Launched in 2023 as part of the U.S.-Japan Women Leaders Initiative, the Group Mentoring Program was a six-month initiative offered exclusively to Japan Society corporate members, specifically designed to elevate and empower women in their careers by enhancing critical skills in areas such as communication, work-life balance, influence, leadership, and more. The inaugural year, which ran from October 2023 to June 2024, was a resounding success, bringing together four highly accomplished mentors and 13 motivated mentees from Japan Society’s corporate member companies.

Meet the Mentors

Our mentors were instrumental in championing women’s empowerment and workplace diversity throughout the program. With extensive experience and expertise in the U.S.-Japan space, the mentors offered invaluable insights and support to the mentees. By dedicating time to understand the mentees’ challenges, the mentors provided the encouragement, guidance, and confidence needed to help their mentees advance and thrive in their careers.

• Stephanie Bowker
  Managing Director, Joint General Manager of Corporate & Investment Banking, Head of Automotive, Transportation & Mobility, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
• Miyoko Demay
  Former President, Tiffany & Co. Japan; Vice Chair, Women in Business Committee, American Chamber of Commerce in Japan; Demay Luxury Consulting
• Frances Green
  Partner, Epstein Becker & Green, P.C
• Keishi Hotsuki
  Senior Advisor & Former Chief Risk Officer, Morgan Stanley

Meet the Mentees

Mentees hailed from 10 prominent organizations, including Daikin U.S. Corporation, Daiwa Capital Markets America Inc., Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co., Ltd., Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc., Morgan Stanley, MUFG Bank, Ltd., Sompo International, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and Tokio Marine Delphi Capital Management.

• Ayaka Nomura
  Associate, Sustainability Group, Strategic Planning Department, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
• Noriko Nakamura
  Vice President, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
• Naomi Minato
  Associate Director, Human Resources, Daiwa Capital Markets America Inc.
• Shoko Nitta
  Director, Equities, Daiwa Capital Markets America Inc.
• Marika Tanaka
  Vice President, Morgan Stanley
• Yuki Miura
  Associate, Morgan Stanley
• Akiko Ippitsu
  Manager, Foods and Retail Department, Foods and Retail Division, Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc.
• Eimi (Amy) Kojima
  Associate, Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co., Ltd.
• Rina Shida
  Assistant Vice President, Insurance Claims, Sompo International
• Mayumi Sekita
  Investment Analyst, Tokio Marine Delphi Capital Management
• Shinobu Fujiwara-Carr
  Administrative Assistant and Graphic Design Support, Corporate Communications and Sustainability Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas)
• Kana Hirasawa
  Vice President, MUFG Bank, Ltd.
• Asahi Takagi
  Manager, North America Public Communications, Daikin U.S. Corporation

Group Mentoring Sessions:

Structured around monthly one-hour sessions, each mentor group comprised three to four mentees, facilitating meaningful dialogue and personalized guidance. These sessions, which were conducted both in-person and virtually, focused on career development, goal setting, and overcoming professional challenges. By sharing their experiences and insights, mentees built a strong community of like-minded professionals dedicated to advancing their careers.

Other Events (Major Events, Workshops & Networking Receptions):

Beyond the mentoring sessions, the program offered exclusive networking events that fostered deeper connections between mentees and mentors. Japan Society also curated a series of high-impact events centered on women’s empowerment in the U.S.-Japan space, including discussions on leadership in the 21st century, emotional intelligence, and best practices for fostering diversity and inclusion at the workplace. Additionally, practical workshops on communication and negotiation skills further empowered mentees to thrive in their careers.

The U.S.-Japan Women Leaders Initiative is made possible, in part, by a generous grant from The Japan Foundation, with additional leadership support provided by Mr. Keishi Hotsuki and Morgan Stanley.

Business & Policy programs are generously supported by Japan Society Global Leaders & Corporate Partners.

Global Leaders

Corporate Partners

Japan Society programs are made possible by leadership support from Booth Ferris Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.