Editors "＜English＞"
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＜English＞
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Parlour, the slick and elegant party held every two weeks at Rehab, a beautifully intimate second floor space in the infamous nichome district of Shinjuku... Check out the pics, and look forward to seeing YOU at the next "Parlour" on March 20th 328 Nishiazubu.
●PARLOUR
●328 Nishiazabu
3-24-20 Nishiazabu Minato-ku Tokyo
http://www.3-2-8.jp
●20 March 2010
●10pm - 5am
●JPY 1,000
10.03.15
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＜English＞
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translated by aya
※Queer studies scholar Judith Halberstam, after the lecture at Tokyo University’s Komaba campus.
A while back I attended a lecture by Judith Halberstam, a researcher in the field of queer and transgender studies, and I wanted to share a little about it here.
The talk, given at Tokyo University's Komaba campus, went extremely well thanks in part to the active participation of the audience. The venue itself was full, with the diverse range of sexualities represented indicating the extent of the current interest in transgender studies. During the latter half of this intriguing session, Halberstam screened trailers for three documentaries dealing with transgender issues from the perspective of three different countries. The films were "The Aggressives" (2005, USA), "Fremde Haut" (English title: "Unveiled") (2005, Germany), and "Bubot Niyar" (English title: "Paper Dolls") (2006, Israel).
Halberstam pointed out that in the last 10 years, films taking on transgender issues have changed dramatically since the release of the US film "Boys Don't Cry". This 1999 film, based on the true story of a transgender teenager, clearly had a huge impact on audiences around the world.
Part of this change, as the three film trailers made clear, is a broadening of focus to encompass not only transgender issues to but also issues related to immigration and race, which for me was particularly interesting.
We will have more about Judith Halberstam in upcoming postings, so please come back later!
10.01.17
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＜English＞
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translated by faiyaque
※Carri Munden, designer for the up-and-coming London-based brand Cassette Playa, made an appearance at Le Baron on November 7th.
As mentioned in last month’s Tokyo Wrestling Info, Carri Munden of Cassette Playa, the latest in luxury street fashion design, came to Tokyo for an appearance at the club Le Baron.
※Carri in a jacket she made with Phenomenon.
TW met Carri backstage before the event for an interview, which we plan to post later in the Articles section. For now we wanted to share a few photos from the evening with you!
※Carri’s new hairstyle in pastel colors is perfect for Tokyo!
The jacket in the picture is one she designed with Nike.
※TW’s favorite band Telepathe, a band that Carri loves too,
was playing in the background for Carri's onstage interview!
Even though she was busy preparing for her DJ set later in the evening, Carri made some time to speak with us before the event. First of all, we were absolutely charmed by her super cool and cute attitude! Carri shared, "I loved hanging out in Akihabara. The maid cafes are so much fun!" Among her key inspirations she lists Tutankhamun and ancient culture, right alongside video games and some of her favorite elements of youth culture today.
In addition, she talked about her collaboration with Telepathe and her favorite spots in London. We'll have the interview up soon, along with her special video message for TW readers!
※Tons of Carri's fans were present at the event. As DJ, she rocked the house with
a widely range of beats covering everything from hard rock to hip-hop to La Roux hits!
☆★CASSETTE PLAYA (Carri Munden)★☆
www.cassetteplaya.com
For more information on Vanity Presents events at Le Baron, see www.vanity.to.
10.01.11
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＜English＞
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translated by kumiko
I recently attended a wonderfully heartwarming lesbian wedding in Tokyo, so I thought I’d share a little bit about the event with you.
Readers already familiar with Japanese online lesbian resources probably already know the very popular lesbian blog “Jojoen”, written with great humor and intelligence by a blogger named Bianca. Well, Bianca was kind enough to invite me to her wedding where she and her very handsome girlfriend of 10 years officially tied the knot! Naturally, I was ecstatic to attend. Congratulations to the happy couple!!!
To tell you the truth, this was the first wedding I had ever attended--except for when I was a child. Personally, I always felt that the convention dictating men and women have to get married at a certain age (in Japan especially) is quite boring. For this reason, I just somehow ended up boycotting acquaintances’ weddings as a kind of policy of mine.
Therefore, it was very significant to me that the first wedding I ever attended was a lesbian wedding. Although same-sex marriage is not recognized by Japanese law, the ceremony was still celebrated as a big event. Many Japanese lesbians and lesbian couples attended, in addition to Bianca’s mother and work colleagues. While weddings aren’t exactly my cup of tea, I was extremely touched by the gathering. I felt like our gathering stood as evidence that, even though the government may not recognize same-sex partnerships yet, there is a world of loving people who will marry anyway--and more and more people who recognize and celebrate those marriages. Seeing this message play out before me was as empowering as listening to a Harvey Milk speech.
※As a wedding gift, I presented the newly married couple with Femme and
Dyke briefs from Rigged OUT/fitters, a popular item on the TW online shop.
Perfect for the happy couple!
※Celebrating the joy of the two loving brides.
At the wedding, I was struck by how absurd it is that two people so in love can be denied the right to exchange vows, even though it hurts no one. Seeing the ceremony was just more convincing than any words.
I was so happy to be able to attend this wedding. And I look forward to seeing many more queer weddings in Japan and hope that one day, in the not too distant future, the government will recognize our unions.
★Read blog "Jojoen" at: http://jyojyoen.seesaa.net (Japanese).
10.01.09
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translated by faiyaque
※Singer-songwriter Partick Wolf
TW editor Yuki Keiser went to interview out bisexual UK artist Patrick Wolf, whose latest album, The Bachelor, has just hit stores in Japan.
A fashion mastermind who crafts his own wardrobe, Wolf also admits to knowing how to make an entrance--by always greeting the press in different carefully-selected costumes. When Tokyo Wrestling caught up with him, he was gorgeously dressed in the same stylish 80s look he had worn for his concert at the British Anthems Live Shows 2009.
Not only does Patrick possess a charming smile and handsome good looks, but we were instantly caught by the spell of his friendly and open manner. Time just seemed to fly by as we chatted with this artist of unmatched talent and easy-going personality.
In our interview, Patrick shares stories of his current relationship with his boyfriend and so much more. He also has a special video message for TW readers. We’ll be posting later in the Articles section, so don’t miss it!
●Artist Patrick Wolf
●Album: The Bachelor
●2,490 yen (Incl. tax)
●Label: Bloody Chamber Music / Bandstocks / Hostess
●www.myspace.com/officialpatrickwolf
10.01.02
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translated by faiyaque
※The Shinjuku Sanchome bar Tac's Knot when we visited last week. Our bartender for the evening was Yasuki Saito, of our favorite Japanese gay blog, Campy!
The other day the Tokyo Wrestling team went to check out Tac's Knot, a snug and well-established gay hangout located in Shinjuku's Sanchome. Opened in 1982 and run by writer and artist Takashi Otsuka, Tac's Knot has been attracting gay and lesbian patrons for over 25 years.
The TW team headed over on a Tuesday so we could also catch up with Campy! editor Yasuki Saito on his weekly shift at the bar. Some readers may remember Yasuki from the "Feel L Culture" event in August 2008, when this charming writer and drag performer facilitated a panel discussion which included Honey & Honey (Media Factory) author Sachiko Takeuchi.
As anyone who has read the Campy! site will know, Yasuki is a witty and sharp conversationalist who draws from a deep well of queer humor and warmth. Chatting with him was a pleasure, and all folks looking to spend some time having fun, or just chilling out, in a great, cozy space should go check out Tac's Knot for themselves.
And we were in luck! That same evening Saseko, Campy!'s very own leading drag queen, made an appearance at the bar. I've been a great fan of hers since seeing her videos on the Campy! site so I was thrilled to actually meet her in person. As a matter of fact, while we were talking Saseko told me that she's actually quite popular with lesbian women...and has many lesbian friends as well (not always easy since the queer scene in Japan tends to be gender segregated).
Incidentally, Saseko always appears in Campy! videos in full drag--with make-up and everything--but she (that is, he) came to the bar that night au naturel ! I was surprised to find that she wasn't at all the "slightly icky dude" I imagined her to be (Sorry Saseko!), but rather a young and somewhat-androgynous hottie whose easy-going and friendly nature explains her popularity with lesbians.
Unlike in many other countries around the world, there are few spaces in Japan where gay men and women can mix. For that reason, and so much more, Tac’s Knot is a great spot for all the queer girls and boys to drop by. It's definitely worth checking out!
※Yasuki Saito gave us a Campy! Girls towel, originally made available at the October Campy! Nomikai Vol. 5 event, and now a rare find. In the middle is Saseko, along with her signature, and to her left is Bourbonne (AKA Yasuki Saito) who also appeared in Yo Hitoto's music video for "Unto Shiawase"!
★Tac's Knot Official Homepage:
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~Km5t-ootk/tacsknot.html
★Campy! Homepage:
http://55campy.blog
09.11.23
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Translated by faiyaque
※The work of Dutch artist J.P. Hol is currently on exhibition at Gallery éf, with additional works on display in the cafe on the first floor of the same building (above). The playful pastels of Hol's work and the cafe's warm wooden interior combine to create a nostalgic European feel--a great place to linger and have a cup of tea after the show.
Today we report on out Dutch artist J.P. Hol’s exhibition “Gay Squirrel and the Tail/Tale of the Cat on the Moon”, currently on here in Tokyo. I thought I'd share my impressions of both the gallery and the exhibition before I post TW's interview with the artist later on.
The exhibition is being held at Gallery éf, a former wholesale lumber storehouse transformed by artists into an art space in 1868. The current show makes use of both floors of the building, which is registered as a national cultural property, with an installation on the first floor and a film on the second. To reach the gallery, visitors must walk through a cafe that shares the same building and is also lavishly decorated with Hol's works, starting with the adorably crafted gay squirrels at the entrance, beckoning guests to enter and begin a journey into the fairytale land of Hol’s imaginings.
The first thing that you notice after removing your shoes and stepping into the gallery is the captivating power of Hol's other-worldly animal creations set against the tranquility of the space's rich wooden interior. Venture to the second floor, where Japanese and English versions of a film by the artist are screened alternately, and you'll discover a room transformed into a whole other world by Hol's expressive powers: it makes you realize what clichés like “time itself had been suspended” are actually trying to express.
※Different character items, handkerchiefs, and picture postcards are on display in the showcases.
※I couldn’t resist making a purchase: to the left is the DVD of the film, which, inspired by Hol's own experiences, tells the story of a gay squirrel. The adorable cover is handmade, and Hol's passion for his work really shines through. To the right is a 3D postcard showing the film's main characters, the squirrel and the tailless cat. Move the card and the two come together for a kiss...how romantic!
The exhibition at Gallery éf in Asakusa will run through Sunday, November 8, so check it out. Would be a great way to spend a date!
★We will be posting an interview with J.P. Hol at a later date. Keep checking back!
J.P. Hol: “Gay Squirrel and the Tail/Tale of the Cat on the Moon”
★In Tokyo at Gallery éf
●2-19-18 Kaminari-mon, Taito-ku, Tokyo; Tel: 03-3841-0442
●Friday, October 16 to Sunday, November 8
●12 to 9 pm every day except Tuesdays (until 7 pm on the last day)｜Entry: Free
●Opening reception: Thursday, October 15 from 7 to 9 pm
●Gallery homepage: www.gallery-ef.com/j.htm
★To return to Tokyo Wrestling's homepage, follow the link here.
※ Hit "MORE" below for the film's story and information on the artist
» MORE
09.10.27
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Translated by Chris
It has just recently come to the world's attention that a 2006 advertisement produced by renowned power gay and Tokyo Wrestling’s own favorite fashion designer, Marc Jacobs, was flatly rejected by Men’s Vogue.
Photographer Juergen Teller, who spent over a decade working closely with Marc Jacobs on his advertising campaigns, recently spoke to the fashion blog of the New York Times for an interview just prior to the release of his new book, "Marc Jacobs Advertising 1998-2009". In the interview, he revealed that in 2006, Men’s Vogue refused to publish an advertisement in which a gay couple are shown kissing.
The couple appearing in the picture were make-up artist Dick Page and his husband, James Gibbs. Dick Page has long worked with Marc Jacobs and is known to be part of the Marc Family. Teller says he was surprised that Men’s Vogue refused to publish the photograph ad.
"I like the idea of having a gay couple in a men’s ad because it makes sense. And I wanted the ads to be like they are--very romantic, tender, and sweet. I certainly didn’t want to have anything provocative, not at all."
It's great to see Marc Jacobs and his family lead the fashion industry, among others, while always keeping a keenly sharpened queer perspective. TW salutes their gay-conscious attitude!
★Marc Jacobs' official website: www.marcjacobs.com/
09.10.07
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Translated by faiyaque
There's been a new addition to Tokyo Wrestling's Online Shop! Check out the latest from dyke fashion brand Sew Gay: the V-neck version of the hit Titties 'n' Beer tee!!
Now, if you're thinking that you've seen it somewhere before, you're right. Out lesbian model Ayaka Ichinose was sporting the top in photographs for our last post and, in fact, she'll be wearing it in her upcoming DVD, "Sekumai"! (A video interview with Ayaka Ichinose talking about her latest DVD will be posted to TW in coming weeks.)
※Ayaka Ichinose looks stunning in casual wear from dyke fashion brand
Sew Gay. This extra long, deep V-neck tee with "Titties’n’Beer"
printed in shocking pink across the hip is a stylish, perfect fit!
The weather may be getting cooler, but there's still plenty of time left to wear your tees!! And the eye-catching neon print packs a punch, making this the perfect top for parties and club events!
★To order from Tokyo Wrestling’s Online Shop, see information here.
★For more on the Titties 'n' Beer V-neck, follow the link here. (Japanese)
★To return to Tokyo Wrestling's homepage, follow the link here.
09.09.28
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Translated by faiyaque
※Out model and actress Ayaka Ichinose on set.
Tokyo Wrestling just visited out model and actress Ayaka Ichinose on set, where we caught her filming her newest gravure production.
Ayaka has taken the helm to script and develop her latest project all on her own. Needless to say, her personal touch has given the video a fresh, lesbian edge that female audiences will love for sure!
In fact, queer girls will surely notice the dyke fashion she's sporting. When we visited her at the studio, she was kicking back in a Titties ‘N’ Beer V-neck tee and a pair of FEMME girl’s briefs--both items currently available at the Tokyo Wrestling Online Shop!
※Ichinose rocking the SEW-GAY look with a eye-catching Sew Gay Titties 'n Beer tee.
This queer tee is a perfect fit for Ayaka!! Love it!
※In another photo shoot, Ayaka sports FEMME girls' briefs from Rigged OUT/fitters--the chic, dyke fashion brand seen on The L Word. Incidentally, these briefs are one of our most popular items at the Online Shop!
Later this year, closer to the DVD release date, TW will be posting a new interview with Ayaka...complete with photos.
Incidentally, her newest DVD will be chock-full of queer content--with clips shot in Shinjuku Nichome. You're not gonna want to miss it!!
★For TW's interview with Ayaka Ichinose, follow the link here.
★To order from Tokyo Wrestling’s Online Shop, see information here.
★Ayaka Ichinose’s Official Blog (Japanese):
http://blog/ichinoseayaka/
※The latest Sew Gay Titties ‘n’ Beer V-neck T-shirt, worn by Ayaka above, is available here at the TW Online Shop. A variation on this style is already available here in black or white. Also, don’t forget to check out the RIGGED OUT/fitters’ Femme girls' briefs here!
09.09.28
