Spatial characteristics and existence conditions of the gay district in Shinjuku 2-chome, Tokyo

Abstract

Shinjuku 2-chome is a former red-light district and has become well-known as the largest focal point for gay bars in Japan. This paper examined the preservation and existence of the gay district in Shinjuku 2-chome, referring to the gay district model in English-speaking countries. Analysis of the locational trend of gay bars and interviews with their managers and landlords revealed that the location of the gay bar depends on the owner’s management policy in Shinjuku 2-chome. In particular, the gay district survived owing to the existence of low-cost property, the reduced risk for individuals of coming out, and the willingness of people to lease out property. On the other hand, it became clear that a tense relationship with residents was a potential threat to its future existence. According to the previous studies on the gay district in other countries, the gay district of Shinjuku 2-chome is characterized as a concentration of gay oriented stores but few gay men live there. It suggests that there are gay districts that are not generalized to the axis of Western / Asia and the necessity of discussing gay districts in each city based on a broad framework.