AAA’s Atae Shinjiro announced that he is gay

AAA’s Atae Shinjoro anounced he is gay. The announcement was made at an event in Tokyo where he would discuss his future activities.

Atae also posted on Instagram:

To all my fans, today was a very special day for me. For years, I struggled to accept a part of myself…But now, after all I have been through, I finally have the courage to open up to you about something. I am a gay man.

It has taken me a long time to be able to say I am gay. I could not even say it to myself. However, I’ve come to realize it is better, both for me, and for the people I care about, including my fans, to live life authentically than to live a life never accepting who I truly am. I hope people who are struggling with the same feeling will find courage and know they are not alone.

I held this event today because I wanted to tell as many of you as possible directly. For those unable to attend I will be posting my full speech on my website tomorrow so you can hear the news in my own words. The link is in my bio (English subtitles available).

When I think of my work in the entertainment industry and the many things for which I am grateful, it is my relationship with my fans that first comes to mind. I thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for standing beside me over the years. I’d also like to thank my family, friends, staff members and my fellow AAA members for providing me their full support throughout this process.

AAA suspended activities in 2020, and Atae suspended artist activities in 2021. Currently based in Los Angeles,  this event was held as a place to temporarily return to Japan and report on his activities in the United States to fans and announce new songs that are planned in the future.

 

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