J-Pop star Shinjiro Atae comes out as gay: ‘I finally have the courage to open up’
He came out at a fan event in Tokyo.
J-Pop star Shinjiro has come out as a gay man, releasing new song ‘Into The Light’ to celebrate.
He came out during a free fan event held in Line Cube Shibuya in Tokyo on Wednesday (July 26), where he opened up in front of approximately 2,000 people.
It’s said he spoke in detail about his decision to share his sexuality publicly, and the impact he hoped it would have on fans who were also struggling.
“To all my fans, today was a very special day for me,” he wrote on Instagram after the event.
“I thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for standing beside me over the years”
“For years, I struggled to accept a part of myself … but now, after all I have been through, I finally have the courage to open up to you about something. I am a gay man.”
He went on to note it has taken him a “long time” to come to terms with being gay, explaining: “I could not even say it to myself.
“However, I’ve come to realise it is better, both for me, and for the people I care about, including my fans, to live life authentically than to live a life never accepting who I truly am.”
Shinjiro hoped by telling people about his sexuality, others who were struggling with the same feelings “will find courage and know they are not alone.”
The singer held the event in person for fans so he was able to “tell as many of you as possible directly”.
He added: “For those unable to attend I will be posting my full speech on my website tomorrow so you can hear the news in my own words. The link is in my bio (English subtitles available).
“When I think of my work in the entertainment industry and the many things for which I am grateful, it is my relationship with my fans that first comes to mind.
The J-Pop star concluded: “I thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for standing beside me over the years.
“I’d also like to thank my family, friends, staff members and my fellow AAA members for providing me their full support throughout this process.”
He was quickly flooded with love in the comments, with one sharing: “So proud of you Shin. Keep on being the amazing you that you are!”
Someone else said: “I’m so proud of you! Hope to see you again!!”