This was a banner year for Tokyo Rainbow Pride, a weeklong series culminating with more than 6,000 people marching through Tokyo’s Shibuya District on May 7, the most since the event began in 2012.

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This year’s theme, “Change,” was a nod to recent strides Japan has made toward LGBT equality: In 2016, even the country’s conservative party included gay rights in its platform, a move that would have been unimaginable ten years ago.

This March, Japan’s education department updated its anti-bullying policy to include protections for LGBT students. And although marriage equality has not been legalized nationwide, several municipalities and two areas of Tokyo—including the Shibuya district—recognize same-sex unions.







The parade wrapped with a festival in Yoyogi Park.

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Damon Coulter / Barcroft Images

Damon Coulter / Barcroft Images

Damon Coulter / Barcroft Images