NEWSBOARD /
DESIGN
June 18, 2026
【Event Report】 Tokyo Pride 2026, Centered on Youth, Holds "Youth Pride" Under the Concept of "One Friend, One Love, One Future"!
The Youth Team "Youth Project" within the non-profit organization Tokyo Rainbow Pride (Co-Chairs: Natsumi Yamada, Yuuko Sato; hereinafter TRP) held "Tokyo Pride 2026 Youth Pride" (hereinafter "Youth Pride"), a pride event for youth aged teens and twenties, as part of the LGBTQ+ pride event "Tokyo Pride 2026." The event took place over two days, June 13th (Sat) and 14th (Sun), 2026, at WITH HARAJUKU HALL.
Total Attendance at Youth PrideApprox. 700 people (June 13th (Sat) & June 14th (Sun))
Number of Supporting Organizations3
Number of Supporting Organizations3
"Youth Pride" is a pride event targeting youth who identify as LGBTQ+ or are interested in LGBTQ+ issues. Under the concept of "One Friend, One Love, One Future," the event featured networking sessions, stage performances, and exhibition booths, with programming centered around making youth the protagonists. WITH HARAJUKU HALL, the venue, welcomed a large number of visitors, primarily from the youth demographic.
Over the two days, participants engaged with diverse values and ways of life, met and conversed with peers, and spent time contemplating themselves and their futures. The stage program featured youth and guests sharing their thoughts and experiences, while networking sessions fostered deeper connections among attendees, leading to new encounters and relationships. The event was emceed by drag queen and sex educator Rabiana Rabeija, and Yukino Nakajima, Co-Representative of TRP Youth Project.
<Message from Yukino Nakajima, Representative of Youth Project>
In its second year, we focused on the theme of "the existence of just one understanding person," which is what youth seek most right now. Having launched the community "Youth Project" about a year and a half ago and witnessing firsthand how participants find their peers, I feel we were able to create programming this year with a sharper focus and clearer purpose.
I hope these two days have provided a spark of hope for the attending youth. May this precious space continue next year with our community. Thank you for your continued support!
Happy Pride!
Yukino Nakajima
Day 1: June 13th (Sat)
<Stage Program Day 1: Expressing "Your True Self">
The stage program on the first day kicked off with the "Youth Performer Show," where youth took center stage to express their individuality through song, dance, and musical performances.
The stage program on the first day kicked off with the "Youth Performer Show," where youth took center stage to express their individuality through song, dance, and musical performances.
This was followed by "Ask Teacher Soushi! ~Decoding Youth's 'Moyamo-ya'~" presented by Mr. Soshi Matsuoka, Representative Director of fair Inc. Youth shared their real-life struggles, including discomfort with existing norms, anxieties about systemic barriers, and facing ridicule for their activities. Mr. Matsuoka offered encouragement, stating, "You don't need to blame yourself for feeling alienated." He also emphasized the importance of knowledge in protecting oneself from societal barriers. The session provided an opportunity for youth to recognize the social structures behind their "moyamo-ya" (unsettled feelings) and gain the courage to live positively.
The final segment was "Senior Panel: Daily Life, Family, and Child-rearing" featuring the duo from Elbian TV. The two, who have registered their partnership and are raising children as "two moms," shared their struggles and experiences leading up to building their families, discussing coming out and the challenges of parenting. Focusing on their daily lives, they noted positive societal changes, such as "governments and hospitals have become more accepting." However, they also expressed a strong desire for the legalization of same-sex marriage, citing concerns about inheritance issues in emergencies and the inconvenience of having different surnames on official documents. For attendees, this was a valuable opportunity to learn about diverse family structures and concretely consider their future options.
<Networking Program Day 1: Discussing "Your True Self">
The first day of networking sessions began with a program designed to explore diverse lifestyles and encourage reflection on society and oneself.
The first day of networking sessions began with a program designed to explore diverse lifestyles and encourage reflection on society and oneself.
The "Human Library" event, which uses people as "books" to explore various ways of life, and the "Politics x Future Discussion Room" provided a space for youth to freely exchange opinions about the future of society and politics.
The subsequent "Let's Talk About Moyamo-ya" session fostered empathy and connection among peers as they shared everyday discomforts and concerns. "Ask Soshi Matsuoka!" offered a chance for close interaction with Soshi Matsuoka, who also appeared on the stage program, discussing social issues and advocacy.
Following this, a panel discussion was held with guests Ayumi Goda from TIEWA Inc. and Izumi Kamiyama from El-Rose Co. The "Fashion Meeting: Starting from Moyamo-ya by Nstyle" invited participants to bring up their subtle frustrations regarding gendered expectations and fashion. Articulating these feelings helped attendees realize "others feel the same way" or "discover new perspectives," providing hints for finding comfortable choices. Simultaneously, "Ask Elbian TV!" featured the popular creators from Elbian TV, who shared insights on relatable lifestyles and relationships.
Day 2: June 14th (Sun)
<Stage Program Day 2: Discovering "What You Love">
The second day's stage program began with "My Favorite Things Showcase," a presentation event where participants shared what they love, fostering empathy and new connections.
The second day's stage program began with "My Favorite Things Showcase," a presentation event where participants shared what they love, fostering empathy and new connections.
Next, "Working as a Transgender Person ~Sharing Real Experiences~" was held, moderated by content creator Jun Hanakami. Youth who are already in the workforce joined in a candid discussion about issues such as "workplace attire" and "coming out at work," based on their real experiences. Regarding the significance of coming out during interviews, it was noted that it serves "as a space to resolve mutual anxieties, and for both the individual and the company, disclosing oneself leads to better outcomes." Furthermore, concerning how others react, a heartfelt sentiment was shared: "Sometimes, excessive concern can be more distressing. We hope for a flat, unconcerned response, rather than being treated as special."
As a message to the youth generation entering the workforce, Youth Project member Hirano stated, "We are not doing anything wrong. Face yourselves honestly and don't give up." Ms. Shiori Tanaka, CEO of Coozes Inc., added, "You might feel a high hurdle to becoming a working adult, but that's not the case. Various experiences in your youth will surely be useful later, so please try many things." Mr. Hanakami concluded, "Design your life. You have the right to decide your own life. Choose your life, place yourself in an environment where you can shine, and let's do our best together. You are definitely not alone."
The event concluded with the "Youth Pride Runway Show," a fan-favorite from last year. Approximately 30 youth participated, expressing their individuality and "true selves" through fashion and messages. The audience offered warm applause, and the stage became a space where participants celebrated each other.
<Networking Program Day 2: Encountering a New You>
The second day of networking sessions featured programs focused on the future, such as "High School Students x University Students," where high schoolers could hear from seniors about their paths and school life, and "University Students x Working Adults," for candid career discussions.
The second day of networking sessions featured programs focused on the future, such as "High School Students x University Students," where high schoolers could hear from seniors about their paths and school life, and "University Students x Working Adults," for candid career discussions.
Connections among participants expanded through various themes, including "English Hour" for bilingual interaction and "Youth Activists Unite!" for young people passionate about improving society.
Additionally, a session with guest Jun Hanakami, model and actor, focused on "Hints for Living Authentically." Towards the end, activities like keyholder making and commemorative photoshoots on the runway stage provided a relaxed environment for participants to deepen their connections.
<First Time This Year! Grand Networking Party to Celebrate New Encounters and the Future with Everyone in the Venue>
At the conclusion of both days' programs, a "Youth Pride Grand Networking Party" was held, utilizing the entire networking venue. The attending youth shared insights gained from various programs and their personal thoughts, filling the space with energy and smiles.
At the conclusion of both days' programs, a "Youth Pride Grand Networking Party" was held, utilizing the entire networking venue. The attending youth shared insights gained from various programs and their personal thoughts, filling the space with energy and smiles.
Participants celebrated their encounters and connections, sharing the sentiment behind "One Friend, One Love, One Future" as they brought the two-day event to a close.
First Held This Year! "That's So True! But I Can't Say It Exhibition" - Voices from Across the Country - Youth Project Exhibition Booth
In addition to introducing the activities of Youth Project, the exhibition booth featured the first-time "That's So True! But I Can't Say It Exhibition."
This exhibition was a participatory display designed to visualize the "moyamo-ya" (unsettled feelings) and "Isn't this strange?" sentiments experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals in their daily lives at school and work. Numerous life-sized messages from across the country were displayed, allowing visitors to deepen their empathy by engaging with these authentic voices.
The exhibition fostered a sense of realization and comfort, with attendees thinking, "There were others who felt the same 'moyamo-ya' as me." This shared empathy served as a catalyst for new connections to form.
