The Japan Daily Press reported:

Around 12,000 people participated in the kick-off event on Sunday to the first ever “Tokyo Rainbow Week”, a series of events to support sexual minorities. Even though the gay pride march has been held for several years in the Harajuku district, organizers hope the parade will become symbolic in this new event.

Hiroko Masuhara, one of the organizers of the event, said that this is the first time that they are working together with other sexual minorities groups (referring to other LGBT – lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgendered – groups). They have also observed over the years that more women and other nationalities have been participating in the parade. They hope to encourage more interest and participation as they hold different events until May 6.