Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2023 was held in Yoyogi Park on April 22 and 23, 2023. The event celebrates the diversity of gender and life by providing support for the LGBTQ+ community and other sexual minorities in society. As was the case last year, Sony Group Corporation (SGC) and Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) served as sponsors.
This report covers the message boards displayed at the event, the videos aired on the Sony Vision Shibuya, a large outdoor display installed on the Shibuya Modi Building, the scene at the SIE booth and other activities.
This event is organized by Tokyo Rainbow Pride, a non-profit organization that aims to realize a happier society where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can live their lives with greater positivity and pride in themselves under the theme "Be Yourself, Be Joyful, Be Proud." Adopting the slogan "Press on till Japan changes," the 2023 event was held to celebrate the existence of LGBTQ+ and other sexual minorities in society and the diversity of gender and life.
Events that demonstrate to the world that the LGBTQ+ community exists and celebrate their culture are called "pride events," "pride festivals," and "pride parades" when the main event is a parade. It is believed these events originated in the first demonstrations held on June 27-28, 1970, in the United States to commemorate the Stonewall Rebellion, which started on June 28, 1969, the previous year.
In Japan, the first Lesbian and Gay Parade was held in 1994, ultimately leading to the current Tokyo Rainbow Pride after undergoing various transformations.
SGC and SIE respectively served as Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2023 Bronze and Silver Sponsors. At the venue, SGC erected a message board depicting the Sony Group's stance on relevant issues while SIE set up a photo booth.
A video message using the Pride logo was aired both days of the event on Sony Vision Shibuya, a large outdoor display installed on the Shibuya Modi Building.
The weather on both April 22 and 23 was fine and as COVID-19 restrictions at the venue were lifted for the first time in four years, it was thronged with visitors. (According to official figures, an aggregate total of 240,000 people visited the event in two days)
A message board prepared by SGC was installed near the food and beverage booth, attracting attention in one of the most crowded areas of the venue.
With its Japanese-style exterior featuring lanterns and other decorations, SIE's photo booth strongly promoted the Sony brand to the many visitors who came. In particular, many fans gathered to take pictures with Toro, SIE's mascot character, when he made an appearance at the booth, creating a fun atmosphere shared by visitors and staff members.
SIE also participated in the parade. Approximately 80 employees from SIE and other Sony Group companies in Japan and abroad wearing matching T-shirts and carrying lanterns and fans marched through Shibuya and Harajuku. People along the route also cheered continuously for about an hour, creating a sense of unity between the parading employees and fans of the PlayStation® brand.
On the parade route, Sony Vision Shibuya aired a video message from the Sony Group. While the Pride logo display and message were simple, they impressed parade participants and spectators along the route with the Sony Group's commitment to LGBTQ+ issues.
LGBTQ+ issues in Japan are extremely complex and cannot be resolved by the government, NPOs or corporations acting alone. They must be addressed by society as a whole. In addition to promoting internal initiatives, the Sony Group will actively participate in Tokyo Rainbow Pride and other external events and campaigns as it endeavors to realize a workplace where employees of all sexual orientations and gender identities can work with pride.
