Reading reviews of Queer Japan makes it seem like its the most sexual and wildest film in years. But actually, it feels pretty tame. Ten minutes in, the filmmakers interview manga artist Gengoroh Tagame. He talks about juggling family friendly manga and going hardcore gay porn. Strangely enough, watching this scene had me screaming “Harder”! But seriously, that tameness is a good quality.

It eases its viewers into the many Japanese queer scenes and how those scenes express themselves sexually, artistically, and politically. And for those looking for a Canadian connection, the film also depicts Tagame’s North American tour. One of that tour’s stops include Toronto’s Comic Arts Festival. The subjects here have made international waves, but their focus is on fostering the talent back in Japan.

Queer Japan‘s director Graham Kolbein tours four Japanese cities, but he focuses more on Tokyo and the Shinjuku ward. There, he can find everyone within the LGBT+ umbrella. This includes the Japanese answer to the “Alt-Fag”, Club Kid, and Fetish scenes. He sits down with Margarette, a drag queen who founded Department H. Among many, Department H is home to people in the Shinjuku furry community.

These interviews are insightful, as she explains why some have the desire to dress like animals. A lot of queer films, documentaries or otherwise, have these scenes. Scenes where people in the community explain things to a straight character. That, or to the presumed straight person across the fourth wall. Margarette’s confidence during her interview is enviable.

Queer Japan eventually transitions away from lighter scenes about, say, anal fisting. And it delves into more serious stuff like the straight perception of sex work. Putting many themes in a film contributes to its length, which is about 99 minutes including credits. Credit is due to the film’s inclusive ethos, a testament to LGBT+ intersectionality. But it feels like some of those topics deserve their own film.

Some gay and LGBT+ issues deserve their own spotlight while others need more fleshing out within this film. That’s especially true with the way it handles HIV. It depicts some activists groups handing out zines and condoms as if that’s the solution. And there’s a part of me thinking that it perpetuates the idea that Japan is behind on that discourse.

That aside, Queer Japan‘s inclusive ethos works, as it goes beyond Shinjuku and visits cities like Osaka and Okinawa. A cynical part of me is saying ‘look, another gay bar’. But the world needs more gay bars, especially when everything opens up again. The film, in showing as many spaces as possible, shows how that multiplicity fosters LGBT+ advancement.

Before I go, I’d also like to write about the film’s international scope. It depicts how Obama and pre-Brexit Britain affects Japan’s LGBT+ rights. It also shows the many subjects here discussing other countries’ progress. A Filipinx transwoman in congress seems progressive in comparison to the Japanese situation. The grass is always greener on the other side, but it shows queer Japan’s hunger for progress.

Order your virtual tickets for Queer Japan at https://www.queerjapanmovie.com/screenings.