Unfortunately, Japan is not an advanced LGBTQ country, and this will continue to be the case in 2024. Nevertheless, Tokyo Rainbow Pride will be held again in 2024 under the theme “Don’t give up! Change Japan!” Here is an overview of this event from someone who has participated as a volunteer.
What is Tokyo Rainbow Pride?
One of the largest LGBTQ-related events in Asia, Tokyo Rainbow Pride takes place every April in the Shibuya area of Tokyo. Consisting of a stage, corporate booths, and a parade, it is a two-day event (scheduled for three days in 2024), with a parade as the main event on the final day. 2023 saw approximately 240,000 visitors, with 10,000 people participating in the parade.
Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024
April 19 – April 21, 2024
The parade will be held on Sunday, April 21.
The event will be held at Yoyogi Park Event Plaza. The parade will start from Yoyogi Park and go around Shibuya and Harajuku.
Event Outline
Booths
Sponsor companies and organizations will set up booths in Yoyogi Park. You can see what each company and organization is doing and interact with them. There will also be booths selling goods only available at Tokyo Rainbow Pride. There are also many photo spots. You can enjoy the atmosphere of the event just by visiting these spots.
Stage
Open-air stages will be held by a variety of artists. In addition to music, drag shows and film screenings are also held. Stages are held every year on Saturday and Sunday.
Pride Parade
Organizations and companies exhibiting booths will walk in the parade. The parade route is secured by police. Parade participants and supporters along the route high-five each other and enjoy the peaceful and casual atmosphere. Many people express themselves through pride flags and fashion. Flags and other items are sold in Yoyogi Park and can be purchased on the day of the parade without advance preparation. If you are going to go to the trouble, it would be more fun to express yourself in your own way!
How to participate in the parade?
To participate in the parade, you must register in advance. (You cannot just jump in and join the parade.)
Each group has its own general participant quota for the parade, so you can apply for the group you wish to support. Departure times also change for each group, so you may choose according to your own schedule.
If you have a group you would like to join, the best way to be sure is to apply on Saturday, the day before the parade. Some groups can register in advance through the Tokyo Rainbow Pride website.
All of the groups usually fill up before noon on the day of the event, so get there early if you want to be sure of your participation.
(This is for 2023, but please refer to this page for information on how to participate and the parade route.)
If you participate as a pre-recruited volunteer, you can walk with the parade. This is another option.
Even if you don’t participate in the parade, it is fun to watch the performances of the groups while cheering them on along the route.
After Party
There will also be an official after-party. Each event ends at 6:00 p.m., but if that’s not enough for you, you can join the official after-party, which in 2023 was held in Shinjuku.
I plan to enjoy the parade along the street in 2024! I hope you all enjoy your rainbow-colored fun!