Japan

Japanese gay porn star Masaki Koh dies at age 29

SDGLN Staff
May 22nd, 2013

TOKYO – Popular Japanese gay porn star and LGBT advocate Koh Masaki died on Saturday, May 18, of complications from surgeries. He was 29.

Masaki’s partner Tien Tien reported his death on the actor’s website. Tien said that Masaki “was receiving treatments from a ruptured cecal (which is considered the beginning of the large instestine) due to peritonitis and has had surgery several times since last month.”

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How employers can leverage LGBT workers' potential

SDGLN Staff
February 13th, 2013

NEW YORK – A new study reveals important new data on how employers can benefit from creating a workplace hospitable to their LGBT employees.

“The Power of Out 2.0” is based on a survey of 983 U.S. employees who identify themselves as LGBT. Surveys were also conducted in India, Japan and the UK.

The study was released today by The Center for Talent Innovation (CTI), a New York-based think tank.

“The Power of Out 2.0” builds on the influential study, “The Power of Out,” which was released in the summer of 2011.

Paradoxes pervade gender issues' public face in Japan

Jackie Hoffart - Special to The Japan Times
November 21st, 2011

Transgender people are popping up everywhere in the current Japanese media landscape. Whether it's appearing on variety shows or hawking soft drinks or makeup in TV ads, the current crop of "new-half" celebrities have established themselves in the mainstream in a way that has surprised many onlookers.

But what does this Japanese appetite for gay and transgender stars mean culturally?

Magnet Tours joins Lady Gaga in welcoming tourists back to Japan

SDGLN Staff
June 24th, 2011

TOKYO, Japan – Magnet Tours, the first and only tour operator in Japan focused on the LGBT market, today joined the growing chorus of voices from pop star Lady Gaga to senior tourism officials in proclaiming that Japan is open and ready for business.

All believe that tourism will be an important part of Japan’s recovery and a way to strengthen the country’s economy, just as tourism played an important role in New Orleans’ recovery following Hurricane Katrina.

Japan elects first gay man to public office

Natsuko Fukue - The Japan Times
April 26th, 2011

OSAKA — Openly gay candidate Taiga Ishikawa won a seat in the Toshima Ward Assembly in Tokyo in Sunday's election, marking a historic first.

Before the 36-year-old writer and activist, no openly gay person had been elected to public office in Japan.

The Toshima race saw 53 candidates vie for 36 seats, according to the ward office.

Read the full story HERE.

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VIDEO: A cappella singer Peter Hollens creates "Pray" single to raise money for Japan relief efforts

Ben Cartwright - SDGLN Staff Writer
April 4th, 2011

EUGENE, Ore. -- In an effort to raise money to support the American Red Cross and recovery efforts in Japan, singer Peter Hollens has collaborated with a number of a cappella stars and gospel singers to record a single called "Pray."

All sales of the single on iTunes will be donated directly to the American Red Cross.

Hollens said he created this song as a way to use his talents to give back to those in need.

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