As the Japan leader of EY Unity, Asako was instrumental in EY’s involvement at Tokyo Pride, with the support of the D&I team. This included arranging the recording of video messages from EY members and visitors, inspired by the “It Gets Better” project, to show visible support for LGBT+ youth. Asako also shared Unity’s strategy and initiatives as a best practice at IBM Japan’s Ally forum in 2017, was recognised by EY’s “Better Begins With You” peer-based global award program, becoming one of 12 regional finalists. Externally, she is a director of Good Aging Yells, whose mission is to nurture communities where LGBT+ people and non-LGBT+ people can connect. They run a café at Hayama Beach, the “Out in Japan” portrait project, and are an organizer of “Work With Pride”. Asako has spoken on panels and at workshops for various companies about LGBT+ inclusion at work and in 2016, led the creation of the first workplace equality index in Japan, PRIDE Index, and continues to lead the program.
