Japanese pop sensation Shinjiro Atae, known for his years with the popular group AAA, made headlines on Wednesday when he publicly revealed his true self to over 2,000 devoted fans. After a brief hiatus from the music scene to attend school, Atae returned to launch his solo career. However, his journey took an unexpected turn after spending time in Los Angeles, where he witnessed the freedom and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. With unwavering courage, Atae decided to live openly in Japan, a conservative country where discussions on sexual orientation remain rare and same-sex marriage is yet to be legalized.
Embracing Authenticity
Facing the crowd with palpable nerves, Atae disclosed, “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.” The response was profound, as no other entertainer of his stature had come out as queer in Japan before. At 34, Atae has been in the spotlight since he was just 14 when he joined AAA, becoming its youngest member.
Unwavering Support and a New Beginning
Standing alongside Atae during this defining moment were his former bandmates and family, demonstrating unwavering support. His mother expressed her unconditional backing, saying, “I am 200 percent supportive.” Fellow AAA member Misako Uno added, “I want to be a good cushion” for him. While Atae acknowledged his apprehensions about coming out and the potential impact on his career, he chose authenticity over fear. “Whatever you do, there will be haters,” he acknowledged, “I can only focus on the people I might be helping.”
An Anthem of Liberation
In a display of artistic catharsis, Atae concluded the emotional evening by unveiling his new single and video, “Into The Light,” an English-language song that seems to symbolize his decision to embrace his identity as a gay man. The pop star’s courageous revelation serves as an inspiration to countless LGBTQ+ fans worldwide, encouraging them to be true to themselves and stand tall in their own light.