While rare, transgender themes are appearing more in "Serious" cinema and TV, such as the film Close-Knit (2017), which offered a humanizing look at a transgender woman's life [8].
Transgender women are frequently seen on variety shows. High-profile figures like Ai Haruna , Kayo Satoh , and Matsuko Deluxe (who identifies as a cross-dressing gay man but is often grouped in similar media discussions) have mainstreamed the presence of gender-diverse individuals.
Cities like Tokyo (Shinjuku Ni-chome), Osaka, and Nagoya host famous venues like Tanabata or Guppy . These clubs feature elaborate stage performances involving synchronized dancing, lip-syncing, and comedy [5, 6].