First 'work with Pride 2026' Conference Program and Speakers Announced; Registration Open! What Can Companies Do as Same-Sex Marriage Legalization Approaches?

work with Pride, an organization supporting diversity management regarding LGBTQ+ issues in Japanese companies, has announced the program and speakers for the first of its two special 15th-anniversary conferences in 2026. Registration is now open.

The conference, themed 'What Companies Can Do for Marriage Equality,' will address the current state of same-sex marriage litigation, with a Supreme Court ruling expected as early as this year. Experts from business associations, labor unions, management, legal sectors, and civil society will discuss necessary corporate actions. Additionally, the 'Business for Marriage Equality' campaign, which expects to reach 700 supporting companies, will hold a press conference to present specific institutional reforms and service improvements required for businesses upon the realization of same-sex marriage.

[Date] June 30, 2026 (Tue) 15:00–17:30 [Venue] Keidanren Kaikan International Conference Hall

Furthermore, the application forms for the 'PRIDE Index 2026' and the 2026 'Rainbow Certification' were released on June 1, 2026. Applications will be accepted from July 1 to August 31.

As work with Pride marks its 15th anniversary, it reflects on the steady growth of social understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. Despite anti-DEI movements in the US, Japan continues to advance DEI through legal mandates such as the anti-harassment law. To further progress, the organization has decided to hold two special conferences this year.