It's kinda sad that they want to keep holding hands a "secret"
Is japan way less welcoming to gay couples than I think?
Or is it just their general dislike for public displays of affection?
Both.
It's super heteronormative.
Especially above a certain age, people will stare, point and whisper.
Rumours. Bullying...
It's not better than outside Japan. No gay marriage, basic gay rights are on a city or even district basis, trans people can't get surgery on public insurance if they've ever taken HRT (WHY?!)...
I love in Texas and don't look at Japan as a better place to go for gayness.
TEXAS.