Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024 announces stellar lineup for 30th anniversary

Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024 is set to electrify Yoyogi Park Event Plaza from April 19 to April 21, with a lineup that promises to blend the celebratory spirit of pride with compelling live performances. This year marks a significant milestone as the Japanese capital commemorates the 30th anniversary of pride parades, a proud time to celebrating the enduring fight for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.

Under the rallying theme “Never Give Up Until Change Happens,” the event will feature a diverse array of activities, including the much-anticipated pride parade, enthralling live performances by high-profile guests, and interactive booths hosted by supportive corporations and organizations.

Highlighting the “Pride Stage” will be Gen Z sensation Chanmina and acclaimed singer-songwriter Maki Ohguro, who are poised to headline the event. Their participation underscores the event’s commitment to showcasing a wide range of talents, transcending generations, genders, sexualities, and genres. Additional acts include the versatile Michiko Shimizu, the vibrant Stardust Scat, junior cheer dance groups, and traditional Japanese music ensembles, all contributing to a rich tapestry of performances that celebrate Tokyo’s eclectic culture.

This year’s edition places a special focus on “Marriage Equality (Same-Sex Marriage),” featuring a collaboration with “Marriage For All Japan,” an organization dedicated to advocating for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages. Despite significant progress in LGBTQ+ awareness and acceptance in Japan over the past three decades, the country continues to face challenges in enacting comprehensive legal protections for the community. By highlighting marriage equality, Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024 aims to foster a broader dialogue on this critical issue, striving towards a future where every individual’s rights are respected, irrespective of their sexual orientation.

The “Pride Festival” offers a free, inclusive space for attendees to engage with various booth exhibitions and enjoy a plethora of performances and discussions on the outdoor stage, set against the backdrop of Tokyo’s vibrant cityscape.

The “Pride Parade” on April 21, a highlight of the festivities, will see participants marching through the streets around Shibuya and Harajuku, emanating from Yoyogi Park. This procession serves as a dynamic expression of the community’s diversity and unity, with numerous groups and companies joining in solidarity.