Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2010

Where are you from, and what do you do?
I’m from Nagoya, and I’m engaged in activities for sexual minorities while balancing graduate school work.

How do people usually describe you?
“Weird.” I take it as a compliment!

What are you most passionate about? I wish I could say lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender activities, but I’m actually most passionate about working out and building muscles! I’m a muscle maniac.

How did you get involved in the LGBT community?
It all started when I studied abroad in the US. I saw how “out there” the sexual minorities were and their enthusiasm for promoting their lifestyle. Seeing them made me want to change Japan into a place where people are free to be out of the closet and open about their sexuality.

Can you give us a quick description of some of your activities?
We organize “fun” events like parties and BBQs to connect people with the LGBT community. A lot of Japanese really believe that sexual minorities only exist on TV, in foreign countries and in Shinjuku Nichome. We want people to discover that they are, in fact, our friends, our family, our neighbors… that they’re very close to us and very real. We’re hoping to solve as many prejudices as possible by doing so.

What’s your ultimate goal in life?
I want to change Japanese society into a more livable place for all types of minorities.

Where does your source of strength come from?
From my love life.

You’re about to graduate with an MD degree. What’s next?
I’m joining the workforce this month. I’ll try and do my best to survive the angry waves of Japanese society.

If you were handed ¥1 million and had to get rid of it all in one day, how would you spend it?
Fantastic. I’d start by paying off my student loans!