Masa Yanagisawa

The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Rights in Japan: A Conversation With GS Advocates

Hiroki Inaba, Masakazu Yanagisawa, Akiko Koda, Jake Seward, Masa Yanagisawa

Following a landmark Japanese court ruling that declared the failure to recognize same-sex marriage unconstitutional, a panel of corporate leaders and activists discussed the resulting legislative momentum and shifting public sentiment. Highlighting data from Dentsu indicating 80% support among citizens aged 20–59, the conversation detailed how major firms like Goldman Sachs, Sony, and Panasonic have expanded inclusive benefits to attract global talent and address workplace inequities. With industry participation rising from 87 to 183 companies between 2017 and 2020, these stakeholders expressed confidence that ongoing legal and cultural transformations will soon mandate nationwide marriage equality in Japan.