Kanako Otsuji has changed the face of Japanese politics. In 2003, at the tender age of 28, Otsuji became the candidate to win a seat on Osaka's assembly. In that seat, the politician pushed for social change, successfully passing a law allowing gay couples to rent housing together. Then, in 2005, Otsuji came out as a lesbian, thus becoming the first openly gay politician in Japanese history. Though the public embraced her, Otsuji found some opposition among her political peers, including, according to the Guardian, one anti-queer "comrade" who asked her if she planned on becoming a man.

Despite this ignorance - and her aides' advice to keep a lid on it - Otsuji hasn't given up her political dreams and has just joined forces with the Democratic party to launch a campaign for Japan's upper parliament. Not surprisingly, Otsuji's efforts rest on highlighting Japan's diverse nature, a stark departure from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's chimerical political conformity.

In a message on her website, Otsuji wrote:

I think there is a tendency to put forward one set of values and make it seem as though that is the only beautiful or right way. But the reality is becoming more diverse. Japanese society is not engaging with the wide range of people living in diverse ways, in terms of nationality, race, sex, age and disabilities.

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While we're on the subject of televisuals, some of you may have heard of Azumi: the Japanese movie about a young (and decidedly hot) female assassin of the same name played by Aya Ueto. Based on the popular manga, the story follows Azumi from being orphaned through and beyond her training as one of the best assassins in medieval Japan.

If you're into some bad-ass swordplay and a bit of camp (the perfect combination, no?), this is definitely the movie for you. The best part of the movie, however, comes from the arch-villain, Bijomaru Mogami, played deliciously by Jo Odagiri (pictured, in character).
Dressed in pristine white robe, a long-haired wig, and the perfect amount of pink eye shadow, Bijomaru Mogami may be one of the best ambiguoulsy gay villains in history. GLAAD most definitely disapproves, but we love him.

The film's currently on view in New York City, but if you can't make it there, poke around the internet and find the DVD. It's worth owning.

Our friends over at AfterElton have an illuminating article on gay love in manga, Japanese illustrated serials. (We called them "comics" once and our friend nearly shat. We replied, "Why get bogged down by semantics?" our favorite post-modern linguistic dismissal.) In the article, written by Hikaru Freeman, one learns all about a series called Gravitation.

Set in modern day Japan, the story revolves around up-and-coming rock star, Shuichi Shindo, and his burgeoning love affair with writer, Eiri Yuki. What struck us most about the piece is that there's an entire genre of boy love manga Freeman refers to as shonen-ai, "which literally translates to 'young-boy love.'"

We did a little research on the everyman's encyclopedic website, Wikipedia, and apparently shonen-ai is dated term, and typically refers to actual pedophilia. But, again, semantics... Originally, the genre was marketed to women, who adored the stories of fagling love, but has drawn new audiences as more young Japanese men and women find the strength to come out. If only we had a similar genre when we were young...

"Gay Love in Japanese Manga" [AfterElton]
Shonen-ai [Wikipedia]

Paris Hilton, tired of living in trannielicious Amanda Lepore's shadow, has decided to have a doll made in her likeness. Unfortunately for us, it is only available in Japan right now, but we expect that with all of its included accessories, it will sell very well and eventually make its way to this side of the Pacific.

Japanese Paris Hilton Doll For You! [Gallery of the Absurd]

This weekend's gay pride parade in Tokyo drew a crowd 3,800 — and plenty of rain. But the showers didn't keep the leather daddies and jock strap clad flag wavers from taking Yoyogi Park. Gay Japan News brings us the visuals.

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• That pesky Vatican won't be allowing gays into the Priesthood and might even band them entirely. We have a feeling massive layoffs will be in order.

•Apparently the past few years have seen a rapid increase in the "feminization of Japanese men." They're much more into beauty products and aren't afraid to dance with other guys. Over here we call that progress.

•The right to marry is important, but everyone knows the right to divorce (and get half) is more important. Gays in Washington State may be getting just that.

•Click here to download the 30-second TV spot asking veto-happy Arnie to reconsider his decision that would prevent leather daddies from marrying in California.

•Whoever said prison toughens you up was dead wrong. Darling, Martha, couldn't you come up with a snappier catchphrase than "you just don't fit in?" How about "you're my bitch now?"