LLAN’s second annual Equality Gala took place this weekend and was attended by senior and managing partners of all “big four” Japanese law firms and managing partners of 10 major international law firms.

Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike told those gathered “the Tokyo government values people and seeks to realize a city where women, men, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and LGBT can live with vitality, can be an active player and seeks to realize diversity.”

“While a national discussion is required with respect to same-sex marriage,” he continued, “prejudice and discrimination against LGBT people must be eliminated. I wish the success of this event from the bottom of my heart, towards the realization of a city that embraces diversity and is filled with warmth and kindness."

Yasushi Takayama, LLAN Board member and Chief Legal Counsel/Senior Managing Director of Nomura Holdings Inc, spoke about the importance of being a marriage equality ally, especially from a business perspective, according to Japan Today.

LLAN was established to provide legal assistance to promote the understanding of LGBT and other sexual minorities ad to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.