#Japan #Bunkyo #Out Japan #Everyday Hiyori #LGBT Ally Project

The Premiere of 'Everyday, Hiyori'

On January 14, 2026, Out Japan, a company dedicated to LGBT training, consulting, and marketing, proudly hosted the premiere screening of its first produced film, "Everyday, Hiyori," at the Bunkyo Civic Small Hall. This event was not only a celebration of cinema but also a significant step towards enhancing LGBT representation in the film industry.

Present at the premiere was the film’s director, Erika Nakayama, producer, Marie Murata, and the lead actress, Reika Matsubara, joined by supporting cast members including Akira Saito, Maika Nakajima, Keita Kamaguchi, Yukimi Soma, Kohei Fukaya, Hoshine Tachibana, and Keita Kakiuchi. Each of them took to the stage to express their excitement for the film and discuss its themes of identity and acceptance.

Film Synopsis

"Everyday, Hiyori" centers around Hiyori Asano, an employee at a call center, who experiences a dramatic shift in her peaceful routine following an innocent remark from her boss. As Hiyori navigates the upheaval in her everyday life, the film explores the fragile nature of personal beliefs and values, and how they can be challenged unexpectedly. This narrative also serves as a spin-off from previous short films, including "Veils" (2021) and "Kazoku no Kyori" (2023), further embedding the story within a larger thematic universe.

The film has already garnered significant attention and reviews on the official PRIDE JAPAN website, a prominent source for LGBT news and columns.

Upcoming Online Screening

Mark your calendars! An online screening of "Everyday, Hiyori" will take place on February 18, 2026. Interested participants can find more details and register here. Due to high demand, a lottery may be held for entry.

Corporate Screenings and Educational Initiatives

Out Japan is open to requests for internal screenings, making the film accessible for corporate training sessions or study groups. Opportunities for discussions or talk sessions post-viewing are also available, tailored to fit a variety of needs and timeframes.

The LGBT-Ally Project Presentation

Recently, Out Japan hosted a briefing on the LGBT-Ally Project for 2026. This initiative aims to promote allyship within corporate environments, carrying the theme, "We are Here!! We are Ally!!" It serves to increase awareness and inclusivity, partnering with supportive companies across Japan.

As part of this project, Out Japan has participated in various PRIDE events nationwide, where they showcased initiatives from ally companies and fostered discussions on LGBT-related endeavors.

Highlights of Previous Activities

In 2025, a record 57 companies attended various LGBT-Ally Project events. Highlights included:

• - March: Launch of the LGBT-Ally Project 2025 website.
• - April: Opening events, both in-person and online, to introduce strategies and partnerships.
• - May: Participation in the Nagoya Rainbow Pride and numerous pre-and post-parade activities across different cities.
• - August: A film festival dedicated to the LGBT-Ally Project was hosted in Nakano and online, promoting visibility in the arts.
• - Fall: Engagement in multiple networking events across Osaka and Tokyo to exchange ideas about corporate LGBT initiatives.

For those wishing to learn more about the LGBT-Ally Project, including video recordings of past events, inquiries can be sent to [email protected]. The project’s special webpage also details various LGBT initiatives from participating companies, which can be found here.

As we look to 2026, companies can expect continued opportunities for involvement in the LGBT-Ally Project, including basic plans for online events and options for participation in local pride exhibitions. This ongoing collaboration aims to further expand the reach and impact of LGBT allyship across Japan.