Michel Delsol & Haruku Shinozaki 
Edges of the Rainbow 
LGBTQ Japan

An intimate photographic glimpse into the queer world behind the closed doors of modern Japanese society



The LGBTQ community in Japan has faced its challenges. Even as some religious and warrior orders have a long and recognized tradition of same-sex love, to be considered different, to be “the nail that sticks out, ” makes coming out difficult.



Despite the conservative strain within Japanese society that encourages the LGBTQ community to remain unseen, a welcome change is happening on the ground. A number of queer cultural figures are opening up new horizons, and a growing majority of Japanese people believe that homosexuality should be an integral and open part of society.



The latest in a series of beautiful, affordable photobooks that look at LGBTQ communities around the world,
Edges of the Rainbow is a photographic celebration of the queer community in Japan. In a set of more than 150 color and black-and-white photographs, acclaimed photographer Michel Delsol and journalist Haruku Shinozaki have brought together a fascinating group of individuals to create an unforgettable and uplifting look at a proud and resilient community on the margins of Japanese society.




Edges of the Rainbow was designed by Emerson, Wajdowicz Studios (EWS).

About the author

Michel Delsol was born in Paris and works in New York City. He has received the Judges award from the Society of Publication Designers, as well as awards from Px3, Prix de la Photographie Paris, and the International Black & White Spider Awards. Born in Japan and raised in Tokyo,
Haruku Shinozaki is a journalist who lives in New York.