On Coming Out Day, "work with Pride 2018" to consider LGBT issues will be held.

The voluntary organization work with Pride (wwP), which supports the promotion and establishment of diversity management regarding LGBT issues in companies and other organizations, held the conference "work with Pride 2018" at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya in Chiyoda Ward on October 11, the global Coming Out Day.

Since 2012, wwP has held an annual conference for HR, human rights, and diversity managers, using the facilities of partner companies. The goal is to provide information to help Japanese companies create workplaces where LGBT individuals can be themselves and to encourage companies to actively engage in these efforts.

Furthermore, since 2016, it has established the "PRIDE Index," Japan's first evaluation metric for corporate initiatives related to LGBT issues.

This index evaluates participating companies across five areas: Action Declaration (such as anti-discrimination policies), Community Engagement, Awareness Activities (including training), HR Systems & Programs (such as benefits), and Social Contribution & Outreach. The event featured a panel discussion, the announcement of the index results, and an awards ceremony.

Governor Yuriko Koike of Tokyo delivered an opening message.

Governor Koike referenced the passage of the "Human Rights Ordinance" in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in October, stating, "Going forward, we will promote understanding of diverse sexualities based on this ordinance."

She concluded by saying, "I pray for the success of this event in realizing a city that respects diversity and is filled with warmth and kindness."

In a video message, Robert Campbell, Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo, referred to the advantages of sexual minorities, such as their high communication skills, and said, "Creating a supportive work environment for LGBT people will also help companies secure talented human resources. This conference focuses on a wonderful theme, so I hope you will learn a lot about LGBT issues and interact with each other."

Economic commentator Kazuyo Katsuma explained society's immaturity toward LGBT and other minorities, citing the huge reaction to her own coming out. "Companies that can be considerate of various minorities become stronger, as the history of women's issues proves. Let's work together to create workplaces where we don't need to pretend to be the majority," she urged.

■Panel Discussion

The corporate executive discussion featured executives from three Tokyo 2020 Games partners. Moderated by Mikiko Yoshimura of the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, they exchanged views on the theme "What Japanese Society and Companies Can Do for the Tokyo 2020 Games," covering LGBT initiatives, challenges, and workforce diversification driven by corporate globalization.

From left: Mr. Yoshio Oikawa (Cisco Systems), Mr. Eiichi Sakamoto (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone), Mr. Hajime Ikeda (Nomura Holdings), Moderator Ms. Yoshimura

Participants shared the common understanding that 2020 presents a significant opportunity to transform the circumstances surrounding minorities, including people with disabilities, but that this must be a starting point, not the end goal.

In a discussion led by LGBT individuals, four participants working at corporations and universities, moderated by Sony's Kenichi Mochizuki, spoke on the theme "Creating a secure workplace for the next generation, bridging various gaps."

From left: Mr. Moriaki Takita (EY Japan), Ms. Suzu Okabe (Dentsu Inc.), Mr. Kazuki Oga (Waseda University), Ms. Machi Sakata (Panasonic), Moderator: Mr. Mochizuki

Participants shared their unique experiences, including their reasons for coming out, their feelings, and the reactions of their superiors and colleagues. They agreed that what companies need is "management-level understanding and the promotion of awareness activities."

Sub-sessions featured corporate representatives discussing "building organizational culture," "expanding initiatives nationwide and regionally," and "same-sex partnership programs."

■ "PRIDE Index" Results Announcement & Awards Ceremony

The 2018 PRIDE Index saw applications from 153 companies and organizations, approximately 1.4 times last year's number. Based on scores across evaluation categories, 130 Gold, 18 Silver, and 5 Bronze awards were decided.

Additionally, 10 companies demonstrating particularly outstanding activities were selected and honored as Best Practices.

For details, visit the wwP official website ( http://workwithpride.jp/ ).