Ep 1. Japan

Gaycation is an emotionally charged documentary television series brought to us by Viceland, hosted by the openly gay actress Ellen Page and her friend and co-host Ian Daniel. In each episode, they explore various cultures and cities, to gain an insight into the LGBTQ+ scene globally. Season 1 episode 1 of Gaycation takes Ellen and Ian Daniel to Japan to explore the country's culture and attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community.

The episode starts with Ellen and Ian Daniel traveling on a train as they make their way to Tokyo. In the course of their journey, they discuss the differences in culture compared to their hometown and how that affects LGBTQ+ individuals daily. The show then moves on to showcase Ellen and Ian meeting various members of the gay community in Japan and the challenges they face.

Throughout the episode, the pair walk the streets of Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's most famous entertainment districts, and witness first-hand the tension and prejudice that members of the LGBTQ+ community in Japan still face. They also visit a drag queen bar and participate in a nerve-wracking karaoke session. Ellen and Ian experience the highs and lows of Tokyo's gay scene, exploring its various aspects from rainbow flags to closed-door events, from drag shows to the smaller corners of gay culture that one might not even think to exist.

In the second part of the show, Ellen and Ian travel to the countryside to meet a married couple who owns a temple that serves as a sanctuary for the gay community. The pair were previously received with prejudice at other temples in Japan and decided to create a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community. They share their experiences and challenges in being accepted, and the importance of their temple to many in the community as a sanctuary and space of acceptance.

Overall, the episode appears to be an excellent start to the Gaycation series, as it provides a glimpse into the complexities of Japan's gay culture as Ellen and Ian make their way through Japan. The show is emotional and provides an impact, with raw emotions captured by the filmmakers. It brings awareness to how cultural differences affect the LGBTQ+ community and provides a voice to many who are often not heard from or forgotten. Ellen Page and Ian Daniel's documentary-style presentation is relatable, and they approach each situation with an open, respectful mind.

In conclusion, Gaycation Season 1 episode 1 offers a captivating introduction to the show and sets an emotional tone for what promises to be an exciting series. It's a great watch for those who want insight into some of the struggles and joys of the LGBTQ+ community in Japan and how they have functioned into places of acceptance and sanctuary. The show's success is in its ability to bring to light a situation that many viewers may not have been previously familiar with, but will find relatable, with important learning to be taken.