Under the spotlight, men draped in extravagant dresses and bold makeup—drag queens—captivate the world with their fierce presence. This vibrant and bold drag culture, once a self-liberating underground movement for the queer community, is now thriving in the mainstream.
Leading the charge is RuPaul, the godmother of drag, who took this subculture to dazzling new heights with RuPaul’s Drag Race, a competition where aspiring queens face challenges in singing, dancing, costume design, and performance, all in pursuit of drag stardom. With 11 Emmy wins, the show has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring fans worldwide.
In Japan, the drag wave has also arrived with OPULENCE, the country’s first large-scale drag show. Since 2023, the event has brought together queens from around the globe, including RuPaul’s Drag Race champions, and showcased Tokyo’s vibrant drag scene. The result? An unforgettable celebration of opulence, talent, and empowerment.
This year, I had the opportunity to experience the fifth edition of OPULENCE from behind the scenes, immersing myself in the world of drag queens and the thoughtful, inspiring words they shared. Let’s reflect on the evening of OPULENCE together.
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OPULENCE: Japan’s First Major Drag Show
On the evening of Friday, October 25, as the neon lights began to shine brighter, a vibrant and diverse crowd gathered in front of Kabukicho Tower in Shinjuku, eagerly awaiting the start of the OPULENCE drag show.
The groundbreaking OPULENCE made its debut on January 7, 2023, at Zepp DiverCity in Odaiba as Japan’s first large-scale drag show. After its second event, it moved to Zepp Shinjuku in the basement of Kabukicho Tower, and now, with its fifth edition, the show is growing even more, with the exciting addition of its first Osaka performance.
For this milestone event, three world-class queens took the stage: Jaida Essence Hall, Nymphia Wind, and Precious Paula Nicole. Among them, Nympha stands out as the first East Asian queen to win RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2024, solidifying her place as one of the hottest rising stars in the drag world.
Before the main event, a meet-and-greet session was held for fans who purchased premium tickets, offering a chance to meet the three visiting queens. The voice of “Queens coming through” echoed through the backstage corridors. The queens, perched on desk chairs, were escorted towards the waiting fans outside. The casters on Precious’s chair nearly caught the hem of her long gown. Jaida waved to the crowd, while Nymphia seemed a bit nervous.
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“Drag: A Beacon of Inspiration and Hope” (Nymphia)
Just 48 hours before her arrival in Tokyo, I had the chance to chat with Nymphia through a brief email interview.
A Taiwanese-American drag performer, Nymphia began her performances in Taipei in 2018. In 2024, she made history by becoming the first East Asian winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16. Her victory was praised by Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, leading to an invitation to perform at the Presidential Office. In May, she was featured in Forbes magazine’s “30 Under 30 Asia 2024” in the Arts category.
Nymphia describes drag as “the act of creating, following my passions, becoming a catalyst for change through artistic expression, and inspiring others to embrace their pride.” She adds, “Through my performances, I proudly showcase my history and queerness.”
Her journey into drag began in middle school, when she first dabbled in girlhood cosplay, eventually falling in love with the culture. “Though I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with my life, I knew I had a deep passion for crafting beautiful clothes. Drag offered me the perfect medium for self-expression, combining fashion, makeup, and hair into one powerful form of art.”
When speaking of Nymphia’s drag, the word “Taiwan” is impossible to overlook. During the final lip-sync battle that secured her victory on RuPaul’s Drag Race, she chose an outfit inspired by bubble tea. “Bubble tea is a national symbol of Taiwan, and in the finale, I wanted my look to deeply reflect the essence of my homeland.”
“One cannot sever the bond with their homeland. Taiwan has always been a part of my heart and will always be within me.” On the stage after winning, Nymphia called out, “Taiwan, this victory is for you.” After the win, Nymphia performed in front of former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen at the Presidential Office in Taiwan. Nymphia shared that this performance was the most memorable moment of their life.
Taiwan, known for being the first in East Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, is a sanctuary for the queer community. Nymphia expressed, “I’m immensely proud of being from Taiwan. The country is leading the region in promoting equality for all genders and sexual minorities.”
For Japan, which still faces challenges on gender minority issues, Nymphia shared some encouragement: “Don’t be afraid to be who you are, and never back down. It’s tough, but as a community, united, you can keep driving change.”
During our conversation, Nymphia was jetting from Taiwan to New York and then on to Australia, performing across the globe with the spirit of someone who truly embodies freedom.
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A Spellbinding Night of Drag Witnessed by 1,500 Fans
As the clock struck 7 PM, “OPULENCE” began, filling the venue with the unmistakable sound of Madonna’s Like a Prayer. Tokyo’s queens and dancers took the stage, bringing together a whirlwind of diversity—different backgrounds, body types, and genders—all blending into an electrifying fusion that immediately seized the crowd’s attention.
The night’s host, CODY, set the mood with playful banter to Avril Lavigne’s Girlfriend before the solo performances of the visiting queens took center stage. The spotlight then caught Precious Paula Nicole, who had been blending into the standing crowd, sparking a burst of cheers from the audience. Her lip-sync to a powerful Beyoncé medley beginning with If I Were a Boy captivated the room, as golden accents on her outfit shimmered under the lights, radiating pure glamour.
Nymphia took the stage in a radiant white gown, her lip-sync to Beyoncé’s Halo radiating an almost divine presence. As the white dress was shed, she revealed her iconic yellow outfit, dripping with fabulousness. Her fierce performance to Doja Cat’s DEMON, with her long fur swirling dramatically, was a breathtaking display of power and confidence.
When Jaida, a fan favorite in Japan, made her grand entrance, the crowd exploded with cheers of “Jaida!” She flashed a playful acknowledgment, letting everyone know she heard the love. Dressed in a sultry black leather ensemble, the psychedelic visuals behind her created a mesmerizing contrast. Her performance to Doechii’s Alter Ego matched the song’s seductive lyrics, dripping with confidence and allure.
The Tokyo-based queens captivated the crowd with their performances. Sera Tonin dazzled in a celebratory costume, offering a mystical and enchanting show. Vera Strong, with the day’s signature color of white, mesmerized the audience with her dynamic dance moves and dramatic use of flowing fabric.
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Change Takes Root in the Underground
During the show, the queens leapt off the stage and into the crowd, with tips soaring through the air.
The crowd, sporting collaboration sunglasses from BEAMS, enthusiastically waved fans emblazoned with their favorite queens’ names, fluttered rainbow flags, flashed finger hearts, and dazzled with sparkly twerks, all reveling in the moment in their own vibrant ways. It was a stunning spectacle.
As the school bell echoed through the venue, the energy hit its climax with Nymphia and Vera’s “Gyaru” performance, bringing the night to a thrilling close. In the realm of drag, queens can effortlessly embody both elegance and edgy gal energy.
Drag culture, which began as a form of resistance against discrimination—where queers dragged their dresses through the streets—has evolved into a global art form that captivates the world today. In the 1990 film Paris Is Burning, which highlights queer ballroom culture, the term “opulence” is used to signify “having it all.”
In this moment, “opulence” represents the pursuit and attainment of one’s true self. If Japan could one day become a place where everyone could live authentically, it would be transformative. For now, let us start the journey to opulence right here in the underground of Shinjuku. Because, after all, it’s always from the underground that the world begins to change.
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Confidence is a Mirage: A Glimpse Into the Dressing Room with Nymphia and Jaida
After the show, I found myself in the dressing room with Nymphia and Jaida, almost as if by fate. The line “Life is a mystery” from Madonna’s song replayed in my mind. The air was filled with the sweet, intoxicating blend of musk and jasmine.
Nymphia welcomed me with a calm, post-performance glow. I complimented her, saying, “Your performance was incredible.” She smiled and replied, “Thank you, I always love performing in Japan. And I’m so happy to be back here, especially as ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ winner.”
I asked, “You radiated so much confidence and power on stage. How can I find that kind of confidence?” She gave a thoughtful smile and said, “Look in the mirror and pretend to be someone else,” she continued, “confidence is just a mirage.”
“Have you ever been scared of the spotlight?” I asked.
“Just do it,” she answered calmly. “There’s no point in worrying about being nervous. Acknowledge it, and then just do it. If it doesn’t work out, try again and do it better.”
I was being honest with her and said, “I’m a little nervous talking to you right now,” Nymphia locked eyes with me, her gaze unwavering behind her dramatic lashes, and repeated, “Just do it.” Her manager, standing nearby, snapped their fingers in response, as if the words had struck a chord, a gesture of applause in lieu of clapping.
