About us

Niji-zu (24zzz) is Japan’s largest LGBTQ youth support group. We regularly create safe and free spaces for LGBTQ individuals aged 10 to 23 to gather in various locations across the country.
Our mission is to foster connections that help LGBTQ youth navigate adolescence safely and securely, enabling them to thrive.

What We Do

・We organize safe spaces where LGBTQ youth can feel secure and meet others.
・13 locations across the country, hosting around 100 events a year.
・A total of 3,500 participants since 2016.
・We host safe spaces in the Metaverse, allowing LGBTQ youth to connect regardless of their location.
・We conduct training sessions and create videos and booklets to raise awareness about LGBTQ youth.

LGBTQ youth in Japan

In recent years, the term “LGBTQ” has become widely recognized in Japanese society. However, the research shows that LGBTQ youth still face significant challenges in their lives. According to some data, 48% of LGBTQ teens have had suicidal thoughts, and 14% have attempted suicide in the past year. About 30% of LGBTQ teenagers feel lonely, which is relatively higher than their peers (ReBit, “LGBTQ Children and Youth Survey 2022,” October 2022).
Additionally, over 30% have experienced absenteeism from school, and about 40% have been bullied (LIFENET INSURANCE COMPANY, “The 3rd LGBTQ Awareness Survey,” November 2023).
These surveys highlight the lack of safe spaces for LGBTQ youth to be themselves. This is why we need to make changes.

Message from Our Founder

Mameta Endo

As I grew older, my life as a trans person became relatively easier in many ways. I can choose my clothes, style my hair as I like, and make important decisions for myself. However, my childhood was very different. Schools had many rules that didn’t accommodate LGBTQ individuals. For instance, I had to wear a skirt uniform because it was mandatory. Gender stereotypes were pervasive, and there were limited opportunities to make queer friends during my teenage years. This led me to start my activism at 18, as I felt there were many things that needed to be changed.
My experience is not unique. Many young people have felt the same struggles I did. And these challenges are not just in the past; young LGBTQ individuals still face significant difficulties today.
At Niji-zu, we create services to end the isolation among LGBTQ youth. Young people come to us because they want to meet others like them. After finding their voice, some students have changed their school codes, while others have come out to their parents, allowing them to be themselves at home. We can stand up for ourselves when we are not alone.
The struggles of LGBTQ youth are not personal issues; they are social issues that need to be addressed. We also encourage adults to listen to the voices of young people. Please join our movement to expand the support network for LGBTQ youth.

Voices from Youth Who Came to Niji-zu Safe Spaces

・I felt most comfortable talking about my gender at Niji-zu. It was refreshing to discuss things I normally can’t talk about. ・When I first arrived, just seeing so many people there reassured me that I wasn’t alone. It’s the only place where I feel I can truly be myself. ・At Niji-zu, people in similar situations listen to me, give me good advice, and praise me a lot. It has become the only place where my self-esteem grows significantly. I love Niji-zu so much that I want to keep going there until I reach the age limit for participation.

Support Us

You can help support our movement by making a one-off or monthly donation. Please visit our donation page for more information (https://24zzz-LGBT.com/donation/) .