Report on Panasonic’s Participation in Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2023
Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2023 was held at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo on April 22 (Sat.) and 23 (Sun.). Panasonic Connect and Panasonic Holdings were gold sponsors of Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2023. Panasonic Holdings had a booth for the first time at this event, and about 200 employees of the Panasonic Group chose to participate in the parade on the second day.
All information and persons is accurate to the time of the events.
About Tokyo Rainbow Pride
Tokyo Rainbow Pride is an event that spreads awareness of LGBTQ and other sexual minorities in society, and celebrates diversity of gender and lifestyles. Since 2012, the event has been held annually to provide a place for LGBTQ persons and their supporters to connect. 2023’s event was held under the theme of “Press On till Japan Changes.” Many companies, organizations and individuals supported the organizer’s wish to keep working for a future where everyone can live together in a fair and happy society. A total of 240,000 people came to see the colorful booths and stage events at the venue over the two days.
Related information:
Panasonic’s Booth
Panasonic Holdings set up a photo booth by professional photographers titled “Family Photo Studio.” Family here refers to a relationship with one’s partner, friends, pets, etc. that makes one feel happy and is not limited to one’s blood-related “family.”
The booth was planned by members of the Panasonic Rainbow Network (PRN), an in-house community of the Panasonic Group, and was brought to fruition by the Normal Lab, a unit within the Panasonic Group that provides consulting services related to DEI. The images taken were encoded into a two-dimensional code on the spot, which could be read to receive the data. In the booth, we also exhibited examples of initiatives to support LGBTQ people and DEI activities undertaken by the Panasonic Group.
About 380 groups of people visited the Family Photo Studio over two days, many of whom were holding rainbow-colored flags bearing the slogan “LGBTQ ALLY Panasonic” and looking like they were having a great time taking photos.
Visitor Comments
I heard about the booth from an acquaintance who works for the Panasonic Group and was curious to come. I have a same-sex partner and we will have a baby soon, so I used the booth for maternity photos. I was happy to be able to preserve these precious moments with my partner.
Photo shoot with partner
I didn’t know that the Panasonic Group was so committed to supporting the LGBTQ community. It’s not often you get a chance to have your photo taken by a professional photographer, so I’m glad I had the opportunity to experience it.
Solo photo shoot
Members of the Normal Lab and the Panasonic Group DEI Promotion Office, who were in charge of running the booth.
Parade
One of the largest parades in Asia was held on the second day of the event, in which the Panasonic Group participated. This was the Panasonic Group’s second appearance at the parade, the first being back in 2019. Around 200 employees, including executives from each of our operating companies, took part in this year’s parade. The parade started out at Yoyogi Park, with the participants walking along Meiji-dori Avenue from Jinnan 1 Chome intersection, and returning to the venue from Meiji-jingumae Station. People wearing rainbow-colored clothing and accessories, which symbolize the event, cheered loudly along the course, and Panasonic Group employees who participated in the parade responded to their support by waving LGBTQ ALLY flags and smiling as they crossed the finish line gate.
Employees participating in the parade waving the LGBTQ ALLY flags
Comments from Participating Employees
I saw the announcement on the company’s social media and decided to bring my family along. At first I thought I would be nervous, but my daughter also seemed to enjoy walking in the parade, so I am glad we were able to participate together.
Employee who participated with family
I was encouraged by people giving me high fives along the route and cheering from inside their cars. As a secretary, I meet many different people in the course of my work, and this parade made me feel that I would like to live as I am, sparing a thought for those who may be holding back from being themselves.
Employee who came over from Yokohama to take part
As an LGBTQ person myself, I try to actively participate in events like this. As a member of the Panasonic Group, I feel proud to be able to walk around wearing matching T-shirts with others from the same company. I would like to continue my efforts to increase the number of LGBTQ allies with the aim of creating a better workplace for my fellow employees.
Non-Japanese employee
I came from Shiga to participate in this event. I was happy to be able to talk directly with executives and employees whom I don’t get to meet very often. I had a vague notion of the word “ALLY,” but this event made me want to learn more about LGBTQ and diversity in earnest and do what I can to help. I am glad I took the plunge and came all the way from Kansai!
Employee who attended with a colleague
Comments from Participating Executives
I have been participating in these activities continuously since 2017.
I would be happy if our actions can be a step forward in supporting social change, even if only a little.
Hajime Tamaoki
Executive Officer
Panasonic Holdings Corporation
Rainbow Pride has made me realize that, by respecting and honoring each other, we can fuse various kinds of knowledge.
Masahiro Shinada
CEO
Panasonic Corporation
I am grateful for the opportunity to hear from long-time participants about their thoughts on these activities.
Kiyoshi Otaki
President
Electric Works Company
Panasonic Corporation
I would like to take advantage of such opportunities to become more aware of and reflect on the issues, and take action.
Eiichi Katayama
President
Cold Chain Solutions Company
Panasonic Corporation
It was a pleasure to see the employees enjoying themselves, and I felt the need to encourage this mood to spread throughout the company.
Masaharu Michiura
President
Heating & Ventilation A/C Company
Panasonic Corporation
