Yokohama Diversity Parade Recap

On Saturday, October 15th, Stonewall Japan marched alongside TELL Japan in the Yokohama Diversity Parade (横浜ダイバーシティパレード). This year marked the first ever parade in Yokohama that featured a march (hoorah for progress!), and the turnout was fantastic to boot.

The march started at 象の鼻パーク Zou no Hana Park, took us down the city towards Chinatown, and back up alongside the always-beautiful 山下公園 Yamashita Park. The weather was nothing like the crisp autumn day we were expecting; it was perfect with blue skies in every direction.

Our group was even accompanied by the (unofficial) diversity-lover Kaonashi from Spirited Away.

*Stretches out hands*

As the LGBTQIA+ movement gains further momentum in Japan, we’re truly excited to see this parade grow in size and impact over the coming years.

We would like give a shout-out to TELL Japan for their never-ending support and for allowing us to march with them. TELL is an organisation that provides counselling and mental health support services for Japan’s international community, and was marching on Saturday to raise awareness for the high rate of queer teenage suicides in Japan (and across the globe).

** If you or someone you know needs support, don’t hesitate to contact TELL’s support hotline here.