Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024: "What are your future hopes for the LGBTQ+ community in Japan ?"

Robert Walters Japan is celebrating 30 years of Pride in Japan, sponsoring Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024 for the first time, and holding a booth at Yoyogi Park from Friday 19 - Sunday 21 April (Location: Orange-24)
To mark the occasion, we have taken the opportunity to ask our people and clients to reflect on Japan's progress for the LGBTQ+ community since 1994, and also more importantly, ask them what still needs to be done to make more lasting change for the future.
Tap below to read reflections and hopes from our people and trusted clients of Robert Walters Japan.

Yuki Higashi - Executive Officer & CHRO at Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan

"When I first started Ally initiatives at my workplace fifteen years ago, terms like `LGBT` and `Ally` were rarely heard in Japan..."

Alexander Dmitrenko - Partner at Ashurst

"By embracing marriage equality and full inclusion, Japan can further tap into the economic and social potential of its LGBTQ+ citizens and residents while becoming a beacon of understanding..."

Joshua Bryan - Senior Director, Financial Services, Legal, HR & Support

"During my 20 years in Japan, I've witnessed a heartwarming shift in how LGBTQ+ folks are embraced. In my early years, when I came out to Japanese friends and colleagues, I often encountered..."

Aoi Sugimoto - Consultant, Financial Services

"Also, for me personally, I was very happy that my brother finally told me that he is gay and when he brought his boyfriend home for New Year's Day. He had never told me clearly before...."

Isamu Itosu - Consultant, Human Resources B2C

“I’ve been coming to Japan since I was 19 (now 35), and have definitely seen a clear change since then among the LGBTQ+ community until today. For example...."

Alex Delgado - Senior Manager, Pharmaceutical

“In my over 14 years of being in Japan, I have seen a lot of progression here. I remember at my first Rainbow Pride Festival most people were wearing masks to hide...."

Yuni Hong - Associate Director, Sales & Marketing B2C

"Personally, I strongly believe that having more LGBTQ+ role models in corporate leadership positions is crucial for...."

Yuta Kuroda - Associate, Digital Marketing & E-Commerce

"I'm not a specialist in activism or transgender issues, but I aim to inspire confidence in the LGBTQ+ community by being myself. Pride events have become more corporate....."

Mae Daigo - Business Support, Sales & Marketing

“My best friend is gay, and he told me that in the last five years or so everyone has become more open which is a great step forward. He comes from a more rural part of Japan which is more...."

Hiroki Takahashi - Consultant, Consulting & Advisory

"I've seen significant progress in LGBTQ+ awareness in Japan, although it's been slower than in other countries, since the Pride Parade first launched in Tokyo. It is almost the same age as me, as I was...."

Joshua Han - Associate, Pharmaceutical

“I do think LGBTQ+ rights and visibility in Japan have evolved, especially in media and popular culture, over the past three decades. While some progress, like...."

Junny Foo - Senior Learning & Development Consultant

“Japan is very slowly but surely making progress on becoming a LGBTQ+ friendly country. In my opinion, Japan has a strong potential to be one of the most LGBTQ+ inclusive role model countries in the world because..."

Robert Walters Japan sponsors Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024

Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024 is one of Asia's largest events (approximately 230,000 attended the event in 2023) in promoting diversity among LGBTQ+ people and their allies (supporters), aiming to create a society where all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can get along.

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How to achieve a more diverse and inclusive workplace

We share key tips for how your organisation in Japan can achieve true diversity.

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We believe in the power of a diverse workforce that champions the right for people to be their true, authentic selves.

At Robert Walters Japan, diversity is more than just a policy—it’s who we are at our core. Our team in Japan includes more than 40 nationalities and represents a mosaic of ages, ethnicities, and sexual orientation where over 40% of our managerial positions are held by women. We leverage our rich array of backgrounds and perspectives to help people and organizations to fulfil their unique potential.

Our committment to equity, diversity & inclusion is a critical part of of our DNA and is embedded into all new starter inductions. It sets our promise of a working environment that promotes inclusion, dignity and respect for all.

Robert Walter's Japan's commitment to equity, diversity & inclusion

Our Global equity, diversity & inclusion policy

Equity, diversity & inclusion

Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024: "What are your future hopes for the LGBTQ+ community in Japan ?"

Client Voices

Yuki Higashi - Executive Officer & CHRO at Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan

Alexander Dmitrenko - Partner at Ashurst

Employee Voices

Joshua Bryan - Senior Director, Financial Services, Legal, HR & Support

Aoi Sugimoto - Consultant, Financial Services

Isamu Itosu - Consultant, Human Resources B2C

Alex Delgado - Senior Manager, Pharmaceutical

Yuni Hong - Associate Director, Sales & Marketing B2C

Yuta Kuroda - Associate, Digital Marketing & E-Commerce

Mae Daigo - Business Support, Sales & Marketing

Hiroki Takahashi - Consultant, Consulting & Advisory

Joshua Han - Associate, Pharmaceutical

Junny Foo - Senior Learning & Development Consultant

Robert Walters Japan sponsors Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024

How to achieve a more diverse and inclusive workplace

We believe in the power of a diverse workforce that champions the right for people to be their true, authentic selves.

Our equity, diversity & inclusion journey

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