Kanako Otsuji, Japan’s first openly gay politician, became the youngest candidate to win a
seat in the Osaka prefectural assembly and one of only seven women in the 110-seat
legislature. Two years later she successfully campaigned to change a local law to allow
same-sex couples to rent public housing in Osaka. Compared by some to Harvey Milk,
Kanako’s push for human rights includes people of all nationalities, physical abilities and
sexual orientations. A strong desire to challenge constitutional and societal systems fueled
her decision to run in Japan’s national elections for the upper house of Parliament. Made
by Canadian director Naomi Hiltz, this documentary follows Kanako for the last 17 days of
her campaign, leading to election day.
