Not only does Takaco-san run a super inclusive bar with a great price for all you can drink and karaoke, but he's also helping push forth legislation that will give rights to gay couples. Oh, and he seems to be an absolute sweetheart. Not sure next time I'll be in Japan, much less Tokyo, but I'm adding visiting Ocoge to the list. Thanks again for a wonderful bar interview ❤️
The Japanese LGBTQIA+ education I crave & receive from TokyoBTM, ugh, makes me so happy! Yet another great upload, let's explore Shimbashi MORE (and maybe a peek at a fundoshi party?? Ehe!) Thanks Meng & Andrew
What I love about this channel is that I feel like I have 2 new cool friends now. Thanks for adding some knowledge, fun and culture to my days. Love you bottoms!
Now i know shimbashi is the place for me. This is my kind of market, more laid back, relaxed and about my age group! Will definitely check this area when i go back to japan! Thank you for introducing shimbashi!!!!!! Another great vlog guys!
Takaco-san desires and motivations to legalize gay marriage in Japan not for himself but for future generations speaks volumes about his character and generosity. It is people like this in the world who do make a different and I hope one day he is rewarded for this. As for Asia, I thought Thailand and the Philippines were very gay friendly. From what I have heard, Bangkok is one of the primary gay destinations in the world. I would also include the United States Asian state of Hawaii. On the other hand I always wonder about what happens to gays and lesbians in north Korea. I have never been able to find anything regarding that topic. Thank you guys
this totally reminds me of Itaewon vs Jongno in Korea. It's the exact same thing where the one place is the party-party district and the other is more of a chill place where you can make more meaningful connections. I'd love it if you did an episode on a Japanese/Non-Japanese gay couple. Think it could be interesting.
Good point Andrew. There are many gay clubs and bars in the US that are open to all but then run into issues where ... - straight guys feel uncomfortable because a guy flirts with them - women think that they can touch and physically flirt with the all men - straight couples may pawn the male off to a gay bartender for free drinks
I love you made the point that a woman who would come into a gay bar would not have a problem with gay men...so the men should not fear them! I am a straight woman and truly enjoy spending time and learning about new people, whether it be in a gay bar, a "regular" bar, a concert, where ever there are nice, kind, and interesting people! I love that this cool bar and the owner would welcome me, I definitely could visit one day! Takaco-san, you are a lovely man and I admire how much you have done to help with the partnership and gay marriage issues there in Japan, I hope your progress comes faster as time goes on and more people of every kind stand behind you and speak up! I am happy that here in the United States, we are seeing changes coming quickly, although, of course, it could be better, baby steps are better than no steps! Thank you for another very interesting video!
Takaco-san looks like a very pleasant person to talk to. I didn't know about Shimbashi and this bar looks like my kind of bar ❤️ looking forward to visiting one day.
Congratulations on a very informative and profound episode. I really like your videos but this one has been fantastic and one of my favourites. I used to go out drinking in Shimbashi many years ago, when I first lived in Tokyo but haven’t gone back this second time. Then it was so much fun and I after watching your video I feel like giving a try again once the pandemic subsides. Keep on this great work you are doing. Thanks!
As a bi woman that went out to gay clubs with my female friends because it was way more safe and fun than "straight" clubs, I really appreciate the owners stand on opening his store to everyone and not closing it to just gay men. Nichome sounds super fun, but it seems like if I ever visited I would have to mostly stick to lesbian bars, which is kinda sad. Another great video guys! I laughed a lot, thanks to this I can start my day on a positive vibe ✨
The difference in drinking culture is so striking to me, I've never been in a bar as small as the ones you guys show on your channel. Makes me wonder if it's easier to get a liquor license in Japan. I love the result though, all these tiny unique spaces to check out.
The video description is LOADED with information. I hope it doesn't go unnoticed. And thank you for including the bar mama's TH-cam channel. I'll definitely give it a look.
Great video! Okoge is one of the few Japanese words I know. The reason I know it is there is a movie of the same name that is from the early 1990s that about a straight woman who like to hang out with gay men (and trying to play matchmaker). Not sure how available the movie is, but it is worth a watch! And I need to visit Japan and need to check out this bar!
I'm a woman and i really love watching your vlogs. I have some friends who are part of LGBTQ+ but there is no problem between us because we try to understand and respect each others boundaries. I've never been into a gaybar and i hope that someday when i go to japan, i could visit shimbashi for a good experience. Another wonderful interview has been made.🙂
This vid was AWESOME! You guys have your finger of the pulse of what most guys are interested in knowing!! And doesn't Meng look handsome in his suit jacket ;) This was a great vid guy!
Once again you two knocked it out of the park. That’s American for fantastic job. I really enjoy the enthusiasm and easy flow of conversation you both have in your interviews. I hope you explore More of Shimbashi
Educational, fun and light video ^_^ thank you guys! I used to live in Tokyo and one thing that I still don’t understand is the different pricing for men and women in bars and clubs. This is a gay bar, why is the owner charging men more than the women? Why not the same amount if he wants to be really inclusive?
Wow! This episode was very deep and full of meaningful insights. Seriously learned a lot from their conversations. Another place to add in my checklist when visitng Japan (esp hot salary men in their suits 😆😉). Cant wait for your next adventure!
I found this video really informative. Each video inspires me even more to come to Tokyo. I look forward to these videos every week. Thank you so much for all that you do.
I grew up in a college town in the states and was once anti-mixed bars because we use to say gay guys bring their cool gal pals then their cool gal pals bring more cool girls and then the dumb straight boys follow the cool girls in and that leads to bar fights. This chain reaction we would see at all the gay dance clubs! Being older I’ve come to appreciate mixed bars more. It’s just a level of maturity that comes with both men and women being in a queer space respectfully. I do wonder how many bars in this location are “locals only” tho. Especially if they cater to salarymen. Great video with amazing discussion, as always! 😸💖
The bright lighting in some gay bars in Tokyo is often designed to create a welcoming and lively atmosphere. It can enhance the decor, make the space feel more vibrant, and help patrons feel more comfortable and social. Bright lighting can also ensure that everyone is visible and that the overall environment is friendly and engaging.
Awesome video, thank you! I'm planning to visit Japan with my gay besties and as a women I was worried I could not accompany them to some places like gay bars. But this one goes to our list for sure!
OMG Meng's skin is just flawless!!! skin care reveal please. Don't get me wrong Andrew's skin is in good condition as well it's just that Meng's skin is like poreless almost perfect.
I do love the conversation and insights regarding the Gay Marriage :) also the bar owner looks cool and freindly! I'll definitely add this to my list of top places to visit in Japan
Another topic for a great video! Speak to various Japanese people that lived abroad and returned or that plan to live abroad. Hearing Mama Takano-san, reminded me of the Matrix😅
AAAAA I love every content you put out! I love LGBTQ+ conversations like this. And I'm now so excited to go to Shimbashi seeing that it's a more toned down gay district (my thing 😆) I would still love to go to Nichome too!
Wow… Super Informative. So a great conversation and learning about outside Japan and inside japan reflection of gay culture and working for gay acceptance. Also… someone cleans up Well when he puts on a suit.
Omg Takaco-san is awesome. A bar called No Borders and working on same sex partnerships nationally! What a great example to us all. Love it. Lovely looking bar too!
I love your topic about coming out. But for some people I think they are scared to do that because they are concerned about what other people will/might think about them, However, coming out have a lot of good sides like you can be yourself without thinking what others will say towards you and you're free to do things that you want to do/explore.
I enjoyed this episode a lot! On the subject of allowing girls in gay bars, I agree with Meng’s explanation that most gay bars are small and ideally gays prefer to hang out with other gays to socialize.
He seems so great. It's only because of dedicated people like him that Japan is advancing at all when it comes to these social issues. As for why women are not allowed I feel like there are 2 arguments that can be made: 1. Something that happens sometimes in western countries is that gay spaces get overrun with women e.g. for bachelorette partys because they enjoy the sexual harassment free zone. But they sort of disown the gay men and take over their space. 2. There's a general desire to keep straight people out because it is supposed to be a gay space and was created for that purpose. Every other place in the world is already open and safe to straight people so the narrative that their being "descriminated" for not being able to enter a few bars is not really honest. So I think I can understan the sentiment, but it is still great when mixed spaces work and contribute to mutual understanding. The better society becomes, the less safe spaces are needed.
If there are salarymen there then that must mean that one can have an easier time using English as a communication tool to hunt I guess hahaha! I am glad to hear he decided to make his bar very inclusive and is taking steps towards improving LGBT rights in Japan, definitely a place to visit to show support!
What I like about Japan’s gay scene and area is that they really care and are protective with their safe spaces and they create boundaries for that. It is one of the only areas where you can possibly find a lover physically and interact with them without the fear of them being used or just a tool to explore their urges on men as well as being able to explore your sexuality despite being closeted. Thats why I really would like to even live in Japan if possible for this exact reason cause its seems that the western gay scene are being too inclusive that it really threatens the safe spaces created especially to those who are CLOSTED. Bringing women to a gay bar just threatens that safe space as people have reported that it became a hot spot for str8 men to pick up women thus defeating the purpose of the bar and just reversing it back to a normal one😕. For me, I prefer to only bring queer women on our safe spaces who especially needs it since they lack on that as well.
I understand that though the problem with that is it becomes very gatekeepy for nonbinary/ trans people. A very famous lesbian bar, Golden Finger, is very transphobic and refused a trans woman, and later updated that it was only for cis women
That's hot. I truly have a thing for men in suits...something about it is so alluring. Would love for you guys to talk about Japanese fashion...especially the trend of super fitted trousers for suits. Very enticing but when did the trend start and where is it now?
Thank you for having such an interesting conversation. I wish I came across your videos before I visited Japan; it would have prepared me to turn down my “American-ness”.
A very good video. As we’re older we prefer Shimbashi and the food is much better - far more dining bars around.
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Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but here it goes anyways: when a minority group who's already oppressed by the society they live in needs to create a safe space that caters towards their own and chooses to leave out others who may be part of this system, that's not discrimination, it's self-care and self-preservation. They can't be expected to give up the very little freedom they fought for and be made to feel uncomfortable in their own safe space just for the sake of including outsiders who have nothing to do with their struggles and have not helped them get to the point where they are today. Not every place has to be for everyone, sorry.
You have a great point. On the other hand I have had plenty of friends who were in the closet to themselves when they were young and had girlfriends and somehow were able to talk their girlfriends into visiting a gay club for whatever reason and it was basically the first step that got them to finally come out to themselves after a while. On the other hand I've known some gay leather bars in which females were not allowed and I can see that point as well. It just depends on the situation and the type of bar I guess.
I've always taken issue with that. It makes sense for certain classes of establishment to be barred from discriminatory entrance policies (like hospitals, stores, etc) but generally anything social/cultural should be free to set any sort of requirements for entry. It's fine for everyone to have their own spaces (even the Frat Boys and Old Boy's Club) so long as the society, in general, is free and inclusive.
This was fun and def a must stop! A girl finally got her passport! Just waiting for these damn travel restrictions 😂😂 I'm just afraid of magically managing to make my way to one of these gay bars and theyre like "no foreigners GTFO 🦖! " 🥺😔
You are right that people who hate gays do not go to gay bars, but there are exceptions. That mass-murderer in the USA - mercifully, I have forgotten his name - was a regular attendee and participant. But then, he was gay himself apparently, so that adds a whole new level of insanity to his actions. Thank you for the video. I appreciate your channel. It challenges me and opens my mind. Sometimes I agree with your conclusions, sometimes I don't but you are both always interesting!
That’s what Vermont was like when they made Civil Unions legal in 2000. It was like marriage just not the same name. Of course after Massachusetts made marriage legal between same sex Vermont followed shortly after. Hope Japan is able to have success.
Seems a cool bar to visit and friendly and wow 80 bars.. Here where i live in my county i think there is only 5 gay bars and none of them really a place id wanna visit 🙁
> so, from an American perspective, i think we wonder how small gay bars in Tokyo can make enough money to pay the rents - or are commercial rents in Tokyo less expensive than (for example) here in West Hollywood, where commercial space is quite pricey - you have to sell a lot of drinks here to pay the rents ~
Not only does Takaco-san run a super inclusive bar with a great price for all you can drink and karaoke, but he's also helping push forth legislation that will give rights to gay couples. Oh, and he seems to be an absolute sweetheart. Not sure next time I'll be in Japan, much less Tokyo, but I'm adding visiting Ocoge to the list.
Thanks again for a wonderful bar interview ❤️
Thank you Mindy. Glad that you enjoyed the video. Definitely recommend this bar, very welcoming
That's it! Going to Japan and Takaco-san's bar is now my goal! He seems like such a sweetheart. Thank you for your videos
Yes definitely check it out, the bar was very spacious and fun
The Japanese LGBTQIA+ education I crave & receive from TokyoBTM, ugh, makes me so happy! Yet another great upload, let's explore Shimbashi MORE (and maybe a peek at a fundoshi party?? Ehe!) Thanks Meng & Andrew
What I love about this channel is that I feel like I have 2 new cool friends now. Thanks for adding some knowledge, fun and culture to my days. Love you bottoms!
Thank you 💗 I love that you see us as friends next door😘
Now i know shimbashi is the place for me. This is my kind of market, more laid back, relaxed and about my age group! Will definitely check this area when i go back to japan! Thank you for introducing shimbashi!!!!!! Another great vlog guys!
Same
May I join?? 🥺🥺
Ugh, I absolutely love these bar interview videos!
My husband and I love watching the two of you. We have learned so much about Japan through you. Keep up the great work. ❤️ from Toronto
Awwww! Thank you!
Takaco-san desires and motivations to legalize gay marriage in Japan not for himself but for future generations speaks volumes about his character and generosity. It is people like this in the world who do make a different and I hope one day he is rewarded for this. As for Asia, I thought Thailand and the Philippines were very gay friendly. From what I have heard, Bangkok is one of the primary gay destinations in the world. I would also include the United States Asian state of Hawaii. On the other hand I always wonder about what happens to gays and lesbians in north Korea. I have never been able to find anything regarding that topic. Thank you guys
this totally reminds me of Itaewon vs Jongno in Korea. It's the exact same thing where the one place is the party-party district and the other is more of a chill place where you can make more meaningful connections. I'd love it if you did an episode on a Japanese/Non-Japanese gay couple. Think it could be interesting.
Good point Andrew. There are many gay clubs and bars in the US that are open to all but then run into issues where ...
- straight guys feel uncomfortable because a guy flirts with them
- women think that they can touch and physically flirt with the all men
- straight couples may pawn the male off to a gay bartender for free drinks
I love you made the point that a woman who would come into a gay bar would not have a problem with gay men...so the men should not fear them! I am a straight woman and truly enjoy spending time and learning about new people, whether it be in a gay bar, a "regular" bar, a concert, where ever there are nice, kind, and interesting people!
I love that this cool bar and the owner would welcome me, I definitely could visit one day! Takaco-san, you are a lovely man and I admire how much you have done to help with the partnership and gay marriage issues there in Japan, I hope your progress comes faster as time goes on and more people of every kind stand behind you and speak up! I am happy that here in the United States, we are seeing changes coming quickly, although, of course, it could be better, baby steps are better than no steps! Thank you for another very interesting video!
Great interview, and proud to hear that Takaco-san enjoyed his time in Toronto
always a pleasure to see you both..! thanks for all your hard work
Our pleasure!
I had no idea Shinbashi was also a gay area… oh I miss Japan so much! When will they open for tourism? I’ll book a flight as soon as I can 😁✈️
Shimbashi is super gay, haha you should definitely come to visit
Another fascinating interview. You two have a knack for asking the right questions. Is Takaco-san taken?
Takaco-san looks like a very pleasant person to talk to.
I didn't know about Shimbashi and this bar looks like my kind of bar ❤️ looking forward to visiting one day.
Congratulations on a very informative and profound episode. I really like your videos but this one has been fantastic and one of my favourites. I used to go out drinking in Shimbashi many years ago, when I first lived in Tokyo but haven’t gone back this second time. Then it was so much fun and I after watching your video I feel like giving a try again once the pandemic subsides. Keep on this great work you are doing. Thanks!
Thank you Emmanuel! Same here, I actually havent been going to Shimbashi often recently, it was a nice opportunity to introduce to ourselves as well
As a bi woman that went out to gay clubs with my female friends because it was way more safe and fun than "straight" clubs, I really appreciate the owners stand on opening his store to everyone and not closing it to just gay men. Nichome sounds super fun, but it seems like if I ever visited I would have to mostly stick to lesbian bars, which is kinda sad.
Another great video guys! I laughed a lot, thanks to this I can start my day on a positive vibe ✨
Takaco-san has such a bright personality. As always your questions are on point! Love those bars interviews💜
The difference in drinking culture is so striking to me, I've never been in a bar as small as the ones you guys show on your channel. Makes me wonder if it's easier to get a liquor license in Japan. I love the result though, all these tiny unique spaces to check out.
The video description is LOADED with information. I hope it doesn't go unnoticed.
And thank you for including the bar mama's TH-cam channel. I'll definitely give it a look.
Great video! Okoge is one of the few Japanese words I know. The reason I know it is there is a movie of the same name that is from the early 1990s that about a straight woman who like to hang out with gay men (and trying to play matchmaker). Not sure how available the movie is, but it is worth a watch! And I need to visit Japan and need to check out this bar!
the views through the window behind the bar look lovely.
I had no idea there partnership registration in Japan. That is encouraging to hear.
I'm a woman and i really love watching your vlogs. I have some friends who are part of LGBTQ+ but there is no problem between us because we try to understand and respect each others boundaries.
I've never been into a gaybar and i hope that someday when i go to japan, i could visit shimbashi for a good experience. Another wonderful interview has been made.🙂
Thank you so much Ryam, so glad to know that we have some great allies watching us 💖 Japan is a great country to visit!!
This vid was AWESOME! You guys have your finger of the pulse of what most guys are interested in knowing!! And doesn't Meng look handsome in his suit jacket ;) This was a great vid guy!
Once again you two knocked it out of the park. That’s American for fantastic job. I really enjoy the enthusiasm and easy flow of conversation you both have in your interviews. I hope you explore More of Shimbashi
Thanks for the nice video, conversation and better place introduction. Very nicely done with the subtitles 3d shadow font.
Educational, fun and light video ^_^ thank you guys! I used to live in Tokyo and one thing that I still don’t understand is the different pricing for men and women in bars and clubs. This is a gay bar, why is the owner charging men more than the women? Why not the same amount if he wants to be really inclusive?
I've read and heard explained that men will generally drink more. There are also all-you-can-eat restaurants in Japan that will charge men more.
NUANCED DISCUSSIONS!?!?! We love to see it! Takaco-san was an amazing and relatable guest.
Cute! I like Meng's suit! Very nice!
Thank you! 😄
What another great videos guys keep up the good work.
Wow! This episode was very deep and full of meaningful insights. Seriously learned a lot from their conversations. Another place to add in my checklist when visitng Japan (esp hot salary men in their suits 😆😉). Cant wait for your next adventure!
I found this video really informative. Each video inspires me even more to come to Tokyo. I look forward to these videos every week. Thank you so much for all that you do.
Love your videos!! Can't wait til Japan re-opens tourism... I'm hoping this summer... I'm willing to do whatever quarantine they might require...
I grew up in a college town in the states and was once anti-mixed bars because we use to say gay guys bring their cool gal pals then their cool gal pals bring more cool girls and then the dumb straight boys follow the cool girls in and that leads to bar fights. This chain reaction we would see at all the gay dance clubs! Being older I’ve come to appreciate mixed bars more. It’s just a level of maturity that comes with both men and women being in a queer space respectfully.
I do wonder how many bars in this location are “locals only” tho. Especially if they cater to salarymen.
Great video with amazing discussion, as always! 😸💖
Today I learned there’s a word for the burnt rice at the bottom of the pot , and it’s a synonym for “hag” in US slang! Fascinating
Nice video Meng and Andrew!
Meng looks good in suit too ☺️
Hopefully the Covid-19 pandemic can end soon and we can travel to Japan soon.
I hope so too! i had enough of covid :(
The bright lighting in some gay bars in Tokyo is often designed to create a welcoming and lively atmosphere. It can enhance the decor, make the space feel more vibrant, and help patrons feel more comfortable and social. Bright lighting can also ensure that everyone is visible and that the overall environment is friendly and engaging.
The owner he must love santorini greece. I notice the pic's and colours in the bar
Great interview
This bar defo on my list to visit! BTW I love Meng in a suit 😊
Watching your videos make me feel more comfortable being a lesbian. I’ll come out to people if they ask, but sometimes it’s hard. So thank you guys!
Awesome video, thank you! I'm planning to visit Japan with my gay besties and as a women I was worried I could not accompany them to some places like gay bars. But this one goes to our list for sure!
Can the pandemic be over already? I wanna visit Shimbashi and Ocoge! Thanks for another great episode guys ❤️
Your interview questions are excellent! And I think it would be a lot of fun if you were to go to a fundoshi bar in a future video! 🤣
OMG Meng's skin is just flawless!!! skin care reveal please. Don't get me wrong Andrew's skin is in good condition as well it's just that Meng's skin is like poreless almost perfect.
I do love the conversation and insights regarding the Gay Marriage :) also the bar owner looks cool and freindly!
I'll definitely add this to my list of top places to visit in Japan
enjoy the karaoke guys ;)
Fine I'll go visit! I think I'm off work the next couple of weekends so I will definitely plan for this! 😊
This was a great conversation and very interesting additional perspective on gay Japan. Thanks a lot
One of the best videos!!!! Keep it up!!!🥰👌🏻👌🏻
Thank you so much 😁
Another topic for a great video!
Speak to various Japanese people that lived abroad and returned or that plan to live abroad.
Hearing Mama Takano-san, reminded me of the Matrix😅
Great interview guys!! The thumbnail may need a little more color though.. I almost scrolled right past it without realizing it was Tokyo BTM!!
Thanks for the feedback. its very helpful
AAAAA I love every content you put out! I love LGBTQ+ conversations like this. And I'm now so excited to go to Shimbashi seeing that it's a more toned down gay district (my thing 😆) I would still love to go to Nichome too!
Great and informative interview! My hats off to Takaco-san for propagating inclusivity! I am sure to visit Ocoge when I get back to Japan!
よく女性がゲイバーに入れない理由として「差別（discrimination ）」でなく「区別（separate ）」だと言われますね…（個人的見解は置いておいて）
区別があってもいいと思いますが、ただあんまりにも「区別」が多かったら、例えばよくあるのは年齢、体型、出身、性別（トランスジェンダー）などの制限がされていて、「区別」される側の気持ちを考えなければならないかもね。
Wow… Super Informative. So a great conversation and learning about outside Japan and inside japan reflection of gay culture and working for gay acceptance. Also… someone cleans up Well when he puts on a suit.
A woman took me to my first gay club. I needed her courage. It’s stupid not to allow paying customers in! 💴
Omg Takaco-san is awesome. A bar called No Borders and working on same sex partnerships nationally! What a great example to us all. Love it. Lovely looking bar too!
a very good episode
相変わらず二人は仲良しで楽しそうで観ていて楽しくなります！😋
ところでミンミンは中国の何処出身なんですか？
良かったです❤ 浙江省です
Yeeees my favorite kinds of videos
Loved the video!
Yes please do more videos introducing bars in Shinbashi! I’m in my early 40’s but all I know is Nichome. I think I need to try something different.
OMG I knew I’d find you here!! It’s Devon-sensei from that “one” English school we worked at!!
Thanks you for education 😀🙏🙏
I love your topic about coming out. But for some people I think they are scared to do that because they are concerned about what other people will/might think about them, However, coming out have a lot of good sides like you can be yourself without thinking what others will say towards you and you're free to do things that you want to do/explore.
Some people may also not come out as it could be a barrier to being employed with a good firm with a good salary.
Good video, lots of good information.
Glad it was helpful!
I enjoyed this episode a lot! On the subject of allowing girls in gay bars, I agree with Meng’s explanation that most gay bars are small and ideally gays prefer to hang out with other gays to socialize.
yes, there are also a lot of mixed gay bars but just not in Shimbashi
He seems so great. It's only because of dedicated people like him that Japan is advancing at all when it comes to these social issues.
As for why women are not allowed I feel like there are 2 arguments that can be made:
1. Something that happens sometimes in western countries is that gay spaces get overrun with women e.g. for bachelorette partys because they enjoy the sexual harassment free zone. But they sort of disown the gay men and take over their space.
2. There's a general desire to keep straight people out because it is supposed to be a gay space and was created for that purpose. Every other place in the world is already open and safe to straight people so the narrative that their being "descriminated" for not being able to enter a few bars is not really honest.
So I think I can understan the sentiment, but it is still great when mixed spaces work and contribute to mutual understanding. The better society becomes, the less safe spaces are needed.
If there are salarymen there then that must mean that one can have an easier time using English as a communication tool to hunt I guess hahaha! I am glad to hear he decided to make his bar very inclusive and is taking steps towards improving LGBT rights in Japan, definitely a place to visit to show support!
Sush a sweet heart, This bar is now on my travel list 🥳
Takaco is so nice! Loved this video.
Thank you!! 😊
Ooohh If I knew that in 2020 when I went to Shimbashi and stayed in a hotel there because my work haha =' It was a nice conversation!
What I like about Japan’s gay scene and area is that they really care and are protective with their safe spaces and they create boundaries for that. It is one of the only areas where you can possibly find a lover physically and interact with them without the fear of them being used or just a tool to explore their urges on men as well as being able to explore your sexuality despite being closeted. Thats why I really would like to even live in Japan if possible for this exact reason cause its seems that the western gay scene are being too inclusive that it really threatens the safe spaces created especially to those who are CLOSTED. Bringing women to a gay bar just threatens that safe space as people have reported that it became a hot spot for str8 men to pick up women thus defeating the purpose of the bar and just reversing it back to a normal one😕. For me, I prefer to only bring queer women on our safe spaces who especially needs it since they lack on that as well.
I understand that though the problem with that is it becomes very gatekeepy for nonbinary/ trans people. A very famous lesbian bar, Golden Finger, is very transphobic and refused a trans woman, and later updated that it was only for cis women
On ma list!!
He has such a good vibe
That's hot. I truly have a thing for men in suits...something about it is so alluring.
Would love for you guys to talk about Japanese fashion...especially the trend of super fitted trousers for suits. Very enticing but when did the trend start and where is it now?
At 15:59 we must agree with Meng that the drink was strong. Andrew's face is of someone not anymore there due alchool lol
Good to see there are areas that cater to the older guy, and not so touristy. Also what's the little handheld camera you use?
its called DJI pocket 2
Really good interview and the owner is interesting person.
I have never seen Meng in suits. Very handsome.
Thanks Eva
Thank you for having such an interesting conversation. I wish I came across your videos before I visited Japan; it would have prepared me to turn down my “American-ness”.
A very good video. As we’re older we prefer Shimbashi and the food is much better - far more dining bars around.
Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but here it goes anyways: when a minority group who's already oppressed by the society they live in needs to create a safe space that caters towards their own and chooses to leave out others who may be part of this system, that's not discrimination, it's self-care and self-preservation. They can't be expected to give up the very little freedom they fought for and be made to feel uncomfortable in their own safe space just for the sake of including outsiders who have nothing to do with their struggles and have not helped them get to the point where they are today. Not every place has to be for everyone, sorry.
You have a great point. On the other hand I have had plenty of friends who were in the closet to themselves when they were young and had girlfriends and somehow were able to talk their girlfriends into visiting a gay club for whatever reason and it was basically the first step that got them to finally come out to themselves after a while. On the other hand I've known some gay leather bars in which females were not allowed and I can see that point as well. It just depends on the situation and the type of bar I guess.
I've always taken issue with that. It makes sense for certain classes of establishment to be barred from discriminatory entrance policies (like hospitals, stores, etc) but generally anything social/cultural should be free to set any sort of requirements for entry. It's fine for everyone to have their own spaces (even the Frat Boys and Old Boy's Club) so long as the society, in general, is free and inclusive.
This was fun and def a must stop! A girl finally got her passport! Just waiting for these damn travel restrictions 😂😂 I'm just afraid of magically managing to make my way to one of these gay bars and theyre like "no foreigners GTFO 🦖! " 🥺😔
You are right that people who hate gays do not go to gay bars, but there are exceptions. That mass-murderer in the USA - mercifully, I have forgotten his name - was a regular attendee and participant. But then, he was gay himself apparently, so that adds a whole new level of insanity to his actions.
Thank you for the video. I appreciate your channel. It challenges me and opens my mind. Sometimes I agree with your conclusions, sometimes I don't but you are both always interesting!
That’s what Vermont was like when they made Civil Unions legal in 2000. It was like marriage just not the same name. Of course after Massachusetts made marriage legal between same sex Vermont followed shortly after. Hope Japan is able to have success.
Speaking of small bars, I don't like bars generally but I really appreciate the small, segmented nature of Japan's bars.
small bars definitely offer more conversation and intimacy. I don't like noisy places either
We love law-changing and inclusive gays 💕
We need some boyfriend hunting vlogs in the future in Shimbashi, Ueno and Nichome. That would be so fun to see you guys looking for love.
No Borderグループのお店、スタッフも素晴らしく、いいお客様ばかりです。
私はMoonbowを頻繁に利用させていただいてます！
コメントありがとうございます。僕達もまた行きたいと思います
Okay boys, lets go more to Shinbashi!
We definitely should
Ive got a new place to go after the lockdown!
Nice place, very nice man, (and also a very elegant suit, Meng, haha). Shimbashi is your place, boys (you'll find true love there, no doubt).
Seems a cool bar to visit and friendly and wow 80 bars.. Here where i live in my county i think there is only 5 gay bars and none of them really a place id wanna visit 🙁
> so, from an American perspective, i think we wonder how small gay bars in Tokyo can make enough money to pay the rents - or are commercial rents in Tokyo less expensive than (for example) here in West Hollywood, where commercial space is quite pricey - you have to sell a lot of drinks here to pay the rents ~
How do patrons know which bars welcome which persons? Are there signs on the doors?
这个老板真的很像一位温暖的‘妈妈’，想去他的店里，感觉会被温柔以待。这集没有太多‘风流倜傥’的话题，但是都是很有意义也很有意思的讨论。 吃惊于原来日本很多地方不让女生进，这这。。其实我蛮好奇国内的环境的， 没有看见过任何youtuber或up主在国内做这类的内容。还是环境比较限制吗， 感谢分享！
国内的话 看到有一个channel叫做 boys' talk 😆
Is that a portable camera stick you guys are holding? Looks so cool!
yes its DJI pocket 2, a very convenient camera
This was interesting, thank you! Does Tokyo have lot of mixed LGBTQIA+ bars? Maybe by membership?
I think there are more and more mixed bars these days