"The booklets and rubber wristbands from the crowdfunding campaign for Sapporo Rainbow Pride have arrived!" I tweet at this moment, but there is another topic we should talk about. The Hokkaido governor and Sapporo mayor have previously shown their support, but this time around, all 35 mayors within Hokkaido have sent their messages of support, which were published on the booklet.
Sapporo Pride has given rise to many pride parade legends. It was the first in Japan to host a DJ float competition (1999), and the first to release balloons during the parade (2001). In 2003, Sapporo mayor, Mr. Fumio Ueda himself, attended the parade. "Everyone is welcome in Sapporo," he said in a speech, which touched the hearts of those participating. (This was the first time in Japan when a local government leader has given a speech at Pride.) With all of that said, I think his attendance was a historical feat. (By the way, the governor of Tokyo still hasn't attended Pride once.)
Because of that, they have been requesting supportive messages from all the mayors within Hokkaido since 2010. At first, it was only 12 mayors who responded, but after 10 years, they finally received the support from all the mayors. (This is truly an amazing feat. Truly wonderful! Congratulations!) Their messages did not only talk about the celebration of Pride, but also contained information about LGBTQ-related initiatives and plans for the future. (About 22 cities are currently carrying out these initiatives.)
Other information is also published in this booklet. The executive committee is still hotly debating whether the parade should be postponed or not because of COVID-19. Their opinions are completely divided. We sympathize deeply with how difficult the decision may be.
Whatever the committee's decision will be when Sept. 12 [the original date for the parade] comes, Sapporo Rainbow Pride will still bring wonderful messages to everyone in the community whether it will take the form of a parade or not. (Plus all the backers from the crowdfunding campaign have their support!)
Sapporo Rainbow Pride 2020
https://www.sprrainbowpride.com/
Source: https://www.outjapan.co.jp/lgbtcolumn_news/news/2020/8/9.html
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