Fridae

Gap Japan, Shiseido and Lush Japan are among Japanese companies reaching out to the LGBT community.

They are working to create a better working environment for LGBT employees and hosting events to promote understanding and acceptance.

The moves come as the wider public is showing greater tolerance of LGBT and expect companies to do the same.

In 2014 Gap Japan launched an in-house workshop to help staff at the personnel division of its headquarters and flagship stores learn basic knowledge about and deepen understanding for LGBT people.

Gap Japan also hosted a work experience outreach to LGBT youth at one of their stores.

Lush Japan, an affiliate of the UK brand, works hard to champion an ethical corporate identity.

The brand offers LGBT employees the same access to parental leave as heterosexual employees.

Cosmetic brand Shiseido has been heavily involved in Out in Japan, a photo project run by good raging yells and features LGBT people.