer lies in the Kojiki —here's an excerpt in which the deities Izanagi and Izanami create the islands of Japan by, well, totally doing it.

She replied, saying: "My body, formed though it be formed, has one place which is formed insufficiently. Then Izanagi-no-Mikoto said: "My body, formed though it be formed, has one place which is formed to excess. Therefore, I would like to take that place in my body which is formed to excess and insert it into that place in your body which is formed insufficiently, and thus give birth to the land. How would this be?

In the Shinto creation story, sex precedes the birth of a nation and her people. In Judeo-Christian religions, the acknowledgement of human sexuality and their banishment went hand in hand.

It's not surprising, I suppose, that nearly every mention of the word "sex" in the Christian bible is accompanied by ideas of punishment or shame. I'm not saying that one religion is better than the other, or that either is "right" or "wrong". I'm simply trying to give you context for what's to come. Much like the ancient Judeo-Christian religions in the West, Shintoism provided the basis for the belief system in Japan, even as the religion evolved and was influenced by other groups and societies.