Name: Kanako Otsuji

Born:  16th December 1974, Nara, Japan

In a nutshell:  High profile LGBT rights activist and the only openly-gay politician in Japan’s history.  At 28 she became the youngest person ever to be elected to the Osaka Assembly and was a key member of the ‘Rainbows and Greens’ movement to change society for the better.  During her time in politics she lobbied successfully for same-sex couples to have the same rights to public housing as married couples. 

Otsuji published her autobiography the day before Tokyo Pride in 2005.  The book, entitles ‘Coming Out: A Journey to Find My True Self’ confirmed her sexuality.  She later stated "In Japan, you cannot say you are a lesbian. There are no lesbians among famous TV stars or other celebrities, so I didn't think there were any in this country at all, and this filled me with doubt. I decided to become a politician to change society, to deliver the message that we aren't ashamed to be what we are."

Although same-sex weddings are still not legally recognised in Japan, Otsuji married her long-term girlfriend, Maki Kimura, in a public ceremony in 2007.

Need to know:  Otsuji was an Asian Junior karate champion whilst at school.  She later enrolled at university to study Korean and tae kwon do. 

More: http://www.otsuji-k.com/english.html