TOKYO — Japanese pop star Shijiro Atae stated he’s homosexual in an emotional announcement at a fan occasion that was warmly welcomed in a rustic the place the federal government doesn’t acknowledge LGBTQ equality.
“What I’m going to inform you now is probably not one thing you count on or hope to listen to. Maybe a few of chances are you’ll want time to know,” Atae informed followers on the occasion in Tokyo on Wednesday.
“For years, I struggled to just accept part of myself .. However now in spite of everything I’ve been by way of, I lastly have the braveness to confide in you about one thing,” he stated. “I’m a homosexual man.”
As he choked up, followers cheered, saying “grasp in there!” and applauding.
Atae carried out for 15 years within the massively common group AAA earlier than it went on a hiatus in 2020. He is been based mostly in Los Angeles these days and is pursuing a solo profession in the USA.
Atae’s revelation comes at a time of elevated consciousness and help for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Japan.
The political get together that has ruled Japan for many of its postwar historical past is understood for its conservatism and lots of lawmakers within the ruling Liberal Democratic Get together oppose equal rights. Activists have elevated their efforts to attain an anti-discrimination regulation, however parliament in June handed a considerably weaker various that promotes consciousness of sexual minorities with out offering authorized protections.
Atae posted on Instagram that admitting his sexuality took a very long time and he anxious he is perhaps shunned from society and lose his profession if he acknowledged being homosexual.
However, he overcame a lot of these struggles and realized “it’s higher, each for me and for the individuals I care about, together with my followers, to just accept who I actually am and inform you so,” Atae stated. “I hope people who find themselves combating the identical feeling will discover braveness and know they aren’t alone.”
LGBTQ+ activists and supporters welcomed Atae’s announcement as a giant encouragement for the group in Japan.
Sosuke Matsuoka, an LGBTQ+ activist who was on the occasion, stated he bought teary listening to Atae’s phrases. “If I heard his message after I was youthful and combating my sexuality, it could have given me a giant hope.” Matsuoka wrote in social media message that Atae’s popping out “would give braveness to his friends and result in a change of social mindset.”
Atae, 34, stated he thought one thing was flawed with him when he was changing into conscious of his sexuality as a young person. Whilst a pop idol with many followers, he felt remoted and considered residing abroad.
Someday on a overseas journey, he noticed males hugging and kissing in public and was shocked, however not one of the individuals round them made a problem out of it.
“I felt I used to be not alone. I felt relieved,” Atae stated. “I began feeling inspired, pondering that there’s a means that LGBTQ+ individuals should stay fortunately.”
It took extra time to come back to phrases along with his personal sexuality, however he concluded “anybody has a proper to simply being oneself and stay a cheerful life.”
Atae stated he now has a transparent message as an artist: to assist all those that are struggling, and launched his new single, “Into the Mild.”
Atae stated proceeds from the track shall be donated to LGBTQ+ organizations.