In Rare Move, J-Pop Star Shinjiro Atae Comes Out As Gay
J-Pop idol Shinjiro Atae, a member of the renowned group AAA, shared his truth with over 2,000 fans at a fan meet in Tokyo on Wednesday.
According to EW, he proudly announced that he is a part of the LGBTQ+ community. The crowd erupted with applause as Atae, 34, opened up about his journey to self-acceptance and offered support to others facing similar struggles. READ MORE: Jay-Z’s Mom Gloria Carter Gets Married To Her Longtime Partner Roxanne Wiltshire Atae unveiled a touching new song titled “Into The Light” to mark the momentous occasion.
Even more inspiring, a portion of the song’s proceeds will be donated to Pride House Tokyo, Japan’s first LGBTQ+ center, and ReBit, an organization aiding LGBTQ+ youth.
Atae’s announcement is particularly significant in Japan, where advocates push for stronger pro-LGBTQ+ legislation. As one of the first API idols to come out, he hopes his story will encourage inclusivity and empower others to embrace their true selves.
