Drag Me a Name!

Am I a drag?

Well, I’ve played three different drag queen roles on stage, and I’ve snuck some sneaky drag into a few parties. But I’ve never actually claimed a drag name of my own… not yet.

Some of my dream roles are Angel from RENT, Hedwig from Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Benten Kozō from Kabuki. Certainly, I’m also very down to play Mimi or Rapunzel—I’m versatile like that.

Back in Japan, most actors avoided announcing their sexuality or gender identity publicly. I followed that unwritten rule. But here in the UK, especially theatre world, sharing your pronouns is totally common. I’ve felt much freer to represent and support the queer community since I came out as non-binary last year (I know, but a big step for someone from Japan). It feels amazing.

I’ve been lucky to play a few drag roles in the UK—and I realised that my drag could actually inspire people and make them laugh. And drag lives in theatre, in cabaret, on the scratch night. That opened up a whole new world for me. Could I expand my creativity through drag? Could I find a persona that blends theatre, gender, and thoughts in my own way?

I’m currently applying for a drag scratch night, produced by Matti and Bard the Beholder. Which means—it’s time to drag my drag name. Wouldn’t be the most exciting?

So… what kind of queen am I?

My Werk Room entrance line would definitely be: “I AM the DRAMA QUEEN!” Obviously. Theatre references are a must. But I don’t wanna too niche because I am already niche. So, what else? Something shoutable. Some name ideas I’m playing with…

My Fair Neki

“Neki” is Japanese net slang for “sister,”. I’m in London, I’ve got a massive accent (not Cockney, sorry)—it seemed perfect. But “Neki” is pretty minor, and might not clearly link back to Japanese culture for people here. Still, I will perform as My Fair Neki at some point, I promise.

Showgirl

My real name is Shogo, and people often struggle to pronounce or remember it. I tell them like “Just think SHOW must GO on.” or, “Call me Showgirl!” but it’s a just me, not a separate persona. Although, for my disclaimer, RuPaul is RuPaul.

Something with ‘Amor’?

My family name is Amo (天羽), which means angel wings or sky wing but I’ve been crawling through a grounded life. Not winged anymore. Sound-wise, it’s close to amor, but I’m not that familiar with Spanish or Italian culture, so I’m still hesitating. Also, I’m not romantic.

I should’ve brought my red heels and wigs from Japan. I want to avoid buying mass-produced dresses, but I’m also not great at sewing… So there will be challenges. But yeah, even if I walk on stage in jeans and a white t-shirt, I can just say “This is a Jamie Lloyd–style drag queen.” Conceptual. Theatre darling.