Graham Kolbeins

This lively new documentary from director Graham Kolbeins shines a spotlight on trailblazing artists, activists and everyday people from across the spectrum of gender and sexuality as they defy social norms and dare to shine in a kaleidoscopic view of LGBTQ+ culture in contemporary Japan.

From glossy pride parades to playfully perverse underground parties, Queer Japan pictures people living brazenly unconventional lives in the sunlight, the shadows, and everywhere in between. Interviewees include drag queen Vivienne Sato, erotic manga artist Gengoroh Tagame, butoh dancer Atsushi Matsuda, multimedia artist Nogi Sumiko, HIV+ advocate Hiroshi Hasegawa, activist Akira the Hustler and transgender author Tomato Hatakeno.

Check out the trailer for Queer Japan below and click here to order your copy. The film will be available on DVD and Blu-ray starting this week.