# LGBTQ+ public figures coming out in Japan

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lgbtq-public-figures-coming-out-in-japan
> Updated: 2026-10-27T03:25:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

In late 2026, prominent Japanese figures publicly shared their sexual identities. On September 29, professional volleyball player Rui Takahashi, who plays for Suntory Sunbirds Osaka, announced he is gay via social media. Takahashi noted a lifelong struggle with his identity and credited his brother, Ran Takahashi, for helping him reach self-acceptance.

Following this, on October 27, singer Yuho Yoshioka also came out as gay through social media. Yoshioka, a vocalist known for work with artists such as MISIA and for his role in the musical ‘RENT’, stated that meeting his partner four years ago helped him begin to accept himself after struggling with his identity since childhood.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Singer Yuho Yoshioka comes out as gay

Singer Yuho Yoshioka has come out as gay on social media, stating that meeting his partner helped him find the strength to live authentically after years of internal struggle.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/singer-yuho-yoshioka-comes-out-as-gay

### 2026-09-29: Rui Takahashi comes out as gay

Japanese professional volleyball player Rui Takahashi has come out as gay, citing support from his brother, national star Ran Takahashi, as a key factor in his journey toward self-acceptance.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rui-takahashi-comes-out-as-gay-ahead-of-new-season

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Cite as: LGBTQ+ public figures coming out in Japan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lgbtq-public-figures-coming-out-in-japan