Jointly Held "We are Rainbow" Exchange Meetup to Discuss Diversity and Expand the Circle of ALLY Across Corporate Boundaries

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Calin Dragan; hereinafter "the Company") held the "We are Rainbow" Meetup Exchange Event on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, bringing together ALLY employees from four companies: FamilyMart Co., Ltd., Kirin Beer Co., Ltd., and Brooklyn Brewery Japan Co., Ltd.

*ALLY: Derived from the English word "ally," meaning alliance or supporter. It refers to people who actively understand and support LGBTQ individuals, regardless of whether they are members of the community themselves.

■ Background: Visualizing the Circle of Support Through Dialogue Across Corporate Boundaries

This "Meetup Exchange Event" aimed to expand the "circle of support throughout society" by enabling employees from four like-minded companies to engage in direct dialogue. By sharing each company's vision for "We are Rainbow" and creating "horizontal connections" among ALLY employees who share the same aspirations, participants expressed feelings such as, "It's reassuring to know there are so many like-minded colleagues across industries, and I feel more confident in my actions from tomorrow," and "I was able to reaffirm the joy of connecting through products." By transcending corporate boundaries and having individual employees proactively act as allies, this event marked a concrete step toward realizing a society where everyone can thrive authentically.

■ Part 1: Screening of the Short Film "Until the Day I Call Him Son" and Dialogue

Part 1 featured a screening of the short film "Until the Day I Call Him Son," which depicts the struggles of a transgender person and family bonds. The post-screening talk session included the film's director, Ayumi Kurokawa, and lead actor, Takamasa Goda. Director Kurokawa shared her passion for the project, saying, "Through this work, I want people to once again confront their own notions of 'normal' and 'ordinary.'" Through dialogue aimed at understanding the difficulties and emotional nuances faced by individuals as if they were their own, participants reaffirmed the importance of correctly understanding and supporting others as allies. It was a valuable time to deepen the shared understanding that "accepting oneself as one is" creates a sense of security and strengthens organizations and society.

■ Part 2: Dialogue Connected by Six-Colored Sticky Notes and Creating the "Rainbow Wall"

In Part 2, a workshop was held where participants gave shape to their thoughts. As part of creating the "Rainbow Wall," participants wrote their impressions of the film and their "determination to take the first step" on six-colored sticky notes symbolizing sexual diversity. The venue was filled with a colorful and powerful "Rainbow Wall" made of sticky notes bearing each person's "actions I can take from today." During the workshop, Ms. Miho Yakushi, Representative Director of the certified NPO ReBit, which aims to create a society where all people, including LGBTQ individuals, can learn, work, and live authentically, visited and delivered a warm message of encouragement to the participants, further raising the energy in the room.

At the subsequent networking reception, participants enjoyed each company's rainbow-themed products and beverages, starting conversations in a relaxed atmosphere. Active exchanges of opinions took place among allies across corporate boundaries, providing a moment to feel the expanding circle of support throughout society.

To fulfill its mission of "delivering happy moments to all people and creating value," the Company has positioned active efforts toward diversity and gender equality as one of its key management priorities. As part of this, it is undertaking various initiatives related to LGBTQ+. By respecting the individuality of each employee, actively incorporating diverse values and ideas, and realizing an inclusive environment where all people can maximize their potential regardless of differences, the Company aims to leverage diversity as a strength for sustainable growth.

■ Comments from Stakeholders

・FamilyMart Co., Ltd.

We are delighted to once again connect the spirit of "We are Rainbow" with many partner companies this year and support the creation of a society where everyone can thrive authentically. It was profoundly meaningful not only to deliver rainbow-themed products but also to create a space where allies could connect with each other across corporate boundaries. We feel that by talking directly, thoughts that cannot be conveyed by a single company alone can be nurtured into more solid social connections. FamilyMart will continue to advance initiatives that turn this diversity into strength.

・Kirin Beer Co., Ltd. / Brooklyn Brewery Japan Co., Ltd.

We are very honored to have been able to participate in the "We are Rainbow" initiative on the occasion of the launch of "The Stonewall Inn IPA," which embodies the concept of "FOR ALL." We have always valued promoting diversity and maintaining an open stance. Going forward, by working together with like-minded companies, we hope to spread this vision to even more people. We will continue our efforts to expand a world filled with love.

・Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc.

We are very pleased that the circle of allies, which started with FamilyMart three years ago, has been expanding year by year across corporate and industry boundaries. Our employees are also proactively participating in events and continuing activities to expand the circle of allies. We hope that through the colorful products and goods filled with the thoughts of each company gathered here, the circle of allies will also spread to the customers who pick them up. Our company will continue to move forward towards sustainable growth and increased corporate value by fulfilling our mission of "delivering happy moments to all people and creating value."

■ Event Overview

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 16:00-18:00

Location: FamilyMart Co., Ltd. Headquarters

Participants:

Total of 42 ALLY employees from Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, Kirin Beer, Brooklyn Brewery Japan, and FamilyMart

Campaign Cooperation: Cherio Japan Co., Ltd., Cleat Co., Ltd. (in no particular order)

*Information in this news release is current as of the date of announcement. Please note that it may differ from the latest information.