Event Report: Tokyo Pride 2026 Hosts Youth-Led 'Youth Pride' Under the Theme 'One Friend, One Love, One Future'

YouthProject, the youth team of Tokyo Rainbow Pride (Co-Representative Directors: Natsumi Yamada, Yuuko Sato; hereinafter TRP), hosted 'Tokyo Pride 2026 Youth Pride' (hereinafter 'Youth Pride') on June 13 (Sat) and 14 (Sun), 2026, at WITH HARAJUKU HALL, as part of the LGBTQ+ pride event 'Tokyo Pride 2026'. Total youth attendance: Approximately 700 on June 13 and 14 Number of sponsor organizations: 3 'Youth Pride' is a pride event targeting LGBTQ+ youth and those interested in LGBTQ+ issues. Under the theme 'One Friend, One Love, One Future,' the event featured stages, exhibition booths, and networking sessions, all centered on youth-led initiatives. WITH HARAJUKU HALL welcomed a large number of attendees, primarily from younger generations. Over the two days, participants encountered diverse values and lifestyles, met peers, shared stories, and reflected on themselves and their futures. On stage, youth and guests shared their thoughts and experiences, while networking sessions fostered deeper connections and new relationships among attendees. The overall hosts were drag queen and sex education performer Rabiana Rabeyaja and YouthProject Co-Representative Yuki Nakajima. This year, marking our second edition, we focused on 'the presence of just one understanding person'—what youth need most right now. Having launched the 'YouthProject' community about a year and a half ago and witnessing participants find their peers firsthand, we were able to create sharper, more purposeful programming this year. I hope these two days served as a hopeful starting point for the youth who attended. I sincerely hope we can continue this important safe space together with our community next year as well. Thank you for your continued support! Happy Pride! Yuki Nakajima Day 1 – June 13 (Sat) The stage program began with the 'Youth Performance Show,' where youth took center stage to express themselves through singing, dancing, and musicals. Next, Soshi Matsuoka, Representative Director of the nonprofit fair, led 'Ask Soshi-Sensei! Decoding Youth's 'Fuzziness'.' Real struggles faced by youth—discomfort with existing frameworks, anxiety over institutional barriers, and mockery toward activism—were openly shared. Matsuoka encouraged youth, saying, 'You don’t need to blame yourself for feeling out of place.' He further emphasized the importance of knowledge in protecting oneself from societal barriers. The session helped youth recognize the social structures behind their 'fuzziness' and gain courage to live positively. Finally, the 'Senior Panel Discussion: Life, Family, and Parenting' featured the duo from Elvian TV. As a same-sex couple raising children under Japan’s partnership system, they shared their journey building a family, discussing challenges around coming out and parenting. They noted positive societal changes: 'Administrative offices and hospitals are becoming more accepting.' However, they also expressed concerns about legal gaps: 'In emergencies, inheritance issues arise, and our family names differ on official registries.' Their heartfelt words highlighted the urgent need for same-sex marriage legalization. For attendees, this was a valuable opportunity to learn about diverse family forms and envision concrete future choices. The first day’s networking program began with sessions encouraging reflection on diverse lifestyles, society, and self. The 'Promen Project Human Library,' which treats people as 'books' to explore diverse life paths, and the 'Politics × Future Discussion Room' provided spaces for youth to freely exchange opinions on society and politics. In 'Let’s Talk About Our Fuzziness,' participants shared daily discomforts and worries, fostering empathy and connection unique to their generation. 'Ask Soshi Matsuoka!' offered a close-up dialogue with Matsuoka, allowing direct interaction on social issues and self-expression. Later, a guest panel welcomed Fumi Aida, CEO of TIEWA Inc., and Izumi Ueyama, CEO of El-Rose Inc., for 'Starting from Fuzziness: Our Fashion Conference by Nstyle.' Participants shared subtle discomforts around gendered expectations and fashion, voicing them to realize, 'Others feel the same,' and 'I discovered new perspectives.' Together, they explored how to make comfortable, authentic choices. Simultaneously, 'Ask Elvian TV!' featured the popular creators discussing their real-life lifestyles and relationships. Day 2 – June 14 (Sun) The second day’s stage program began with 'Oshi Presentation Session,' a presentation event where everyone shared their passions, sparking empathy and new connections. Next, content creator Jun Hanakami moderated 'Working as a Transgender Person: Sharing Lived Experiences,' featuring young professionals. Based on real experiences, they discussed practical issues like 'workplace appearance' and 'coming out at work.' On the significance of coming out during job interviews, one shared, 'It’s a space to ease mutual anxiety. Disclosing ourselves benefits both us and the employer.' Regarding others’ responses, a participant voiced a heartfelt truth: 'Being overly cautious can actually hurt. Please treat me normally, without special attention.' For youth entering the workforce, YouthProject member Hirano said, 'We’re not doing anything wrong. Face yourselves honestly and keep moving forward.' Tamaki Tanaka, CEO of Kuzes Inc., added, 'You might think adulthood has high barriers, but it doesn’t. Your diverse youthful experiences will surely benefit your future—please challenge yourselves in many areas.' Hanakami said, 'Design your life