Kanako Otsuji, Japan's first homo-politico, tied the knot with long-time lover, Maki Kimura, this weekend. Otsuji's wedding comes hot on the heels of her announcement that she'll run for one of Osaka's cabinet seats.

Though Japan doesn't recognize same-sex marriage Otsuji said she hopes her symbolic ceremony will help Japan's closeted queers come into their own:

Gays and lesbians are hiding themselves in society to protect themselves.

I want people to know that gays and lesbians exist in society by looking at us.

We're pretty sure almost every adult knows gays exist.

Whether or not they approve - well, that's a different story. Hopefully the sight of these lovely ladies will change a few minds.