Japan is known for being one of the most urbanized countries in the world, with bustling urbancities, with high rates of education and economic development, as stated in reports showcased by international organizations such as the OECD. Despite these indicators for high development, Japan has been reported to be lacking in the legal rights and treatment of sexual and gender minorities, this may be suprising for some as urban environments are often thought of as safe spaces for these groups of people. In this study the attitudes of Japanese people towards LGBT people are explored through the use of a survey, which inquires Japanese people about their social circles, and how these circles and the respondents themselves think that LGBT people are viewed and treated and if there are any specific differences in Japan's urban and rural areas.
The findings of this study seem to agree with previous studies and reports published by organizations and individual scholars, the consensus suggests, that while Japanese people seem to be aware of some of the inequalities LGBT people face such as discrimination and in marriage and legal protection, the overall attitude towards LGBT issues is one of apathy.