Missing rainbow
Globally, the fashion industry’s status as an ally of LGBTQ issues is pretty much a given, to the point where it’s considered an industry stereotype by the general public. When Pride Month rolls around in the United States in June, there is usually an influx of international observers asking how Japanese fashion honors the month. In this case, the news is “no news.”
While some fashion retail groups like Marui have been vocal supporters and arguably made the most tangible mark on urban spaces by turning over a significant proportion of outdoors advertising spaces to Pride awareness, the overall impact from the industry is decidedly muted. However, given the increased mockery, particularly online, of companies forcing messages of solidarity for the sake of public relations, perhaps silence is preferable.