FamilyMart, Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, Kirin Brewery, and Brooklyn Brewery Japan Jointly Host “We are 'Rainbow' Meetup” to Expand ALLY Networks Beyond Corporate Boundaries

FamilyMart Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Takio Kotani) will mark its 45th anniversary in September 2026. Building upon five key themes it has consistently addressed, the company operates under the slogan "Challenge for the Best." As part of an effort to "Find the Best," the company launched the "We are 'Rainbow'" campaign, which supports building a society where everyone can thrive as themselves, transcending corporate boundaries. As a kickoff, on May 26, 2026, the company hosted the "We are 'Rainbow' Meetup" in which ALLY employees from FamilyMart, Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, Kirin Brewery, and Brooklyn Brewery Japan gathered.

*ALLY: Derived from the English word "ally," referring to people who actively understand and support LGBTQ+ individuals, regardless of whether they identify as part of the community themselves.

Background: Visualizing the Circle of Support through Cross-Corporate Dialogue
The meetup was aimed at expanding the "circle of support across society" through direct dialogue among employees of the four companies who share the same values, rather than just coordinating product sales. By sharing thoughts on "We are 'Rainbow'" and creating "horizontal connections" where ALLY employees can speak directly, participants commented, "It is reassuring to see so many colleagues with the same aspirations across industries, and I am confident in my actions moving forward," and "I reaffirmed the joy of connecting through products." As employees took proactive steps as ALLYs across corporate borders, it marked a concrete step toward realizing a society where everyone can flourish.

Part 1: Screening and Dialogue of Short Film "Until the Day I Call You My Son"
In the first session, the short film "Until the Day I Call You My Son," depicting the struggles of a transgender person and their family bonds, was screened. Director Ayumi Kurokawa and lead actor Takamasa Gouda appeared in a talk session after the screening. Director Kurokawa stated, "I want people to face the words 'natural' and 'normal' they hold within themselves once again through this work." Through dialogue to understand the difficulties and subtle feelings held by stakeholders, participants reaffirmed the importance of correctly understanding and supporting them as ALLYs. It was a valuable time to deepen the shared understanding that "accepting yourself as you are" leads to a sense of security and strengthens organizations and society.

Part 2: Dialogue Linked by Six-Colored Sticky Notes and Creation of the "Rainbow Wall"
In the second session, a workshop was held where participants turned their thoughts into form. To create the "Rainbow Wall," participants wrote their impressions of the film and "resolutions to take a step forward" on six-colored sticky notes, which symbolize sexual diversity. A colorful and powerful "Rainbow Wall" was completed at the venue by combining the sticky notes, each inscribed with an individual's "action I can take starting today." During the workshop, Mika Yakushi, representative director of the certified NPO ReBit, which aims for a society where all people including LGBTQ individuals can learn, work, and live as themselves, visited and offered warm encouragement to the participants, further increasing the energy of the venue.

At the subsequent networking reception, participants held rainbow-designed products and beverages from each company, starting conversations in a relaxed atmosphere. It was a moment to realize the circle of support across society, through active exchange of opinions among ALLYs beyond corporate borders.

Voices of Stakeholders
- Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc.
We are very pleased that the ALLY circle started with FamilyMart three years ago is expanding year by year across companies and industries. Our employees are also actively participating in events and continuing efforts to expand the ALLY circle. Through the colorful products and goods filled with the thoughts of each company gathered here, we hope that the ALLY circle will also spread to the customers who pick them up. We will continue to move forward toward sustainable growth and improvement of corporate value by delivering happy moments to everyone and creating value, as stated in our mission.

- Kirin Brewery Company, Limited / Brooklyn Brewery Japan Co., Ltd.
We feel very honored to have been able to participate in the "We are 'Rainbow'" initiative, triggered by the launch of "The Stonewall Inn IPA," which carries the "FOR ALL" concept. We have always promoted diversity and valued an open stance...