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As pride month was winding down and the World Cup was beginning, it was only natural that many people started to notice Blue Lock Japan’s lack of pride related content and support. Last year, they had done interviews, commentary, and more. A “rouge” employee managed to release some of the most popular clips of ‘gay moments’ between blue lockers, and much more. They had even changed their logo to a rainbow in true corporate pride fashion. Of course, many assumed it would be the same this year.. but they were dissapointed.
No logo change, no content, nothing. It seemed that like many other corporations, Blue Lock wasn’t doing anything for pride this year. Many were unsatisfied with the Corporation/Team’s lack of support for the LGBTQ+ community, especially since a few blue lockers had come out previously.
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@BllkmorelikeBLlk
Brooooo corporations r pissing me off like everyone knows it’s for the money but at least before they were trying to get my money YK? Not to mention all the sports teams not doing it this year… cough blue lock Japan cough
#CorporatePride #BLTV #BlueLockJapan #TheWorldCup
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↪️@MiscorientalLover
No 😭because tell me why there’s not been a lick of content from them 😔Guess after the incident last year they didn’t want more press? Still, an asshole move.
#ChigiriInterviewLastYearWasTooIconic #TheySilencedMyBoy
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@NagireoMyBeloved
BLTV not doing anything for bl month is homophobia tbh
#NomoreBLinBLTV #Homophobia
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Fortunately or unfortunately for them, Blue lock finally delivered on June 29th with the release of a YouTube video titled: “The Great Gay Census of Blue Lock Japan 20XX”
Oh dear.
The video opens with a body in front of the camera, blocking most of the video for a few moments before the person backs up. The scene refocuses on Bachira Meguru, grinning at the camera. Next to him, looking slightly less enthused but still smiling, is Isagi Yoichi. The two seem to look at each other, arguing about something for a few seconds before Bachira takes the lead. “Hello viewers~ You’re in for a very special episode of Blue Lock content! Right Isagi?” The young man in question nods, before speaking, “Yes. In honor of pride month, Ego requested that me and Meguru make a video in support of the LGBTQ+ community. So, naturally, it was decided that we should do a census.”
Words flashed over the screen, ‘A Census? Really?’ Clearly the editors were having a field day already. As the words faded, Bachira spoke again, “You might be thinking, a census for what? And the answer is simple! Members of the LGBTQ+ community!” Bachira cheered, waving a rainbow flag up to the screen. Isagi laughed lightly before raising his eyes up to the camera, “It was his idea, so take that as you will.”
The video cuts.
The screen lights up again, footage seemingly from a handheld camera this time. The camera is held shakily, probably because the cameraman is new to filming. In the corner of the video, an editor has added “0/23” in the corner. Isagi is in the center of the screen, looking at the viewer with some amusement. Bachira is seemingly the one behind the camera, confirmed as he asks, “Isagi! Are you a part of the LGBTQ+ community?”
Naturally, one might assume that this question would cause nervousness in the young striker, but Isagi just shrugs. “Yep. I’m Bi, so we can count one for the census.” The camera shakes as though it’s nodding, and then Bachira abruptly shifts it so that it’s on him. He boyishly grins down at the camera, “Make it two! I’m pan. Duh,” he says it with pure casualness. There is a ding, and the number in the corner goes up. 2/23. One watching the video may presume how it goes from there.
Bachira aims the camera at Chigriri Hyouma, halfway between two of his usual stretches. “Meguru?” He asks, confusion in his tone. From behind the camera, Bachira responds cheerily, “Are you a part of the LGBTQ+?”There is a moment of silence. Three dots are added onto the screen, as to emphasize the look of judgement Chigiri is giving him. “Meguru, you know the answer to this—“ he starts, but Bachira hushes him, “It’s for a video! Pleaseeeeeee?” Chigiri sighs before looking back to the camera with some exasperation, “Yes, I’m a part of the LGBTQ. Are you happy? Do you want me to specify?” He said the last part sarcastically, but the cameraman nodded again. “I’m gay. Now are you done with that?” There’s a ding, and the number in the corner goes up. 3/23.
Then, there’s a cut to Kunigami Rensuke, seemingly in the same room, weightlifting.
The camera is being held steadily, and it’s made rather clear when they speak the Cameraman for this video is not Bachira, but rather Isagi. “Sorry to bother you, Rensuke, but Meguru wanted me to ask you if you were a part of the LGBTQ+ community.” The wildcard blinks in surprise, almost dropping his weights. After setting down the bar, he glares at the camera. “..I’m bi. He knows that….wait, are you filming me?” The camera immediately cuts, but once again, the number goes up to 4/23.
The video reopens in on Hiori and Nanase halfway through a conversation.
As the cameraman approaches, the two turn to him curiously. “Oh, howdy Isagi, watcha doin’ with the camera?” Hiori asked, looking at it curiously. Nanase nods, “Yeah, I thought we weren’t getting filmed anymore?” There’s a laugh behind the camera, “It’s for Pride month, I’m here to ask: are you a part of the LGBTQ+ community?” Both of the boys in question seem to think on it.. It’s silent for a few moments before Nanase breaks the silence, “I.. suppose…so? I mean, I don’t really identify under a label, but I’m not straight, I think…?” Hiori looks at him with some surprise, before shrugging, and turning back to the camera and answering the question himself. “Naw, Sorry to disappoint ya. I’ve only been interested in girls.” The icy haired boy hummed for a moment before continuing, “If that changes, I’ll let ya know.” There’s a sound, perhaps one of agreement,from behind the camera, and the number ticks up to 5. “Thanks, you guys.”
The video cuts, and is replaced by a close up shot of Yukimiya Kenyuu putting on moisturizer. He seems entirely unphased by the camera. “Bachira, I would appreciate it if you put that a little bit farther from my face?” The camera moves back, “Thank you. Now, what is it you wanted to know?” The camera shakes slightly as Bachira speaks, “I’m so happy you asked! Are you a part of the LGBTQ+, Yuki?” He blinks once, then twice, before a settled confusion comes over his features. “Why do you ask?” Bachira laughs, “It’s for pride month,” he replies. The model doesn’t look entirely convinced. “I’m queer. Could you hand me that lotion please?” There is a sigh, and the camera cuts again. 6/23.
For once, the camera is being held perfectly, centering in on Mikage Reo, who is looking sadly at a photo of himself and Nagi Seishiro. Regrettably, the cameraman has let a bit of his red hair into the corner of the photo. “Reo, the people want to know what your sexuality is.” Chigiri starts. The Mikage heir laughs nervously. “Oh, do they.. well, I’m in support of the community, but I myself am stra—“ he starts, seemingly giving the PR answer. Chigiri cuts him off, not willing to deal with Mikage’s bullshit.
“Reo. Do I need to mention that time during second selection I found you and Nagi in the storage closet—‘ Mikage holds up a hand, yelling, “Enough! Fine! Yes, I’m Bi! Are you happy?” There is a set silence, before Chigiri speaks again, “Very. Thanks for helping the census!” The video cuts, but this time, it is to a frozen picture of Mikage holding a picture of him and Nagi, edited in black and white. The editor has provided their own thoughts, as written in bold text across the screen are the words: “I CANNOT BELIEVE HE TRIED TO SAY HE WAS STRAIGHT.” The counter in the corner ticks up again. 7/23.
The next scene begins in what seems to be someone’s dorm room. The cameraman opens the door with a flourish, and Karasu Tabito bolts up from his bed at the sound. “What the hell.. Bachira?” He speaks, the words half a question. Before he says anything else, there’s a groan from beside him, and Otoya Eita sits up. The recording stops abruptly, rewinding to the moment he gets up, with question marks all over the screen it’s clear the editor was having fun with this one. As quick as it stopped, the video starts again, “Hi Karasu, Hi Eita! Are you a part of the LGBTQ+ community?”
There is a silence. Karasu looks at him in exasperation, before grabbing his phone from a side table, looking back up at Bachira in complete exasperation. “Bachira, it’s 3:55 in the morning.” The camera nods, “Well?” Bachira asks. Otoya lets out a groan. Karasu’s eyes turn to his..lover? Bedmate? Before returning to the camera. “I’m Bi, he’s…” “Heteroflexible~” Otoya cuts in, wiggling his eyebrows. Despite his flirty persona, he seems a little bit embarrassed. “Yknow what, sure, I’m Bi, he’s Heteroflexible, and Bachira, you’ve got ten seconds to run.” Bachira does not take the threat lightly, running off and shaking the camera around as he goes. The counter dings again, and the screen fades to black. It now stands at 8.5/23. The editor adds on ‘I’m going to give Otoya a half point for that one’
The next shot has the camera held better, though it still shakes slightly. Aryu Jyubei, Gagamaru Gin, Raichi Jingo, and Niko Ikki are all sitting on a couch. It seems likely that the cameraman has brought them here. Gagamaru and Raichi sit together on one corner, Niko on the other. Aryu has sprawled himself across the middle half of the couch. All together, it is.. an interesting image. “So, like I said earlier, please say if you’re a part of the LGBTQ+ community.” Aryu nods, glamorously starting the group off, “Despite my appreciation for both the male and female figure, I simply do not feel romance. It is a shame, perhaps, but it has allowed me to focus on becoming the most styl~,”
The cameraman lets out an uneasy breath. “I see, what about you, Niko?” The boy shrugs, “I’ve been watching Magical girl anime since I was six. Sailor moon does things to a growing boy, I’m telling you.” There is a moment of silence, and the video cuts to Tuxedo mask and Sailor moon together, with a bisexual flag background. Then, it cuts back to the previous scene. “So.. is that a yes?” Isagi asks. Niko sighs, “Yes.” The boy seems miffed no one got his reference. The editor has added text over his depressed moment, ‘Don’t worry Niko, magical girl anime turned me gay too’.
Finally, the video pans to Raichi and Gagamaru, who are quietly whispering to each other. Gagamaru turns to Isagi, “So the LGBTQ is just like.. the gay people?” Raichi facepalms. “…..kind of?” Isagi responds, seemingly lost for words. Raichi shoves Gagamaru into the couch and looks to Isagi, “We’re both a part of the community. Don’t listen to anything he says.” Gagamaru blinks, and looks to the camera, frowning, “Wait is that what the bisexual is?” Isagi seems to be struggling to hold it together behind the camera. Raichi grabs Gagamaru by the collar and drags him off, which would have been more effective if Isagi didn’t pan across the room as the two left, getting the beautiful shot of a 6’3 goalie being dragged away by a very angry man. The counter dinged up again. 12.5/23.
The video stars. Itoshi Rin is meditating. The camera shifts slightly, and Itoshi’s eyes blink open. He immediately goes for the camera. The footage cuts. The editor has provided their own thoughts across the screen, ‘Maybe we can come back to him.’
The video re-opens on Kiyora Jin, staring blankly at the camera. “Yes.” The camera shakes a bit, and Bachira asks, “Yes to what?” Kiyora blinks. “Yes.” He responds, before walking off. The counter hesitantly ticks up one. 13.5/23.
The video is held perfectly. Mikage Reo and Zantetsu Tsurugi are sitting together, and Reo seems utterly exasperated. Chigiri begins, “Zantetsu, are you a part of the LGBTQ+ community?” The man in question blinks once, than twice, before pushing up his glasses. “I am not a LGTV.” Chigiri sighs and Mikage puts his face in his hands. “Zantetsu, he’s asking if you’re gay.” The fast forward blinks a few times before nodding, “I am very happy!”
The video cuts, and reopens to Zantetsu and Mikage and Chigiri all on the couch, Chigiri holding the camera. “Zantetsu, let’s try one more time: are you a part of the LGBTQ+ community?”
The young man seems much more confident this time. “I am not a part of the LGBBQ! However, I will say, I am not …a homophone either!” Mikage just groans, leaning his head back onto the couch and out of view. Chigiri pinches his brow, and turns to the camera. “Good enough.” As always, the camera cuts.
Aiku Oliver and Sendou Shuto sit together on one of the benches in the changing rooms. The camera isn’t quite focused on them, shaking slightly as Bachira asks, “Aiku, Sendou! Are you a part of the LGBTQ+?” He draws out the Q playfully. Aiku leans forward curiously, grinning cheekily at the camera, “I suppose I am, as I prefer both men and women.” Bachira sucks in a breath, “Man, there’s so many bisexuals! Where’s the pan rep! It can’t just be me, right?” Sendou rolls his eyes. “I’m in support of LGBT, but I am not gay.” Aiku’s eyes widen, and he laughs, slapping Sendou on the back. “Sure you are, Sure you are.” Sendou glares at him, but the camera shakes with Bachira’s laughter, “We’ll ask again in a minute.”
The video cuts to Sendou staring intently at Aiku’s.. behind. Bachira seems to be struggling not to laugh behind the camera, as it shakes and struggles to refocus. There is another cut, and Sendou sits alone in the locker room, almost like he’s in a confessional. “I stand corrected, I.. am ….perhaps...pansexual.” He says it defeatedly. The video fades to black and the editor cuts to a black and white picture of Sendou’s admiring of Aiku. Text flies over the screen, ‘LMAO’, and the counter dings again. 15.5/23.
The next scene opens with a relatively steady recording of Barou Shouei polishing his toothbrush. “Heh? Isagi? What the [Censored] do you want?” Isagi laughs from behind the camera, “We’re doing a census for Ego. Are you a part of the LGBTQ+ community?” The king glares. He continues to glare for 39 actual seconds of this video. At some point, text is highlighted across the scene ‘No way I’m editing this out’. After the 39th second, Barou scoffs and looks away, focus returning back to the toothbrush he was cleaning. “I consider myself greyromantic and greysexual, a part of the ace spectrum. Now get the [Censored] out before I [Censored] the [Censored][Censored] out ofyou!” The video quickly cuts and the counter goes up. 16.5/23.
The video opens on Rin, sitting with.. Shidou? Surprisingly, the two seem completely at ease. At least, until Rin spots the camera. He takes a moment, seeming to be debating between attacking whoever is behind the camera or Shidou. He chooses the cameraman, and the video cuts once again.
It reopens on Shidou Ryuusei, fidgeting around in a bright pink chair, one so gaudy no one else could be the owner of it. The cameraman holds the camera steadily, though the tips of Shidou’s hair are just out of view. “So.. uh. Shidou.. are you a part of the LGBTQ..?” Isagi asks. He sounds.. concerned. “I never thought you’d ask! I am Pansexual! I also use He and They pronouns~!” He grins, “After all, anyone who has the raw talent of someone like.. Sae-Chan.. really gets me going, if you know what I mean~?” Shidou puts his hand up with flair, “And I’ve never been one to limit my gender options~They is a very cute pronoun..” the cameraman seems lost for words. He proceeds to pull out his phone, “Here, let me show you me and Sae-Chan’s Messages! You wanted to know his sexuality too, right?” Shidou’s phone screen is held to the camera. Every single word is censored. Text cuts across the screen, ‘I genuinely cannot show any of this on YouTube. Take that as you will.’ The counter dings one more time. 17.5/23
The camera is held perfectly still on Kurona Ranze. He blinks at the camera. The camera is tempted to blink back. “So I just answer, answer?” Chigiri speaks from behind the camera, “Yep. Kurona, are you a part of the LGBTQ+?” The shark-teeth boy nods. The camera refocused slightly, getting a better angle on him as Chigiri continues, “Would you mind specifying where you lie on gender and sexuality?” Kurona nods again, “That’s fine, fine. I’m Omnisexual. My gender.. is complicated, complicated. Kind of like.. a blender.” The counter dings up in the corner. 18.5/23. Kurona looks at him, “Anything else?” Chigiri asks. There’s a beat of silence, Kurona shakes his head, and the camera cuts.
It opens again on Itoshi Sae, looking directly at the camera with a cold expression. Shidou is holding him. It is a surprising image. So surprising, in fact, the editor has added their own commentary. ‘I cannot believe they pulled Itoshi Sae’. It fades as Isagi begins to speak, “So… uh. Sae. Uhm. Are you a part of the LGBTQ+ community?” Itoshi blinks. He looks entirely displeased, though he nods ever so slightly. Shidou grins, giving Itoshi a kiss on the cheek. The midfielder looks slightly less displeased. “Sae-Chan and I have been dating forever and ever so yes, he is~” Itoshi just scoffs. “You wish, demon.” He replies. However, he makes no move to push Shidou off of him. In fact, he seems entirely content. He continues to stay silent. The camera cuts, and question marks flash across the scene as the counter ticks up. 19.5/23.
Finally. The last Blue locker. The camera is held shakily to Itoshi Rin. Bachira’s heavy breathing can be heard. The younger Itoshi brother is cornered in the back of the meditation room. He looks murderous. “Rin, Pleaseeeeee?” Bachira asks, tone almost sickly sweet. Rin sighs, glaring at the camera. “Do I have to?” His question is answered with Bachira’s joyous reply, “Yep! Of course, Rin-Rin!” Itoshi takes a deep breath and speaks shortly. “I am homoromantic and asexual. Are you happy?” The camera shakes a yes, seeming to nod along with Bachira. “Of course! Thank you Rin! But wait! If you’re homoromantic.. doesn’t that mean you’re gay?” Itoshi looks about ready to kill Bachira. Still, he clarifies. “Unfortunately, yes.” After finishing those words, he stalks past the camera. The number changes one last time. 20.5/23.
The screen fades to black. The words ‘Final number’ across the screen. Bachira voices the next part, “Our Census has been completed! Of the 23 blue lock or blue lock affiliates we interviewed, 20.5 out of the 23 identified themselves as a part of the LGBTQ+ community! That’s about 90%!” The number ‘90’ flashes in black and white.
The next tidbits are voiced by Isagi. “Of the Blue Lockers, 2 identified as Gay or Homoromantic, 5 as Bisexual, 3 as Pansexual, 1 as Omnisexual, 1 as.. heteroflexible, 1 as Queer, 2 on the aromantic and/or asexual spectrum, 2 people who identified as transgender or gender questioning, 2 people identified themselves as straight or heterosexual, and 6 as unlabeled or unspecified members of the LGBTQ+.” As he spoke each label, the name of the LGBTQ+ identity and number of people would flash on screen.
The video’s background turned white, and in big rainbow letters, ‘The end’ was spelled across the screen. Chigiri voiced the last part, “That is it for the Great Gay Census of Blue lock Japan 20XX. Thank you for watching.”
The video received over 5 million views within one week. The video, along with hashtags relating to it such as “the great gay census”, and “BLJapan20XX” were on fire as people reacted to the insane video.
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@OneOfAKindaGirl
THIS CANNOT BE REAL WHAT THE FUCK BLUE LOCK?? Which employee let this one loose? I cant. I physically cant. There’s just. There’s so much. All in one video. The cuts. The editing, the black and white pics.. WHO LET THIS BE POSTED OML. #RipTheEmployeeWhoPostedThis #Youwillbemissed #TheGreatGayCensus #BLJapan20XX…
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↪️@SunnyBunnyOfficial
Literally bc those cuts were?? Diabolical?? Sendou’s denial being cut to his disrespectful looks and then immediately to his coming out… he went thru a whole ass character arc three seconds flat…
#SendouShuto #SendouxAiku #Sandiku #IsThatATag #ItShouldBe
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↪️@PermissiontoPersimmon
The sprinkled in clips of Rin lunging for the camera killed me OML
#ItoshiRin #AsexualityWins #TheGreatGayCensus #ViolenceIStheAnswer
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@NagiReoIsReal
I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED IN THE STORAGE CLOSET PLEASEEEEE
#Nagireo #theGreatGaycensus #TheStorageCloset #ChigiriHyouma #NagiSeishiro #MikageReo #FootballRPF #SomeoneSedateMe
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↪️@TheRedPanther ☑️
No you do not.
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↪️@NagiReoIsReal
No I do not
#ChigiriHyoumaRepliedToMyPost #IWillNowDieHappy #Sobbing #WhatDidTheyDo #BLJapan20XX
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@MrMagicMan
I thought the Tabieita shippers were delusional but even I can’t deny it anymore.. Bachira exposed them so bad 😭😭😭#BLJapan20XX #CantBelieveImAgreeingWithTheShippers #TabietaBedIncident
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↪️@Nagireomybeloved
respectfully disagree. do y'all remember the shit they posted last year… lets be so fr they were always homo #Tabieta #TheGreatGayCensus #Thehomies #LetsNotForgetPrideLastYear
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@Nononononono4
😭The editor is genuinely me Rn.💀 They’re having the realest reactions to some of these clips. The Ryusae clips are literally infecting my brain🙏.What did they have to blur out?? How bad was it 💔😭#Ryusae #ItoshiSaeMyShayla #ShidouPhoneBlur #TheGreatGayCensus #BLJapan20XX #PrideMonth…
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↪️@MoonstoneLover
#GenuinelyHowDidShidouPullItoshiSae #ManifestingICanBeTheirThird #DoWeThinkItWasNudes #… #ItwasDefinitelyNudes
Absolutely Diabolical of you to leave this in the tags
#RyusaeIsReal
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@BLTVHasMySoul
I’m sorry Niko’s explanation for being LGBTQ was genuinely so fucking funny. I feel a little bad for laughing at it but Magical Girl Anime turned me trans so he’s literally me #NikoIkkiMagicalgirl #MagicalGirlGays #TuxedoMaskAndSailorMoonGotAnotherOne #theGreatGaycensus…
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↪️@MadokaxFootball ☑️
Don’t text me Homura and Madoka were my first ship. I was literally doomed from the start. Tuxedo mask got me good 😭 #MadokaMagika #Madohomu
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↪️@BLTVHasMySoul
WHAT DO YOU MEAN NIKO IKKI HAS AN ACCOUNT HERE? WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE REGULARLY POSTS ABOUT MADOHOMU ON MAIN??? I AM GOING TO EXPLODE. #HELP??? #NikoIkki #WhoLetHimOnThePlatform #NikoIkkiBlueLock
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and so,
No one could deny Blue Lock’s dedication to pride after that.