Tokyo - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Compared to what it was say 30 years ago, absolutely! Japanese attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community have changed dramatically in the last 30 years and everyone is pretty accepting (at least outwardly) of LGBTQ+ people. Having said that Japan is the only G7 country that does not recognize same-sex marriage/civil unions in any form, and the 80-year-old men who run the Japanese government are very much keen to continue to block it from ever being allowed. The Japanese government will accredit same-sex diplomatic spouses with full immunities and privileges. Tokyo has a vibrant gay bar scene, but a lot of the bars are pretty small and there aren’t really any large dance clubs, just a lot of really little bars and pubs. Some Japanese gay bars also will have a sign on the door that says “members only” which generally means you have to go with someone who has been before, they also usually do not want foreigners to come. The gay expats I know do very much enjoy Tokyo’s LGBT+ nightlife though, however I will say that the amount of LGBTQ+ venues are not commensurate with the city’s size. If this were a city in the U.S. with the same population (30+ million people), there would be a lot more venues/establishments/resources/businesses that cater to the LGBTQ+ community. - May 2025
I have no experience with this, but due to the city size I am sure it isn’t a problem. - Jan 2024
From what I've heard, yes. - Nov 2020
Yes! It’s a huge metropolis - Mar 2019
Yes, definitely. - Apr 2013
yes - Jan 2011
Yes. - Oct 2008
I know there are areas that have quite a large gay social scene so I would say it's relatively open. - Jan 2008
