TOKYO PRIDE 2014

Japan's First Lady Shines At Tokyo Pride

The first lady of Japan is known for taking more liberal stances than her conservative husband.

Michelle Garcia (advocate.com, 27/4/2014)

Japan's first lady joined the festivities of Tokyo's LGBT pride parade on Sunday.

Akie Abe, wife of conservative Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, stood on a float amid a sea of 3,000 participants marching though the Shibuya district. Abe said she was particularly drawn to participate through her work related to HIV. She joined a commission set up by UNAIDS and the Lancet medical journal last year, according to Agence France Presse.

"I want to help build a society where anyone can conduct happy, enriched lives without facing discrimination," she wrote on her Facebook page before heading off to the parade.

Akie Abe is known to take more liberal stances than her politically conservative husband. In addition to her support for LGBT rights, she openly fights for gender equality, and is described as being a more modern, relatable first lady than her predecessors.

Akie Abe: “I want to help build a society where anyone can conduct happy, enriched lives without facing discrimination. I had the pleasure of spending fun time filled with smiles. Thank you”