Interview with Taka & Ady: Building Japan Pride Journeys

Starting a business is never easy, but starting a business focused on serving the LGBTQ+ community in a country where same-sex marriage isn't yet legally recognized presents unique challenges and opportunities. This is the story of Taka and Ady, the founders of Japan Pride Journeys, and their mission to create safe, authentic, and unforgettable travel experiences for LGBTQ+ visitors to Japan.

We sat down with them to discuss their journey, their vision, and what drives them to create these meaningful experiences. What emerged was a conversation about passion, resilience, and the power of community.

Taka: "For me, it was a combination of personal experience and recognizing a gap in the market. As someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has lived in Japan for many years, I've seen firsthand how difficult it can be for LGBTQ+ travelers to find authentic, safe experiences. Many tour companies claim to be LGBTQ+ friendly, but they don't really understand what that means in practice."

Ady: "I came to Japan as a traveler myself, and I experienced both the incredible beauty of this country and the challenges of navigating it as someone from the LGBTQ+ community. When Taka and I met and started talking about our shared vision, we realized we could create something special - a company that truly understands and serves our community."

Taka: "First and foremost, we're part of the community. This isn't just a business opportunity for us - it's personal. We understand the concerns, the fears, and the hopes that LGBTQ+ travelers bring with them. We've been there. We know what it's like to wonder if a place is safe, to worry about holding hands in public, to want authentic experiences that don't feel tokenized."

Ady: "We also work exclusively with guides who are either part of the LGBTQ+ community or strong allies who have been trained in LGBTQ+ sensitivity. This isn't something you can fake - either you understand our community or you don't. Our guides don't just show people around; they create connections, share stories, and help visitors feel truly welcomed."

Taka: "The legal landscape is definitely a challenge. Same-sex marriage isn't recognized in Japan, which creates complications for couples traveling together. We have to be very careful about how we present our services and ensure that we're always operating within the law while still advocating for our community."

Ady: "There's also the challenge of changing perceptions. Many people in Japan are supportive of LGBTQ+ rights, but there's still a lot of misunderstanding and sometimes fear. We're working to change that, one tour at a time, by showing people that LGBTQ+ travelers are just like any other travelers - they want authentic experiences, they want to learn about culture, and they want to feel safe."

Taka: "I'm most proud of the community we've built. Not just our team, but the network of LGBTQ+ friendly businesses, venues, and individuals we've connected with across Japan. We're creating a map of safe spaces, and that's something that will benefit the community long after we're gone."

Ady: "For me, it's the stories we hear from our guests. When someone tells us that they finally felt safe enough to be themselves in Japan, or when a couple says our tour helped them have the wedding experience they'd always dreamed of - that's what keeps us going. We're not just running tours; we're changing lives."

Taka: "We want Japan Pride Journeys to become the go-to resource for LGBTQ+ travelers to Japan. But more than that, we want to be part of the movement that makes Japan more welcoming for LGBTQ+ people, both visitors and residents. We're working on partnerships with hotels, restaurants, and cultural sites to create a network of truly LGBTQ+ friendly spaces."

Ady: "We also want to expand our offerings. Right now we focus on tours, but we're developing wedding services, cultural immersion programs, and even language exchange programs that connect LGBTQ+ travelers with local community members. The goal is to create a comprehensive platform that serves every aspect of LGBTQ+ travel to Japan."

Taka: "Do your research, but don't let fear stop you. Japan is generally a very safe country, and while there are challenges, there's also a growing LGBTQ+ community and many allies. Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations, use resources like our tours, and remember that you're not alone."

Ady: "Be respectful of the culture while being true to yourself. Japan has its own way of doing things, and understanding that will make your experience much richer. But don't feel like you have to hide who you are - there are safe spaces, there are welcoming people, and there are experiences waiting for you that will be truly transformative."

Taka: "The best way is to travel with us, of course! But even if you're not planning a trip, you can support LGBTQ+ friendly businesses in Japan, share our story, and help spread awareness. Every bit helps."

Ady: "And if you're in Japan or planning to visit, reach out to us. We're always looking to connect with the community, whether that's through tours, events, or just conversation. We're building something special here, and we want everyone to be part of it."

As our conversation came to a close, it was clear that Taka and Ady aren't just running a business - they're building a movement. Their passion for creating safe, authentic experiences for the LGBTQ+ community is evident in everything they do, from the careful selection of guides to the thoughtful curation of tour experiences.

Japan Pride Journeys represents more than just a tour company. It's a bridge between cultures, a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, and a testament to what's possible when passion meets purpose. As Japan continues to evolve in its understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights, companies like Japan Pride Journeys will play a crucial role in shaping that future.

For LGBTQ+ travelers considering a trip to Japan, Taka and Ady's story offers both inspiration and practical guidance. Their journey proves that with the right vision, the right team, and the right commitment, it's possible to create experiences that are not just enjoyable, but transformative. And for anyone who believes in the power of travel to bring people together and create understanding, Japan Pride Journeys is a company worth watching - and supporting.