With the legalization of same-sex marriage imminent, what can companies do? Special session held with experts from economic organizations, labor unions, management, and legal professionals at "work with Pride 2026" Conference Vol.1

General Incorporated Association work with Pride (Representative: Gon Matsunaka, hereinafter "work with Pride"), which supports the promotion and establishment of diversity management for LGBTQ+ in Japanese companies and organizations, held the first of its special bi-annual conferences for 2026, "work with Pride 2026" Conference Vol.1, on June 30, 2026 (Tue) at the Keidanren Kaikan International Conference Room. On the same day, a public press conference was held to commemorate the achievement of 700 supporting companies for the same-sex marriage advocacy campaign "Business for Marriage Equality (Bimari)". A guide tool, "Same-Sex Marriage Action Plan Creation Worksheet," was announced to help companies organize necessary responses during the period before and after the legalization of same-sex marriage.

"What Companies Can Do for Marriage Equality (Same-Sex Marriage) to Promote DEI in Japan"

In 2026, work with Pride will celebrate its 15th anniversary. Over the past 15 years, social understanding of LGBTQ+ has steadily expanded, and the number of companies and organizations working to improve workplace environments has increased year by year. While there has been a backlash against DEI in the United States in recent years, in Japan, the mandatory implementation of corporate measures for LGBTQ+ is progressing, such as the revision of the Power Harassment Prevention Act, and the progress of DEI promotion has not stopped. To mark its 15th anniversary, the organization has decided to hold the conference twice this year to return to the fundamental principle of companies taking action and making changes, and to further advance DEI in Japan.

The first conference was held under the theme "What Companies Can Do for Marriage Equality (Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage)." In light of the current status of same-sex marriage lawsuits, with a Supreme Court decision expected as early as this year, experts from various sectors including economic organizations, labor unions, management, legal professionals, and civil society gathered to discuss what companies can and should do now.

● Announcement of a guide tool to help companies organize measures to be taken before and after the legal reform of same-sex marriage - Commemorative public press conference also held on the same day to mark 700 companies joining "Business for Marriage Equality"

When marriage equality (legalization of same-sex marriage) is realized, it will not only be the responsibility of the national and local governments to respond. Companies will also need to review a wide range of practical aspects, including spousal benefits, internal regulations, human resources and labor systems, various application systems, customer service, and product development and service design. However, there are no concrete precedents for which departments need to change what, and there is a possibility that companies nationwide could fall into confusion all at once. Furthermore, even if the legal system changes, delays in corporate response could lead to further harm to individuals through microaggressions, which are referred to as "unconscious discrimination."

Amidst this situation, the campaign "Business for Marriage Equality" (hereinafter referred to as "Bimari"), which visualizes companies and organizations that support marriage equality (legalization of same-sex marriage), surpassed 700 supporting companies in June 2026. To commemorate this, the guide tool "Same-Sex Marriage Action Plan Creation Worksheet," which helps companies organize the necessary responses before and after the legalization of same-sex marriage, was released. (Details: https://bformarriageequality.net/initiative/detail/4787/)

At the press conference, a report on reaching 700 supporting companies, the announcement of the guide tool, and a commemorative photo session with representatives of supporting companies and their logos were held.

Scenes from the "work with Pride 2026" Conference Vol.1

[Keynote] Current Status of the "Freedom to Marry for All" Lawsuits

Expectations are rising for the realization of legal reform, as the "Freedom to Marry for All" lawsuits filed across the country have led to unconstitutional rulings in various locations, with a Supreme Court decision expected in 2026. In the keynote address, Makiko Terahara, a lawyer who has been at the forefront of these lawsuits and is a co-representative of the Tokyo Lawyers' Association for the "Freedom to Marry for All" Lawsuits and a co-representative of the Public Interest Incorporated Association Marriage For All Japan – Freedom to Marry for All, took the stage. She explained the background and current status of the lawsuits and the expected future developments, including the impact on companies after legal reform, emphasizing the importance of corporate expression of intent for appropriate legal reform.

Makiko Terahara, Co-Representative of Public Interest Incorporated Association Marriage For All Japan – Freedom to Marry for All / Lawyer

[Panel Session 1] "What Companies Can Do with Marriage Equality (Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage) in View"

With the realization of marriage equality (legalization of same-sex marriage) on the horizon, what should companies prepare and how should they proceed? In this session, panelists included Kenji Iwase, Representative Director and President of TAKE AND GIVE. NEEDS CO., LTD.; Maki Muraki, Representative Director of Nijiiro Diversity; Yuichi Kamiya, Representative Director of the General Incorporated Association LGBT Law Alliance; and moderator Naosuke Fujita, Co-Representative of LLAN (Lawyers Network for LGBTQ and Allies). These individuals, who are involved in supporting and implementing measures for LGBTQ+, from companies, NPOs, and legal professionals, participated.

The session introduced the guide tool "Same-Sex Marriage Action Plan Creation Worksheet" announced on the same day and discussed concrete corporate actions with the legalization in mind, utilizing survey data on coming out.

Mr. Iwase of TAKE AND GIVE. NEEDS, citing examples of wedding ceremonies for LGBTQ+ couples held for over 10 years, commented on the importance of service providers creating a safe environment for individuals and for companies to proactively prepare and shape society rather than waiting for legal reform.

Kenji Iwase, Representative Director and President of TAKE AND GIVE. NEEDS CO., LTD. Maki Muraki, Chairperson of Nijiiro Diversity Yuichi Kamiya, Representative Director of the General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Legal Reform for Persons Facing Difficulties Due to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, etc. (Abbreviation: LGBT Law Alliance) Naosuke Fujita (Moderator), Co-Representative and Co-Founder of LGBTQ and Allies Lawyers Network (LLAN)

[Panel Session 2] "Collaboration Across Sectors for Realization"

The realization of marriage equality (legalization of same-sex marriage) requires collaboration not only among companies but also among various sectors of society, including economic organizations, labor unions, and policymakers. In this session, panelists included Miko Oyama, Deputy General Manager of the Social Communication Department of the Japan Business Federation and Representative of CATCHY; Kaoru Hatakeyama, Director of the General Policy Promotion Department and Gender Equality and Diversity Promotion Manager at Rengo (Japanese Trade Union Confederation); Keiko Tashiro, Vice Chairman of the Keizai Doyukai and Chairperson of the Social Inclusion Committee; and moderator Gon Matsunaka, Representative of work with Pride. Key figures from the economic, labor, and civil society sectors gathered to discuss what can be changed through collaboration across sectors.

The session featured examples such as how company executives who participated in Pride parades changed their perspectives after witnessing the atmosphere of the city and the active participation of other companies, and examples of workplace environment improvements undertaken by labor and management as a form of collaboration. The following comments were made regarding same-sex marriage:

"Although the organization has not yet reached a consensus, we are providing opportunities to learn by inviting external lecturers. It is important for companies to continue expressing their intentions and taking small actions." (Ms. Oyama, Keidanren)

"Rengo is also undertaking various initiatives such as awareness campaigns on gender equality and SOGI harassment prevention, but we believe that each of these activities serves as a driving force to move organizations and public opinion, leading to the establishment of systems for same-sex marriage and other matters." (Ms. Hatakeyama, Rengo)

"Same-sex marriage is highly likely to be legalized, so it is important to prepare on the assumption that the system will be established. We want to work on this in the Social Inclusion Committee so that we can respond immediately when it is legalized. We would also like to hold joint study sessions in collaboration with various economic organizations." (Ms. Tashiro, Keizai Doyukai)

Miko Oyama, Deputy General Manager of the Social Communication Department, Japan Business Federation / Representative of CATCHY Keiko Tashiro, Vice Chairman of Keizai Doyukai, Chairperson of the Social Inclusion Committee / Consultant, Sustainability Champion, Daiwa Securities Group Inc. Kaoru Hatakeyama, Director of the General Policy Promotion Department, Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo) Gon Matsunaka (Moderator), Representative of General Incorporated Association work with Pride

[Panel Session 3] "Corporate Leaders Speak About a Future with Marriage Equality (Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage)"

How will corporate management change in a society where marriage equality (legalization of same-sex marriage) is realized? In this session, moderated by Kaoru Okabayashi, Manager of the DE&I Group, Sustainability Strategy Promotion Office, Business Innovation Department at Shiseido, panelists included Morishige Kida, Chairperson and CEO of EY Japan; Danny Taing, Representative of Bokksu Inc.; and Shiho Shimoyama, former professional soccer player and Co-Representative of wagamama Inc. Corporate leaders who have been at the forefront of promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion both domestically and internationally shared their views on the role companies should play in a future with marriage equality (legalization of same-sex marriage), drawing on their experiences of how their performance changed after feeling accepted.

The session highlighted common corporate challenges such as "individuals being hard to see and internal temperature differences being an issue." Other comments included, "Even for companies where direct involvement in same-sex marriage is difficult, it is possible to define unique family structures in employment contracts," "It is important to broaden the definition of terms, implement them, and have top management explain them," and "Large corporations are said to have been the final push for same-sex marriage in the United States. Corporate actions also play a significant role in Japan."

Danny Taing, Founder of Bokksu Inc. Shiho Shimoyama, Co-Representative of wagamama Inc. / Former Professional Soccer Player Morishige Kida, EY Asia East Managing Partner / Chairperson and CEO of EY Japan Kaoru Okabayashi (Moderator), Manager of the DE&I Group, Sustainability Strategy Promotion Office, Business Innovation Department, Shiseido Co., Ltd.

Closing

At the end of the conference, Gon Matsunaka, Representative of General Incorporated Association work with Pride, took the stage. He spoke about the history of their activities and the thoughts behind setting the theme for this conference, and announced the "PRIDE Index 2026," for which applications will begin on July 1, 2026 (Thu), and the "Rainbow Certification 2026."

For details, please check the application guidelines page for "PRIDE Index 2026."

"PRIDE Index 2026" Application Guidelines Page: https://workwithpride.jp/pride-i/application/

● Event Overview

● Event Name: work with Pride 2026 Conference Vol.1

● Date and Time: June 30, 2026 (Tue) 15:00 - 17:30 (Reception opens: 14:30)

● Venue: Keidanren Kaikan International Conference Room (2F Keidanren Kaikan, 1-3-2 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004) / Online streaming simultaneously

● Target Audience: Executives, HR, and Diversity Managers from companies and organizations in various fields

● Participation Method: Pre-registration required (Registration closes when capacity is reached)

https://workwithpride.jp/wwp2026conference01_0630form/

● Organizer: General Incorporated Association work with Pride / work with Pride 2026 Executive Committee

● Cooperation:

Nijiiro Diversity Lawyers Network for LGBTQ and Allies (LLAN) Public Interest Incorporated Association Marriage For All Japan - Freedom to Marry for All

● Official Website: https://workwithpride.jp/

● Participating Companies in "work with Pride 2026" (in Japanese alphabetical order)

EY Japan / NTT Group / MSD Co., Ltd. / Orient Corporation / Organon Co., Ltd. / KDDI Corporation / JVCKENWOOD Corporation / Shimizu Corporation / Daiichi Life Group Co., Ltd. / Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. / Dentsu Group / Panasonic Holdings Corporation / East Japan Railway Company / Bloomberg L.P. / Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. / Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.

● About General Incorporated Association work with Pride

work with Pride was established in 2011 to support the promotion and establishment of diversity management for sexual minorities such as LGBTQ+ in Japanese companies and organizations. Centered around the operation of the "PRIDE Index," an evaluation system for LGBTQ+ initiatives in the workplace, the organization supports DEI promotion in companies through conferences, seminars, and consulting. The organization will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2026.

【Official Website】https://workwithpride.jp/