What are your future hopes for the LGBTQ+ community in Japan?

Celebrating 30 Years of Tokyo Rainbow Pride: Employees’ & Clients’ Voices of Robert Walters Japan

To commemorate 30 years since the first Tokyo Pride event was held in Tokyo in 1994, we asked our employees and clients to reflect on the progress that has been in the LGBTQ+ community in Japan, and more importantly, what work is still to be done for the future:

What progress has Japan made for the LGBTQ+ community in Japan over the last 30 years, and what are your hopes for the future?

Employees’ Voices

“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, back then I remember most of my queer friends were still in the closet and so it was rare to meet someone who had come out. Coming from a Latino background, the LGBTQ+ community to me has always been so vocal in their fight, but when I first came to Japan, I felt it was more passive. Things are quite the opposite here now in 2024; people are more open about their orientation and becoming more vocal about their rights. In Japan, harmony is central to society, and it can be said that some people still view being LGBQT+ as kind of disruptive to this harmony. So, moving forward, I hope that more people in Japan continue to become more accepting in this area (I have seen a change in attitudes already in the last five years or so), so that everyone can embrace diversity here, and live harmoniously together.” – Isamu Itosu, Consultant - Human Resources B2C

"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 a mix of curiosity and awkwardness. Now, I always find the focus is on the experiences we all share – loving relationships, raising families, and building fulfilling lives. This shift is reflected in public support, with a recent Asahi News poll showing 72% of Japanese in favour of same-sex marriage.  Pop cultural figures like Shinjiro Atae and politicians like Kanako Otsuji coming out have helped normalise LGBTQ+ lives. Organisations like LLAN, Business for Marriage Equality, and Work with Pride lead the charge, with lawsuits and a groundswell of corporate support (over 450 corporations endorse marriage equality) bringing us closer to legal equality.

I'm optimistic for the future! Beyond marriage, I'd love to see stronger workplace protections against discrimination and a broader celebration of LGBTQ+ lives in Japanese media. This inclusion isn't just about fairness; it's about unlocking Japan's full potential. We can become a powerful example in Asia, with over 350 municipalities and 19 prefectures already offering some recognition to same-sex couples, we are on course to attract diverse talent and make Japan even stronger." – Joshua Bryan, Senior Director - Financial Services, Legal, HR & Support

“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 their face and there were only a handful of booths.  Now, to see so much support from the non-LGBTQ+ community, shows how far things have come.  I think people come down a lot on Japan sometimes for lack of awareness, but in my own personal perspective is that I have seen a lot of progress been made.” Alex Delgado, Senior Manager - Pharmaceutical

“Recently, celebrities and idols have come out as LGBTQ+, and there have been TV programmes, movies, and dramas to increase awareness regarding LGBTQ+. I feel that the society is at a stage of accepting it which would have been unthinkable 30 years ago. I would be happy if more people could live freely and for such thinking to become the norm. It doesn't matter whether you are the opposite or the same sex, as long as you like the other person.

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, either because he was questioning himself or he wasn't ready to tell me yet. However, now he seems to be free to do what he wants and to be more serious about his future, and they both feel the same about their future together. I feel that his feelings before and after he told his family are very different. I want to become a parent who accepts my child even if they are LGBTQ+, and at the same time, I want to celebrate our 30th anniversary by praying for such a kind society to come!” – Aoi Sugimoto, Consultant - Financial Services 

“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 conservative, so it was hard for him growing up to be open about his orientation. Being an ally with him, and the LGBTQ+ community in Japan, has shown me we still have a way to go though. We are not yet at a place in Japan where everyone being open about their sexuality is a normal thing. Still same-sex marriages are not yet legal here even though other Asian countries like Taiwan and Thailand have now legalised them. Japan has been slow to make meaningful change here. These are some things that I wish Japan would fully accept and change in 30 years’ time.” – Mae Daigo, Business Support - Sales & Marketing B2C

"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 born in the early 90s. Back then, the term ‘LGBT’ was not even known so I am glad that today it is getting more widespread.  In the next 30 years, I hope for even more normalization, where LGBTQ+ identities are simply seen as part of everyday life without needing to use labels. I believe the future for Japan in this area is about making acceptance and understanding natural and effortless." – Hiroki Takahashi, Consultant - Consulting & Advisory

"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, losing some authenticity, but progress is visible. Big companies, even traditional ones like my previous employer, are increasingly accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals. Media portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters is improving, albeit slowly. I think Japan may follow Taiwan's lead in legalizing same-sex marriage within the next 4-10 years, a significant step for both locals and international perception. I am glad to work in a company like Robert Walters which is made up of employees from different backgrounds from all over the world and authentically demonstrates what it means to be inclusive."  – Yuta Kuroda, Associate - Digital Marketing & E-Commerce

Clients’ Voices

When I first started Ally initiatives at my workplace fifteen years ago, terms like `LGBT` and `Ally` were rarely heard in Japan. Nowadays, I see many companies stepping up to promote allies in the workplace. Is it enough? Not even close. We still have a long way ahead of us to truly create an LGBTQ+ friendly workplace. As Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024 reminds us, “Never give up until things change” and we all become allies for those we care about. - Yuki Higashi, Executive Officer & CHRO at Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan

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 and a model for other nations. Employers should diversity their management and boards – including report on how many openly LGBTQ+ individuals serve in management / in board roles. - Alexander Dmitrenko, Partner at Ashurst