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Lunchtime Talk Session with Guest Speaker Naosuke Fujita
Overview
On June 16, 2025, we hosted a lunchtime talk session with guest speaker Naosuke Fujita, co-representative and co-founder of the Lawyers for LGBTQ and Allies Network (LLAN). We are pleased to report that the event drew close to 100 attendees.
Held as part of our firm’s 2025 Pride Month initiatives, the session focused on the theme: “How does having an Ally as a manager change the workplace?” The aim was to deepen understanding among staff and managers, to continue building a safe and welcoming workplace environment.
Part 1: Keynote Speech by Naosuke Fujita
Part 2: Q&A Session
Panelists: Naosuke Fujita, Ryutaro Nakayama, Takanori Mizuno, and Mariko Kobayashi
Keynote Speech
In 2015, while serving as head of legal at Goldman Sachs Japan, Mr. Fujita began his journey as an ally after one of his team members came out to him. He shared this personal experience and spoke about what allies can do in the workplace, as well as the role organizations can play in fostering inclusion.
He pointed out that for about three-quarters of his career he did not identify as an ally, emphasizing the point that understanding begins with learning, regardless of age, and that change is possible even starting in your 50s and beyond.
Reflecting on the time his team member came out to him, Mr. Fujita noted that although it was unexpected to him, three things were crucial: expressing gratitude for their openness, actively listening to their wishes, and responding in alignment with their intentions. He stressed that the initial response is especially critical, as it has a significant impact on trust and the workplace environment moving forward.
Following the coming out of his team member, he observed positive changes including smoother communication within the team and improved performance from the team member. He also emphasized that ensuring psychological safety across the organization requires support not only from direct supervisors but also from HR and senior leadership. At the time, he had conveyed a message of support on behalf of top management.
Mr. Fujita work as an ally has since expanded to include serving as a board member of LLAN, conducting training and lectures at companies and universities, advocating for marriage equality, and writing books and articles on the topic. He shared that increasing the number of allies can be achieved by making your support visible, through visual signs like stickers or badges, and by fostering understanding through dialogue.
To conclude, he recommended reading court rulings as a way to deepen our understanding as an ally. Notably, he pointed to high court decisions on same-sex marriage, which carefully and objectively document societal changes and the lived experiences of LGBTQ individuals.
Naosuke Fujita is co-representative director and one of the co-founders of LLAN. He is a graduate of Waseda University Department of Law and University of Michigan Law School LLM. Naosuke founded LLAN following the coming out of his colleague at work during his time as General Counsel for Goldman Sachs Japan Co., Ltd. (March 2009 to December 2019). In June 2017 , he was awarded with the Financial Times Most Innovative General Counsel Award in connection with activities related to LLAN. Naosuke is the editor and author of LLAN's "Guide to Creating an LGBT Friendly Workplace," an introductory guide designed to help Japanese corporations take their first step in creating an LGBTQ friendly workplace.
Q&A Session
During the Q&A session, managing partner Ryutaro Nakayama, associate Takanori Mizuno, who is active in business and human rights sustainability mainly in the fields of competition law and trade law, and Mariko Kobayashi, a member of the PA Department who took SOGI harassment training as a new member this year, took the stage as the panelists.
The questions and answers throughout the session thoughtfully connected global trends with everyday workplace realities, making it a valuable and insightful experience for all participants.
Speakers: Naosuke Fujita, Ryutaro Nakayama, Takanori Mizuno, and Mariko Kobayashi
Comments by Participants
Following the session, several colleagues shared their thoughts and reflections, some of which are highlighted below.
“The keynote speech in the first half was very easy to understand and relatable. In the second half of the panel discussion, we discussed Mr. Nakayama's thoughts and how we can consider the issue from the perspectives of lawyers and staff. It was a very meaningful opportunity to gain insight into these views.”
“I learned more about awareness and support in Japan, and particularly in the corporate workspace.”
Summary and Outlook
This talk session provided a valuable opportunity to reflect once again on the significance of our law firm’s support for LGBTQ+ people, as well as the importance of lawyers and managers openly identifying as allies. At our firm, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels safe and supported, not only during Pride Month but throughout the year. With that in mind, we will continuously engage all levels of the organization, from leadership to management and beyond, with ongoing education and initiatives. Moving forward, we will continue to promote a respectful and inclusive workplace for all through opportunities like this.