On June 26, UNU will host “Building Co-Existence: Toward an Inclusive Japan”, a conversation with Ven. Kodo Nishimura, Buddhist Monk and Artist; and Mr. Juan Pablo Reyes, Publicist, Photographer and Art Director. The event will start at 18:30 in the 2F Reception Hall at the UNU Headquarters in Tokyo.
On 25 March 2025, the Osaka High Court ruled that the denial of legal recognition for same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, making it the fifth high court in Japan to hand down such a decision, noting that existing provisions "undermine the dignity of individuals seriously and are unreasonable.” During the same week, the Japan Immigration Services Agency released figures indicating that the country’s foreign population had reached 3.8 million, a 10.5% annual increase and third consecutive record high. Both developments point towards fundamental changes in 21st century Japan towards a more open and inclusive society.
Ven. Kodo Nishimura and Mr. Juan Pablo Reyes will join UNU Rector Tshilidzi Marwala to discuss the importance of overcoming differences of culture, language and personality, and fostering a future where we embrace co-existence. What forms of challenges do same-sex couples face in Japan? How do we overcome prejudices to foster a more caring society? How can the next generation shape a more respectful and compassionate future?
The UNU Conversation Series aims to foster audience participation; you are encouraged to engage with the speakers during the conversation and at the reception that will follow, where all event attendees are invited to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks while exchanging ideas and making new contacts.
Please note that this event will be in English. Advance registration (by 25 June at 15:00) is required. Please click on the REGISTER button above to access the online registration page.
Please be prepared to present identification at check-in.
About the speakers
Ven. Kodo Nishimura is a Buddhist monk and Artist. He was born in Tokyo in 1989. He graduated from the Parsons School of Design in New York. After graduating, he started to thrive as a makeup artist, working behind the scenes of Miss Universe and NY Fashion Week.
In 2015, Kodo trained to be a monk and was certified by the Pure Land school. He rose to fame following his appearance on “Queer Eye: We’re in Japan.” He spoke at the United Nations Population Fund, Yale University, and Stanford University as an LGBTQ activist, attracting wide coverage in major media such CNN and the BBC.
Kodo was selected by TIME magazine as a Next Generation Leader. His book “This Monk Wears Heels” was released in February 2022.
Mr. Juan Pablo Reyes Diaz is a Colombian creative professional based in Tokyo. As a Creative Director, he leads a network of Latin American designers to develop graphic projects and content strategies that deliver results.
Prior to living in Tokyo, Juan Pablo founded and worked as Editor-in-Chief of Trumo Talks, a digital magazine focused on the youth audience, aimed at raising awareness and shaping a better future in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Trumo Talks created a community of over 80 thousand young people, organized seven live events, and collaborated with international brands such as Dr. Martens and the Estéreo Picnic.
