I know several media sources feature gay chracters, such as: anime, manga, vdeo games, and various television shows. I also read that singers (like the wonderful Gackt) perform homoerotic gestures during concerts and live performances.

Are they any laws that prohibit homosexuality? What type -- if any -- anti-discrimination laws exist? Can a homosexual couple adopt children? Can a homosexual couple marry? How is homosexuality approached by the majority of the public?

I am only sixteen, so I am particularly concerned with that of my generation, but any information is helpful and much appreciated.

Having homosexual partners or running gay bars are not illegal if that's what you're asking.

"What type -- if any -- anti-discrimination laws exist?"

If people discriminate you for your homosexuality (not employ you, not rent you residence etc.), you can sue them and if you win you can get loads of cash, if that's what you're asking.

"Can a homosexual couple adopt children? Can a homosexual couple marry?"

I'm afraid not, but many couples live together.

"How is homosexuality approached by the majority of the public?"

You've answered it yourself. The media features them possitively in a way, gay bars are popular even among healthy women...The most homosexual-friendly place in Japan is the Shinjuku 2-chome district in Tokyo. Very friendly. But there are people who just can't help thinking it's disgusting. In the conservative countryside, things can be a bit tougher and many hide their homosexuality even in the cities.

"I am only sixteen, so I am particularly concerned with that of my generation, but any information is helpful and much appreciated."

I suppose I want to know this type of information because it concerns me. If I was to live in another country, it would be wise to be informed of all that pertains directly and indirectly to me, right?

Thus being bisexual, I am trying to research information on Japanese policies, laws, general atttudes, et cetera.

I doubt I would ever get married nor have any children, but it is useful to know that if I indeed chose to, what I would and would not be able to do.

Thank you, Uco, for answering my (poorly composed) questions. It very helpful. ^_^

I had assumed homosexuality would not be so "offensive" (for lack of a better term) as it is regarded in Western cultures, but I wouldn't be comfortable with simple presumptions.

Anyway, thank you again.

I am not sure it would be so easy. Whatever you think, japanese society still regards gaijin as weird guys. For example, if your boss discovers you're gay and if he disapproves it, he can do what he wants. He could fire you for any false reason, and given you're a gaijin, that you probably don't speak japanese, you cannot sue him. Japan is not the US. To sue him would force you to reveal publicly your homosexuality, therefore self-destroying all efforts of integration.

Socially, Japanese have a more tolerant attitude towards homosexuality. Personally, they might be more conservative (not to be confused with suppressive).

The Japanese philosophy/view of life encourages various points of view and dialogue and less on rigid dogma.

Well homosexuality is not a big issue in Japan. With characters like Hard Gay and Kaba Chan on television it really makes for a desensitized country. People dont flaunt their homosexuality, but it is seen out in public. People dont think twice about these situations.

[i]ALSO I am interested to know what your opinion is of such people on TV as Hard Gay and Kaba Chan...what kind of impression do you get of homosexual peole after seeing such a character on TV...[/i]
The first time I saw Kaba Chan on TV it was semi-disturbing because he is on as many as 2-3 different shows a day sometimes. Hard Gay is a famous wrestler turned comedian. He is in a full shiny leather/plastic outfit screaming "I'M HARD GAY!!! I'M HARD GAY!!! WWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!". Then he proceedes to do a lude pelvic thrust for 20-30 seconds while talking. It was quite disgusting the first time I saw it. After watching him a few times it became amusing. Kaba Chan is a bit more polite about his sexuality. He is very afeminine like a guy trying to be a woman. He walks on his tippietoes like a fairy and is the stereotypical gay personality in the US.

What about that ikebana master with the long hair - is he gay? He is quite feminine, but he seems to be treated with respect for his ikebana skills, etc. regardless of his sexuality. I mean, he might be on TV because he has a unique personality, but he has made a name for himself as an ikebana master, and not just as a 'talent.'

Then there's Peter and other transsexual/transvestite entertainers who have had fairly long and serious careers as transsexuals (as opposed to joke-tranvestites like Shingo-mama or Gorie).

Conclusion - gay and transsexual men have quite a presence on Japanese TV, which I think has resulted in the public becoming fairly acclimatised towards gays and the like. However, while there are some successful masculine women on TV like Wada Akiko, Shizu-chan from Nankai Candies, and various wrestlers and athletes, there is nowhere near the lesbian presence on TV as there is a gay one.