#Japan #Shibuya #Tokyo Pride #LGBT-Ally

LGBT-Ally Project 2025 Event in Shibuya

On June 8, 2025, the LGBT-Ally Project will host an engaging event at Shibuya Cast, coinciding with the Tokyo Pride Parade. This initiative aims to highlight the importance of allyship through various activities that promote awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Panel Exhibitions and Seminars

The event will showcase panel displays from participating companies, focusing on their contributions to LGBTQ+ inclusivity and support. Alongside the exhibitions, informative seminars will be held to discuss the upcoming Tokyo Pride Parade, creating a platform for conversation and learning.

Earlier, the project had been a part of the Tokyo Rainbow Pride event at Yoyogi Park, but this year, it makes its debut in Shibuya to enhance community engagement. The vibrant setting of Shibuya Cast is expected to foster increased interaction among participants and organizers. The event aims to gather allies who are committed to advocating for equality and inclusion.

Special Events

In addition to the panel displays and seminars, the day will feature an uplifting encouragement parade along the streets, where attendees can show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. There will also be opportunities for networking and socializing to foster relationships between allies and organizations.

The LGBT-Ally Project has been running since its launch in 2017, under the theme 'We are Here!! We are Ally!!' The objective is to expand the network of allies within the business community, reaching out to corporate partners to promote acceptance and understanding. Currently, 54 companies are involved, highlighting a robust collaboration aimed at nurturing an inclusive society.

Simultaneous Event: “We Also Want to be Good Couples” Exhibition

Concurrently with the LGBT-Ally Project 2025, an exhibition titled 'We Also Want to be Good Couples' will be held, aimed at discussing and celebrating diverse relationships. This exhibition will run from 11 AM to 6 PM on the same day at Shibuya Cast. It is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the variety of loving partnerships that exist within our society.

Recent Activities

On May 9, an opening event for the LGBT-Ally Project 2025 took place at Ajinomoto's conference room, attended by around 20 companies. Representatives shared their initiatives regarding LGBTQ+ inclusivity and engagement with their teams. The enthusiasm during this event was palpable as attendees exchanged ideas and fostered connections.

The project also made an appearance at the Nagoya Rainbow Pride Parade on May 17, where they showcased panels and interacted with the community, further extending their outreach and support. This participation reflects a commitment to raising awareness and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

Upcoming Events

The collaboration endeavor continues with several upcoming events. On July 10, a Bridge Roundtable will occur for students and companies to discuss their views. A film festival related to the LGBT-Ally Project is planned for August 1, followed by an online version on August 2. Later in the year, the project will also participate in the Rainbow Festa in Osaka and the Kyushu Rainbow Pride, culminating with an end-of-year information exchange event in December.

Companies interested in joining the LGBT-Ally Project can reach out via assist@outjapan.co.jp for more information. Resources including a project explanation video and downloadable materials are available to aid new participants in understanding how they can contribute.

Other Initiatives: Rainbow School Project

Collaborating with Starbucks Coffee Japan, the LGBT-Ally Project has initiated the 'Rainbow School Project' in the Kanto region. This program includes free diversity education classes offered by Starbucks partners. They invite elementary schools from Akita, Ibaraki, and Osaka to apply for this initiative between July and September, providing a fun and educational platform to discuss diversity.
Learn more here!.