Interview
The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Rights in Japan: A Conversation With GS Advocates
- Legal Milestone: A recent Japanese court ruling declared the failure to recognize same-sex marriage unconstitutional, marking the first such decision in a G7 nation and triggering immediate legislative discussions in the Diet.
- Media Shift: Following the ruling, mainstream Japanese media (newspapers, TV) began actively discussing LGBTQ+ issues, ending a long period of silence on the topic.
- Public Sentiment: A Dentsu survey indicates that nearly 80% of Japanese citizens aged 20–59 approve of same-sex marriage, signaling a significant generational shift in public sentiment.
- Corporate Policy Evolution: While Japan has historically lacked national marriage equality, local municipalities like Shibuya City have passed ordinances recognizing same-sex partnerships, prompting corporate policy changes.
- Goldman Sachs Benefits: Goldman Sachs Tokyo provides equal benefits to same-sex and opposite-sex couples, including marriage leave, adoption leave, fertility treatments, and insurance coverage.
- Industry Benchmarking: In 2017, the "Work with Pride" Equality Index recognized 87 Japanese companies for LGBTQ+ inclusivity; by 2020, this number rose to 183, including major corporations like Sony and Panasonic.
- Talent Strategy: The American Chambers of Commerce in Japan, with 61 endorsing organizations, cited the legal disparity as a deterrent to attracting talent, framing marriage equality as critical for the "war for talent."
- Insurance Sector Leadership: Japanese insurance companies were early adopters of LGBTQ+ inclusion, driven by business case studies from US counterparts regarding policy treatment of same-sex couples.
- Personal Narrative (Masa Yanagisawa): Came out in 2012 after advocating for housing benefits for same-sex partners at a previous firm; leveraged industry guidance from Goldman Sachs to implement policy changes at that firm.
- Personal Narrative (Hiroki Inaba): Delayed coming out until 2015 due to career risks; motivated by Goldman Sachs' 2009–2015 inclusive initiatives and the desire to mentor LGBTQ+ students without concealing identity.
- Organizational Achievements: Inaba organized an NPO of business lawyers (joining four major firms) that successfully advocated for marriage equality, earning the 2017 American Bar Association Outstanding International Corporate Council Award.
- Employee Resource Groups: Goldman Sachs maintains active LGBTQ+ networks in Japan and the Asia Pacific region, supported by visible allyship from Managing Directors and employees.
- Recruitment Initiatives: The firm hosts "Pink Friday" celebrations in November and career forums for LGBTQ+ students, including mock interviews to assist candidates navigating disclosure decisions.
- Future Outlook: All three guests express high confidence that the court ruling, combined with global trends and UN Sustainable Development Goal advocacy, will lead to the legalization of same-sex marriage in Japan.
- Global Context: The evolution of LGBTQ+ rights in Japan parallels a global trend moving from Europe to the US, and now to APAC regions like Taiwan, which has driven Japanese corporate reform.
- Workplace Dynamics: Legalizing marriage equality is viewed as essential for removing the burden of hiding sexual orientation, thereby enhancing creativity, innovation, and overall workplace atmosphere.
- Podcast Metadata: Recorded on April 8, 2021 (April 9 in Japan); hosted by Jake Seward (Global Head of Corporate Communications) featuring Hiroki Inaba, Masa Yanagisawa, and Akiko Koda from the Tokyo office.