Rakuten named Gold Award winner by work with Pride for 8th Year: Recognizing commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion

For the 8th consecutive year, Rakuten Group has been honored with the prestigious Gold Award from work with Pride, Japan’s leading benchmark for corporate LGBTQ+ inclusion. Announced on November 14, 2024, the achievement is more than just a recognition — it reflects Rakuten’s deep commitment to creating a workplace where diversity thrives, and every employee feels empowered to be their authentic self.

Excelling in policy, representation & engagement

work with Pride is a respected index in Japan that evaluates companies on their support for LGBTQ+ employees. The Gold Award is given to organizations that excel in policy, representation and engagement. Rakuten’s consistent wins highlight its leadership and ongoing dedication to setting a higher standard for inclusion.

Rakuten’s commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion is grounded in equitable policies and proactive engagement. Since 2016, the company has recognized same-sex partners*1 as spouses, ensuring equal treatment for all couples. This recognition is particularly significant in Japan, where marriage equality is not yet legally recognized.

Through Rakuten’s Employee Resource Group, R-Pride, it collaborates with LGBTQ+ employees and allies to raise awareness and drive meaningful change. Rakuten’s dedication extends beyond internal initiatives; services like Rakuten Beauty, Rakuten Bank, Rakuten Card, Rakuten Insurance and Rakuten Mobile also prioritize inclusivity. For instance, Rakuten Bank allows same-sex couples to jointly apply for housing loans based on their combined income, even without official documentation certifying their partnership. Similarly, Rakuten Card permits same-sex partners to apply for family credit cards, while Rakuten Life Insurance allows registering same-sex partners as beneficiaries and provides access to specific insurance products. These efforts reflect Rakuten’s commitment to addressing systemic challenges and providing equal support to LGBTQ+ customers.

Participation in events like Tokyo Rainbow Pride further showcases Rakuten’s commitment to the community both within and beyond the Group. This comprehensive strategy—blending policy, representation, engagement and empowerment—sets Rakuten apart and consistently earns recognition from work with Pride.

“Embracing inclusion is fundamental to our culture”

“We’re thrilled to receive this recognition again,” said Mirai Olausson, Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications Section and Manager, DEIB*2 Group, Corporate Culture Division. “This award isn’t just a celebration — it’s a reminder of why we champion diversity. Embracing inclusion is fundamental to our culture, fueling our growth and driving innovation.”

“Inclusion isn’t just a policy — it’s a core principle we live by,” added Shokhsanam Umurzakova, Assistant Manager of the ERG*3 Communication Team. “We strive to ensure every Rakutenian feels seen, supported, and valued.”

Rakuten’s consistent recognition from work with Pride underscores its efforts to build an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation. By prioritizing equitable policies and a supportive culture, Rakuten is leading the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in Japan.


*1 Refers to partners whose legally registered sex (on their family registry or identification card) is the same as the employee.
*2 DEIB: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
*3 ERG: Employee Resource Group

Tags
Show More
Back to top button