Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2023: Press on till Japan changes

Tokyo Rainbow Pride is a well-known non-profit organization that hosts one of the largest LGBTQ-related events in Asia. This event celebrates the diversity of gender and life. Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2023 (referred to as TRP2023) will take place on 22nd and 23rd April at Yoyogi Park. The Pride Festival will be held on both days, while the Pride Parade is scheduled for 23rd.

Last year, for the first time in three years, TRP was held at Yoyogi Park. Despite limiting attendance to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a total of 66,949 people still attended. By bringing people together in person, TRP provided a space for individuals to express themselves and respect each other’s differences.

The key visual for this year’s event was created by Maaya Wakasugi, a French-based artist who is known around the world. The visual, considered to be an auspicious item and beloved in Japan, depicts “a rainbow that leads to a bright future”. The theme for TRP2023 is “Press on till Japan changes”.

At TRP2023, the organizers aim to create a society where everyone, not just LGBTQ individuals, can live in fairness and happiness. This event serves as a platform to promote diversity and inclusivity in society.

TRP2023 Statement: “Press on till Japan changes”

Along with the announcement of TRP2023, the following statement was released:

Press on till Japan changes.

We have come this far one person at a time, one by one.
We’ve re-connected with each other, so we can see the issues and change them for the better.

Yet, the gender gap has not narrowed despite the advancement of women in society.
Even though there is now a rainbow of different types of families, individuals still cannot choose their own surnames.
Inequalities and disparities experienced by those with disabilities remain even now unresolved.
Even though the importance of diversity is now widely understood, inclusion continues to be lacking.

The same is true for the LGBTQ community. Although the word has definitely gained recognition,
our reality is that our situation has not changed that much.
Bullying, discrimination, prejudice still exists. Our voices are drowned out.
The partnership system has expanded, but marriage equality has yet to be granted.

Can Japan really change in this rapidly changing world?
It is precisely because we can now see these issues clearly that we feel frustrated at the stagnation.

So now is the time to raise our voices once again.
Tell them we are here to stay.
24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in every generation, in every place.
That we have been and will continue to live together.

Let’s keep marching on until the landscape changes.
For a future where everyone of all diversities can live equitably and happily.

Preliminary Details of TRP2023 (mark your calendars!)

TRP2023 Pride Festival

Dates: 22 ~ 23 April (Saturday & Sunday)
Time: 11:00-18:00
Venue: Yoyogi Park Event Square & Outdoor Stage

TRP2023 Pride Parade

Dates: 23 April (Sunday)
Time: 13:00 start (planned)
Parade route: Shibuya – Harajuku

More details for both will be released at a later time towards end of March.