It turns out that the hosts on NHK's program have, on a personal level, long embraced an LGBT-friendly stance. Ira Ishida appeared in the 2006 film "Love My Life" based on the Ebine Yamaji graphic novel and in the past Sonin had commented during Haato O Tsunago's program on transgender issues that she felt commonalities between trans peoples' experiences and her own experiences as a Korean-Japanese. TW spoke with each of the show's hosts to get closer to their ideas regarding LGBT issues and their reflections following taping of the program.

■Sonin
Born in 1983, Sonin made her debut as a vocalist in the year 2000 with the Tsunku-produced band EE Jump. She is currently pursuing a solo music career. She has appeared in television dramas such as TBS's Koukou Kyoushi (High School Teacher), NHK's Hoshi ni Negai o(Wishing on a Star) and TBS's Moto Kare (Ex-Boyfriend) and made her theatrical debut in 2004 in Hachi-nin no Onna-tachi (Eight Women). In fact, Sonin has increasingly taken on a more extensive range of work, as evidenced in her recent appearances on the Korean SBS drama, Tree from Heaven.

Sonin's Official Homepage: www.harmonypromotion.co.jp

--After finishing the taping for this program, do you feel like your thoughts on lhomosexuality have changed at all?

I think so. Up till now, even though I never really thought that homosexuality was bad or weird, I did kind of get the feeling that it was something that shouldn't be brought up. But, through conversation today, I've learned that it's OK to openly talk about this.

--Out of all the things said today, what stood out for you the most?

I think it was the statement to the effect that, "Lesbians, as homosexuals and as women, are a double minority". It was something I had never thought about, so it really made an impression.

--I see. It is often said that the entertainment industry is well populated by gays and lesbians. Do you personally have any gay or lesbian friends?

I have gay male friends, but I don't know a single lesbian. Now that I think about it, I never met an out lesbian until today! That's quite surprising!

--It sure is. And, to top it all off, in just this one day you've met Ms. Otsuji, Ms. Ito, and two editors from TW...making four lesbians in all!

True! (Laughs)

★Sonin's Message to Viewer's
Even though there was a lot I didn't know about homosexuality, I never thought that it was wrong. Everybody has special feelings of love for others. I know that the world may not change suddenly, but I hope we can be a part of making change happen through this program. I want all of you to move boldly on, and never feel encumbered by who you are or what you do. In other words, I would like to say, just as Asahara did during taping, 'It's okay!'".

■Ira Ishida
Born in 1960, Ishida started his post-university career at an advertising agency and later became a freelance copywriter. In 1997, he won the 36th All Yomimono New Mystery Writers' award for his debut work, "Ikebukuro West Gate Park". In 2003, he won the 129th Naoki Award for his work, "4TEEN". He has gained broad popularity for releasing numerous books, including Nami no Ue no Majutsu-shi (The Illusionist Above the Waves), LAST, Akihabara@DEEP, Tokyo Doll, and Shimokita Sundays.

--You played the role of a gay man in a movie about two girls in love, "Love My Life". In addition, you sent a message of support to last year's Asian Queer Film and Video Festival (AQFF). For these reasons and more you seem to be quite gay and lesbian-friendly. Do you think that's a fair assumption?

Well, even before I was involved in "Love My Life", I felt that it was wrong that people are treated differently according to their sexuality. Based on those beliefs, I appeared in the film and sent some words of support to AQFF.

--That's good to hear. What is your opinion of homosexuality?

Well, there's a lot that I could say, but one thing that we talked about today was how terribly cruel the world can be to deny someone the precious experience of first love. All people - gay and straight - suffer and strive when it comes to matters of the heart. We should all understand that, and so it makes no sense to prohibit someone's feelings of love.

--How true! Did anything in particular strike you from conversation in the studio today? Also, did any of your own thoughts or ideas change as a result of it?

Well, for one, after hearing that in the case of medical emergencies same-sex partners have trouble with visiting rights in the hospital, I now believe that a lot more legal protections should be established. Also, as Sonin said, I was struck by the statement that lesbians are a double minority.

★Ishida's Message to Viewers
I understand that a lot of difficulties still exist, but I do believe that as long as we match all our strengths, the world will change. I wish that each of you understand the world about you and use those wits well as you continue in your life. I think that would help create a better society for us all to live in, and so I want you to keep up the good work!

■Yoko Sakurai
Born in 1951, Sakurai graduated from Meiji University in 1975 and entered NHK the same year. In 2000 she was promoted to Executive Newscaster. For seven years she has managed several news programs including, Studio 102,News Wide, and News 7. She took a position in charge of Haato O Tsunago in 2007.

--After taking part in the taping, have your thoughts changed at all regarding the current conditions that homosexual people in Japan face?
　
More than anything, learning of the double minority status of lesbians will stay with me. And generally, after hearing of all of what our guests shared, I came to a deeper understanding that the problems LGBTQ persons face are a grave matter. Love has a living shape-molded by life itself, and our expressions of life alone can take infinite forms.

--What surprised you the most from the things talked about today?

I've had gay friends, but I never realized that homosexuals make up 3-5% of the population - that really struck me.

--You mentioned that you've known gay men, but have you ever known any out lesbians?

No. Just like Sonin, today is the first time I've ever been able to meet out lesbians. When we filmed the program on transgendered people, I learned for the first time that trans people have day-to-day lives (and are not just some night-time scene, or media creation). Today I learned the same with regard to lesbian and gay people.

★Sakuarai's Message to Viewers
Before I had known gay men who fit the stereotype of effeminate ("O-nee Kotoba speaking") homosexuals, as often appear on Japanese TV, but today I learned that there are men out there that don't fit into that type at all. I've learned that gays and lesbians can't be categorized like that. I very much hope a follow-up to this program is released!

translated by rayna r