Image of Shinjuku Ni-chome as a Gay Neighborhood and Its Evolution

Abstract

Geographic studies on sexuality have been conducted in human geography in English-speaking countries since the 1970s. However, Japanese geographers have paid little attention to this topic. This study aimed to clarify the image of Shinjuku Ni-chome and the process of the evolution of its image through the practices and experiences of gay men. Shinjuku Ni-chome is a former red-light district and the most famous gay district in Japan. Semi-structured interviews with 24 gay men living in the Tokyo metropolitan area revealed the following three main findings.

First, the development of relationships between gay men using online sites did not necessarily decrease their patronage of gay bars in Shinjuku Ni-chome. Second, the influx of heterosexuals in Shinjuku Ni-chome could be attributed to mass media reports, and gay men felt conflicted about whether to reject or accept heterosexuals in the neighborhood. Third, many gay men view Shinjuku Ni-chome as a special, safe place to exhibit their sexual orientation, but the recognition of its uniqueness varies based on the development of friendships with gay men and self-establishment as a neighborhood regular.

These findings suggest that gay identity continues to be tied to the physical environment of a place despite the strengthening of connections made through online sites, and that the recognition of place is dynamic.