About ReBit

I am transgender, born as a girl and self-identify as a man.
Without having anyone to talk about my gender dysphoria since I was little, I attempted suicide in high school. At the age of 20, I founded ReBit in 2009 to share my message to children with differences; “It’s okay to be yourself”.

From the time that I was told “I have never met any LGBTQ people”,
our society is changing thanks to the activities of a lot of people.

We aim to create a society where everyone, including LGBTQ individuals, can learn, work, and live as who we are.
ReBit keeps moving forward by repeating small steps (“Bit”-small) over and over (“Re”-repeating). We hope to receive the support from you.

Name

Certified Non-Profit Organization ReBit

Address in Tokyo

Shinjuku Kamea Building 4F, 3-26-2 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan 151-0053

Address in Osaka

Glo Tenman Building 6F, 2-7-10 Tenman, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 530-0043

Contact us

Inquiry form

Phone

03-6278-9909 (Main Number)
*Please note this number is for the office, not for consultation

Executive Director

Mika Yakushi

Director

Jun Nakajima

Yumiko Saruwatari

Mika Takehara

Raymond Wong

Auditor

Kensuke Kunimi

Supporting staff

24 people (as of April, 2024)

ReBit is, LGBTQ in its simplest form is a certified non-profit organization (NPO) that aims to create a society where everyone, including LGBTQ individuals, can choose their future as they are.

The organization’s name reflects the desire for society to progress by repeating small steps (“Bit”-small) over and over (“Re”-repeating). Since 2009, ReBit has been working on projects to better help LGBTQ individuals learn, work, and live authentically.

According to domestic surveys, LGBTQ individuals make up about 3–10% of the population.*1 The term is made up of five initials making acronym LGBTQ and is also used to refer to sexual minorities. However, in addition to LGBTQ, there are many other sexualities.

1. There are various domestic surveys estimating the LGBT and sexual minority populations.

In the survey “Diversity and Coexistence in Work and Life” by the research team (2019) “Survey on the Diversity and Coexistence of Work and Life of Osaka Citizens,” 2.7% identified as LGBT, 3.3% as LGBTA, and including those who “do not want to decide,” the figure was 8.2%.

The Japanese Trade Union Confederation (2016) “Workplace Awareness Survey on LGBT” reported 8.0% as sexual minorities.

In another survey by the LGBT Comprehensive Research Institute (2016), 5.9% identified as LGBT, with 8.0% including sexual minorities. In the Dentsu Diversity Lab (2018) “LGBT Survey 2018,” 8.9% of respondents identified as sexual minorities, including LGBTQ.

In yet another survey by Yosuharu Hidaka and the Mie Prefecture Gender Equality Center “Frente Mie” (2018), 10.0% identified as LGBTQ.

The Iwate Prefecture High School Education Research Society and Iwate Adolescence Research Group (2013) “Survey on Life and Sexuality of High School Students” reported 10.1% as sexual minorities.

Schools are not safe for LGBTQ children and youth, leading to high rates of suicidal ideation.

Research shows that LGBTQ individuals experience higher rates of bullying and suicidal ideation during their school years. However, few educators have received training on LGBTQ issues in teacher training programs, leaving them unable to provide accurate information or appropriate support.

2. Respect for Life. White Ribbon Campaign (2014) “Survey on the Realities of LGBTQ School Life (2013),” a project funded by Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Emergency Strengthening of Regional Suicide Countermeasures Subsidy (2013).
3. Certified NPO ReBit (2022) “LGBTQ Children and Youth Survey 2022.”
4. Certified NPO ReBit (2023) “Survey on Initiatives and Responses to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Schools.”

We experience difficulties in job hunting and working but have no one to consult with.

LGBTQ people experience many difficulties and harassment when job hunting, changing jobs, and in the workplace. However, there are also a lack of safe places where they can seek advice.

5. Certified NPO organization ReBit (2019) “Survey on the job-hunting experiences and current employment support for LGBT and sexual minorities”

LGBTQ people have a high rate of mental health issues and poverty, but they are unable to safely access welfare services.

Bullying at school and difficulties finding work worsen their mental health and lead to low income for them. However, they are unable to safely use government and welfare services that should be a safety net for them, which leads to loneliness, isolation, and suicide.

6. Certified NPO organization ReBit (2023) “LGBTQ Health and Welfare Survey 2023”

Since 2009, ReBit has been developing supports that enable LGBTQ people to “Study, Work, and Live” in staying true to their life.

We are working on supporting LGBTQ people, fostering the understand of LGBTQ and developing supporters.

ReBit has been involved in various publications, textbooks and contents such as books, educational materials, textbook compilation supervision, providing advice for films and dramas, teaching, creating original materials.

ReBit has supported production of many books, educational materials and contents. Supervise textbook, publish books, advise on films and dramas, and develop original materials for teachers and supporters.