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The Star
08-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Banker backs DEI at Tokyo parade amid backlash
TOKYO: The head of one of Japan's largest investment banks used the Tokyo Pride parade to strike a rare public stance on pushing ahead with diversity initiatives, as US President Donald Trump seeks to abolish such policies. Few Japanese corporate executives have taken a clear position on United States efforts to roll back the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies that had become common at global corporations, though many firms appear to have quietly maintained their initiatives. 'Even if the United States has adopted an anti-DEI policy, Japan should press ahead and make up for lost time rather than following suit,' said Akihiko Ogino, president and chief executive officer of Daiwa Securities Group Inc, before the start of the Tokyo Pride parade near the bustling Shibuya area. He was speaking yesterday at his first visit to the Tokyo iteration of the global event that organisers describe as 'advocating LGBTQ+ rights and dignity'. Faced with a rapidly ageing and shrinking population, some Japanese firms have sought to bolster the pool of available workers by becoming more inclusive of different gender and sexual minorities, as well as women. Major financial firms including Nomura Holdings Inc, Goldman Sachs Group Inc and Deutsche Bank AG are also among the sponsors of the event, according to its website. Companies around the world that do business in the United States have faced a dilemma in dealing with the abrupt about-face on the issue. Trump has vowed to stamp out diversity policies across the board, saying they are illegal and have disastrous consequences. In response, Citigroup Inc withdrew its ambitious DEI goals, and other US financial firms have made adjustments. Ogino said he doesn't necessarily oppose the anti-DEI movement in the United States but that he thinks it's 'important to recognise that there are people with different viewpoints and work together within an organisation'. 'I believe we should acknowledge such diversity, recognise the differences between ourselves and others, and work together while respecting each other,' he said. Daiwa earned less than 7% of its ordinary profit last fiscal year through businesses in the Americas as a whole. Japanese automakers Nissan Motor Co and Toyota Motor Co rolled back some initiatives in the United States last year after pressure from conservative activists like Robby Starbuck. — Bloomberg
Straits Times
08-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Top banker vows loyalty to DEI at Tokyo Pride parade as Trump's pushback rages
Some Japanese firms have sought to bolster the pool of available workers by becoming more inclusive of different gender and sexual minorities. PHOTO: EPA-EFE TOKYO – The head of one of Japan's largest investment banks used the Tokyo Pride parade to strike a rare public stance on pushing ahead with diversity initiatives, as US President Donald Trump seeks to abolish such policies. Few Japanese corporate executives have taken a clear position on US efforts to roll back the diversity, equity and inclusion policies that had become common at global corporations, though many firms appear to have quietly maintained their initiatives. 'Even if the US has adopted an anti-DEI policy, Japan should press ahead and make up for lost time rather than following suit,' said Mr Akihiko Ogino, president and chief executive officer of Daiwa Securities Group Inc, before the start of the Tokyo Pride parade near the bustling Shibuya area. He was speaking on June 8 at his first visit to the Tokyo iteration of the global event that organisers describe as 'advocating LGBTQ+ rights and dignity'. Faced with a rapidly ageing and shrinking population, some Japanese firms have sought to bolster the pool of available workers by becoming more inclusive of different gender and sexual minorities, as well as women. Major financial firms including Nomura Holdings, Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank are also among the sponsors of the event, according to its website. Companies around the world that do business in the US have faced a dilemma in dealing with the abrupt about-face on the issue. Mr Trump has vowed to stamp out diversity policies across the board, saying they are illegal and have disastrous consequences. In response, Citigroup withdrew its ambitious DEI goals and other US financial firms have made adjustments. Mr Ogino said he doesn't necessarily oppose the anti-DEI movement in the US, but that he thinks it's 'important to recognise that there are people with different viewpoints and work together within an organisation'. 'I believe we should acknowledge such diversity, recognise the differences between ourselves and others, and work together while respecting each other,' he said. Daiwa earned less than 7 per cent of its ordinary profit last fiscal year through businesses in the Americas as a whole. Japanese carmakers Nissan and Toyota rolled back some initiatives in the US in 2024 after pressure from conservative activists like Robby Starbuck. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group erased references to DEI from its American websites, but the Japanese company left its international websites untouched, describing the US changes as part of a global digital restructure 'after many months of planning'. A survey by the Mainichi newspaper published in March found 83 per cent of Japanese companies who responded agreed that DEI initiatives are necessary to secure talent. Bloomberg Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Mint
08-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Top Banker Vows Loyalty to DEI at Tokyo Pride Parade as Trump's Pushback Rages
The head of one of Japan's largest investment banks used the Tokyo Pride parade to strike a rare public stance on pushing ahead with diversity initiatives, as US President Donald Trump seeks to abolish such policies. Few Japanese corporate executives have taken a clear position on US efforts to roll back the diversity, equity and inclusion policies that had become common at global corporations, though many firms appear to have quietly maintained their initiatives. 'Even if the US has adopted an anti-DEI policy, Japan should press ahead and make up for lost time rather than following suit,' said Akihiko Ogino, president and chief executive officer of Daiwa Securities Group Inc., before the start of the Tokyo Pride parade near the bustling Shibuya area. He was speaking Sunday at his first visit to the Tokyo iteration of the global event that organizers describe as 'advocating LGBTQ rights and dignity.' Read: Trump's Anti-Diversity Drive Diverts Investors to Laggard Japan Faced with a rapidly aging and shrinking population, some Japanese firms have sought to bolster the pool of available workers by becoming more inclusive of different gender and sexual minorities, as well as women. Major financial firms including Nomura Holdings Inc., Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Deutsche Bank AG are also among the sponsors of the event, according to its website. Companies around the world that do business in the US have faced a dilemma in dealing with the abrupt about-face on the issue. Read: Trump Has Companies in Europe and Asia Walking a DEI Tightrope Trump has vowed to stamp out diversity policies across the board, saying they are illegal and have disastrous consequences. In response, Citigroup Inc. withdrew its ambitious DEI goals and other U.S. financial firms have made adjustments. Ogino said he doesn't necessarily oppose the anti-DEI movement in the US, but that he thinks it's 'important to recognize that there are people with different viewpoints and work together within an organization.' 'I believe we should acknowledge such diversity, recognize the differences between ourselves and others, and work together while respecting each other,' he said. Daiwa earned less than 7% of its ordinary profit last fiscal year through businesses in the Americas as a whole. Japanese automakers Nissan Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Co. rolled back some initiatives in the US last year after pressure from conservative activists like Robby Starbuck. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. erased references to DEI from its American websites, but the Japanese company left its international websites untouched, describing the US changes as part of a global digital restructure 'after many months of planning.' A survey by the Mainichi newspaper published in March found 83% of Japanese companies who responded agreed that DEI initiatives are necessary to secure talent. With assistance from Takashi Nakamichi. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Bloomberg
08-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Top Banker Vows Loyalty to DEI at Tokyo Pride Parade as Trump's Pushback Rages
The head of one of Japan's largest investment banks used the Tokyo Pride parade to strike a rare public stance on pushing ahead with diversity initiatives, as US President Donald Trump seeks to abolish such policies. Few Japanese corporate executives have taken a clear position on US efforts to roll back the diversity, equity and inclusion policies that had become common at global corporations, though many firms appear to have quietly maintained their initiatives.
Tokyo Weekender
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
Everything You Need To Know About Tokyo Pride 2025
Get ready to paint the town rainbow for this year's Tokyo Pride. The event is expanding its programming in 2025 and shifting to June to align with the global Pride Month. That means more events, more visibility and more reasons to celebrate love and diversity in one of the world's most fascinating cities. From the iconic parade through Shibuya and Harajuku to intimate community gatherings, Tokyo Pride 2025 promises to be a joyful and important celebration of love and equality. List of Contents: Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2025: All the Essential Dates and Details Your Game Plan for the Festival and Parade Beyond TRP: Tokyo's LGBTQ+ Scene Related Posts Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2025: All the Essential Dates and Details Let's dive right in — when and where you need to be to catch all the rainbow magic. The Main Festival at Yoyogi Park (June 7-8) The heart of Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2025 beats at Yoyogi Park, where the main Pride Festival takes over the Event Plaza and Outdoor Stage, running from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 7 and 8. It's completely free. There will be diverse crowds, live performances, food stalls and booths representing organizations from across Japan's LGBTQ+ spectrum. The Pride Parade (June 8) Sunday, June 8 is when the real magic happens. The Pride Parade kicks off at around 12 p.m., following the classic Shibuya to Harajuku route that transforms Tokyo's busiest districts into a rainbow river of celebration. You don't need any registration or special permission to join the parade. Just show up at the designated waiting area at Yoyogi Park's tree-lined path, and you're officially part of the rainbow festivities. Youth Pride and Other Events Youth Pride takes over at With Harajuku Hall on June 14 and 15, creating a festival-style event that is specifically designed for younger generations. Art lovers, mark your calendars for the Queer Art Exhibition running between June 6 and 18 at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku. Located on the third floor of Baby The Coffee Brew Club, this free exhibition showcases the incredible creativity within Tokyo's LGBTQ+ community. For those interested in the serious side of progress, the Human Rights Conference on June 22 will tackle legal frameworks, intersectionality and diverse perspectives on LGBTQ+ rights. Registration is required, but attendance is free. If you're ready to party into the night, Pride Night at Aisotope Lounge in Shinjuku Ni-chome on June 8 (6 p.m. to midnight) offers the perfect after-parade celebration — though this one does require a ticket. Your Game Plan for the Festival and Parade Getting to Yoyogi Park Yoyogi Park is quite accessible, which is great news when you're running late in characteristically gay fashion. The park sits just three minutes from Harajuku Station if you're taking the JR Yamanote Line, or three minutes from either Yoyogi-koen Station or Meiji-jingumae Station (Harajuku) if you prefer the subway lines (Chiyoda or Fukutoshin). When in doubt, just follow the crowds donning colorful gear. What To Expect When You Arrive Tokyo Rainbow Pride has mastered the art of organized fun. Expect a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere where respect and celebration go hand in hand. The festival area buzzes with energy, but it never feels overwhelming. Pro Tips for the Event Dress comfortably : Tokyo in June can be warm and humid, so breathable fabrics are your friend. Hydration is key : Bring water and snacks, because parade energy burns calories. Sun protection : Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a rainbow parasol and your gayest snap fan. Respect boundaries : Photography is welcome, but always ask before taking someone's picture. Pack light : A small bag with essentials is perfect; you'll be doing a lot of walking and celebrating. This is a 'rain or shine' event, though extreme weather might lead to cancellations. Beyond TRP: Tokyo's LGBTQ+ Scene Shinjuku Nichome: Your After-Party Headquarters Once the official festivities wind down, Tokyo's legendary gay district, Shinjuku Nichome, becomes the unofficial after-party headquarters. This compact area packs an incredible number of bars, clubs and social spaces into just a few blocks. It's intimate, friendly, and has been the heart of Tokyo's LGBTQ+ nightlife for decades. LGBTQ+ Friendly Spots Around the City There's a lot more to Tokyo's queer scene beyond Nichome. Black Bird Eatery is an intimate, international café and bar that will be holding events throughout Pride Month. Many international hotel chains have also made commitments to inclusive service, making Tokyo an increasingly welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Community Resources and Support Organizations like Stonewall Japan, Pride House Tokyo and TELL (Tokyo English Lifeline) provide ongoing support for Tokyo's LGBTQ+ community. These groups offer everything from social events to mental health resources, proving that Tokyo's Pride celebration is just one part of a year-round commitment to inclusion. Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2025 isn't just an event — it's a celebration of community and an ongoing fight for progress. Whether you're there to march, observe, learn or simply soak up the fantastically gay vibes, you're contributing to something bigger than yourself. So mark your calendar, get out your most colorful clothes and get ready for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of love and acceptance. 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