#Japan #Tokyo #Diversity #LGBTQ+ #Ally

Promoting Inclusivity Through Dialogue: The 'We are “Rainbow” Meetup'

On May 26, 2026, four companies—Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, FamilyMart, Kirin Brewery, and Brooklyn Brewery Japan—collaborated to host the 'We are “Rainbow” Meetup.' This initiative aimed to create a conversation space for allies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in supporting LGBTQ communities.

Event Motivation

The 'Rainbow Meetup' was designed to facilitate direct dialogues among allies from different companies. Its primary goal was to expand the 'circle of support' throughout society by sharing individual motivations and developing 'horizontal connections'. Participants felt reassured, expressing sentiments like, "It's uplifting to see so many others from different industries sharing the same goal—this gives me confidence to take action starting tomorrow." This cross-company gathering emphasizes the power of each employee to act as an ally and contributes to realizing a society where everyone can thrive authentically.

Part One: Screening of 'A Day to Call Him Son'

The first half of the event featured a short film titled 'A Day to Call Him Son,' which explores the struggles of a transgender individual and the ties within a family. Following the screening, a talk session included director Ayumi Kurokawa and lead actor Takamasa Goda. Kurokawa encouraged attendees to rethink their definitions of 'normal' and 'ordinary'. This discussion allowed participants to better understand the challenges that LGBTQ individuals face and reinforced the importance of empathy and support from allies. This created a shared recognition that embracing one's true self fosters a strong organization and community.

Part Two: Workshop and the Creation of 'Rainbow Wall'

The second half of the meetup involved a workshop where attendees expressed their thoughts through a collaborative project, creating a 'Rainbow Wall.' Participants wrote reflections on the film and their commitments to taking action on colorful sticky notes, forming a vibrant wall that represented individual pledges. During this session, Yoshihiro Yakushi, the representative director of the certified NPO ReBit, which focuses on creating a society where everyone, including LGBTQ individuals, can learn, work, and live openly, addressed the participants, energizing the event.

Following the workshop, an informal gathering allowed for further networking among the allies, with participants discussing a range of topics while enjoying rainbow-themed products and beverages. This lighter atmosphere led to significant exchanges of ideas across companies, highlighting shared values and fostering a sense of camaraderie among everyone in attendance.

Corporate Responsibilities and Voices

FamilyMart

"We are delighted to connect with numerous partner companies to support a society where everyone can thrive authentically," stated FamilyMart. They emphasized the significance of fostering inter-company dialogue among allies as a vital aspect of their mission.

Kirin Brewery and Brooklyn Brewery Japan

Kirin and Brooklyn Brewery expressed their honor in joining the 'We are “Rainbow”' initiative, promoting the 'FOR ALL' concept through the release of the 'The Stonewall Inn IPA.' They highlighted their commitment to spreading the message of diversity and openness through collaboration.

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan shared their enthusiasm for the expanding network of allies, noting that events like these embolden employees to take an active role in promoting inclusivity.

Conclusion

The 'We are “Rainbow” Meetup' exemplifies the strength and resilience of cross-industry alliances in nurturing support for the LGBTQ community. The collaborative efforts among these companies aim to create an inclusive environment where diversity drives growth and fosters authentic engagement across all sectors. These shared experiences serve as essential building blocks for a future where everyone can be their true selves, both at work and in society.

Event Details

• - Date: May 26, 2026
• - Time: 16:00 - 18:00
• - Location: FamilyMart Headquarters
• - Participants: A total of 42 allies from Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, Kirin Brewery, Brooklyn Brewery Japan, and FamilyMart
• - Campaign Partners: Cherry Japan Co. and Kreet Co. (in no particular order)