Activities to promote diversity

We, the Yamaha Group, believe that it is essential for its growth as a company to create an organisation where the individuality of each person is respected, and everyone can play an active role with confidence.

Aiming to create an inclusive workplace free from discrimination and prejudice, we focus on creating a comfortable working environment for sexual minority parties and promote activities to boost understanding and support for the LGBTQ+ community. To date, we have organised company-wide seminars on LGBTQ+, established an LGBTQ+ logo, distributed stickers internally to identify as a LGBTQ+ Ally (supporter), and developed tools to promote understanding within the workplace. The company also provides benefits and support for diverse employees, including an LGBTQ+ consultation service and the introduction of a system that allows employees to apply for internal programs regardless of the gender of their partner.

As part of our activities to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), Yamaha Corporation has been supporting Tokyo Rainbow Pride*, one of Asia's largest LGBTQ+ related events, since 2021.

Employee Activities

We are actively taking action to build a more inclusive workplace where our LGBTQ+ colleagues feel safe and valued. With this in mind, a project was launched in 2023 by the HR department with volunteer employees. As part of the activities this year, 25 employee volunteers from various departments within the company organised a team and participated in Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024.

We celebrate individuality

We believe that sound and music has the power to have a profound impact on people and we wish to continue to be a way for people to express themselves, connect with the wider world and pursue their own path.

At the Yamaha booth at Tokyo Rainbow Pride, colourful LovePianos^® and guitars were on display for people to interact and enjoy. Our aim was for attendees to enjoy the experience of discovering and expressing their individuality through performance, and visitors becoming further aware of people’s diversity and individuality.

Many visitors interacted and played the instruments, leading to the Yamaha booth being filled with colourful sounds and music.

LGBTQ+ community and music

There is a deep connection between music and the LGBTQ+ community. Numerous brilliant LGBTQ+ and Ally artists have created music, and their work continues to inspire people around the world.
At the Yamaha booth, visitors could gain a better understanding of the circumstances of the LGBTQ+ community in each era from a musical perspective, as well as receive messages from artists who actively identify as LGBTQ+ or as Allys.

In addition, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Pride Parade in Japan, content was also delivered in the form of a playlist of '30 classic songs celebrating LGBTQ+'. It was also an opportunity for visitors to rediscover the connection between music and the LGBTQ+ community.

After participating in Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024

The staff who took part in this activity as volunteers had a wide range of comments to offer.
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Pride Parade in Japan, some participants reflected on the progress made in society as a whole compared to 30 years ago, while others said that things they had taken for granted, such as real estate and weddings, were not so easy, and that it was important to have the opportunity to make people aware of the correct way to solve this. There were also additional comments regarding expectations for stronger awareness-raising activities within the company and continued support for associated events.

Voice of Human Resources team

A member of Yamaha Corporation's Human Resources Department, who led the initiative, recalls, "This was Yamaha's second time exhibiting at the booth, but more employees participated than last time, and we felt a strong sense of interest within the company. The Tokyo Rainbow Pride is an event where employees and the company can come together to realise the power of diversity and think about creating a more inclusive society. I hope to apply the learnings from this event within Yamaha, and at the same time continue to support the LGBTQ+ community inside and outside the company, promoting DE&I, and grow as a workplace and brand that encourages each and every individual to be who they are".

We will continue to understand, respect and support the LGBTQ+ community towards a society where each shining individual can freely express their individuality.

^* One of Asia's largest LGBTQ+ events since 2012, aiming to promote the existence of various sexual minorities in society and celebrate diversity in gender and life.