Japanese pop star Shinjiro Atae says he’s gay in an announcement that’s been warmly received by fans

By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese pop star Shinjiro Atae said he is gay in an emotional announcement at a fan event that was warmly welcomed in a country where the government does not legally recognize LGBTQ equality. He choked up when he spoke in Tokyo on Wednesday, but the fans cheered, saying “hang in there!” and applauding. Atae performed for 15 years in the hugely popular group AAA and now is pursuing a solo career. Atae’s revelation comes at a time of increased support for the rights of LGBTQ+ people in Japan, though many government lawmakers oppose equal rights. Activists are advocating an anti-discrimination law, but parliament passed a weaker alternative that promotes awareness of sexual minorities without providing legal protections.