Media outlets in Japan have devoted numerous column inches to LGBTQ issues in recent years, with many reports lauding the progress that government agencies and corporate entities have made in this area.

The reality, however, is that many sexual minorities in Japan continue to face difficulties. This week, The Japan Times gives voice to personal stories of individuals who face complications with regards to issues of identity.

To protect the privacy of these individuals who would only speak to us on condition of anonymity, we've decided to refer to them by letters of the alphabet or a preferred pseudonym unless otherwise stated.