The U.S.-Japan Women Leaders Initiative
 | About the InitiativeJapan Society is committed to empowering women in the U.S.-Japan space through the U.S.-Japan Women Leaders Initiative and our partners. Featuring two dynamic events with leading speakers each year plus more intimate, hands-on workshops, the U.S.-Japan Women Leaders Initiative is a platform for learning and empowerment, and for ongoing discussion and connection. Addressing a key aspect in the U.S.-Japan relationship, it aligns with Japan Society’s longstanding mission to convene important conversations on topics that bind our two countries together, and to forge deep connections between the U.S. and Japan for positive change. |
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About the InitiativeJapan Society is committed to empowering women in the U.S.-Japan space through the U.S.-Japan Women Leaders Initiative and our partners. Featuring two dynamic events with leading speakers each year plus more intimate, hands-on workshops, The U.S.-Japan Women Leaders Initiative is a platform for learning and empowerment, and for ongoing discussion and connection. Addressing a key aspect in the U.S.-Japan relationship, it aligns with Japan Society’s longstanding mission to convene important conversations on topics that bind our two countries together, and to forge deep connections between the U.S. and Japan for positive change. |
OUR
GOAL
our aims are twofold:
- Cultivate women’s empowerment in the workplace by providing participants with meaningful engagement through our curated events.
- Serve as a catalyst for change in increasing the number of women in leadership positions within the U.S.-Japan space.
Our Impact
Our Programs
Panel Discussions
Speakers share their career journeys and the ways they navigate challenges and uncertainty with resilience, offering powerful and deeply relatable insights on balancing leadership roles as women in the workplace and as mothers.
Speakers from companies excelling in women’s empowerment and DEI share valuable insights into their respective journeys, shedding light on both successful practices and challenges encountered along the way, while also examining the strategies and experiences shaping the future of gender equality in the corporate landscape.
Speakers explore what it means to be an effective leader in the 21st century, and the necessary skills and qualities for a leader to thrive in today’s work environment.
Speakers discuss the new hybrid working environment and the opportunities and challenges of supporting women in their path to leadership positions in the U.S. and Japan.
Workshops
Led by Sara Laschever, renowned co-author of Women Don’t Ask, this workshop enhanced participants’ negotiation skills through a combination of lectures, interactive exercises, and group discussions. Participants explored effective communication techniques and negotiation strategies in a small group setting.
Individuals endowed with high emotional intelligence not only excel individually but also flourish within teams and leadership roles. Morgan Stanley’s Senior Advisor and former Chief Risk Officer Keishi Hotsuki explores this subject with a focus on six core areas—communication, decision making, independent thinking, curiosity, resilience and empathy—offering participants the opportunity to explore a variety of emotional intelligence topics and gain practical advice on enhancing their skills.
Led by communications expert Christine Clapp, this first workshop held under the U.S.-Japan Women Leaders Initiative was designed to provide valuable strategies and techniques needed for effective communication at the workplace. Followed by a sushi and wine networking reception.
Group Mentoring Program
The Group Mentoring Program is designed to focus on the acceleration of the professional development of executive women in the U.S.-Japan space. Through the Group Mentoring Program, participants have the opportunity to learn together from mentors who will foster collaboration and community among the mentees while imparting skills and knowledge that will facilitate opportunities for their professional advancement.
Japanese Women Leaders Delegation
Japan Society hosted a delegation of nine mid-career female Japanese professionals from leading Japanese corporations, all engaged in women’s empowerment and diversity initiatives in Japan. The delegation visited the United States, focusing on New York and Washington D.C. The visit aimed to learn about women’s empowerment and diversity in the United States, establish a network of stakeholders involved in the development of female leaders in both Japan and the United States, and gain valuable knowledge to contribute to the advancement of women’s empowerment in Japan.
Private Meetings
Private Group Visit: Japan’s Emerging Female Leaders
A delegation of Japanese female professionals, part of Asia Society Policy Institute’s initiative titled “Building Trade Ties with Japan’s Emerging Female Leaders,” visited Japan Society to meet with the President & CEO to learn about Japan Society’s mission and activities, and discuss the importance of women’s empowerment in Japan and the United States.
Private Group Visit
A group of women leaders from Japan, headed by U.S.-Japan Women Leaders Initiative Council Member Yoko Otani, met privately with Japan Society President & CEO Joshua W. Walker and Keishi Hotsuki, Chief Risk Officer at Morgan Stanley and Japan Society Board Member, who shared his personal and professional experiences.
Testimonials
Contact Us How To Get Involved
U.S.-Japan Women Leaders Initiative events are open exclusively to Japan Society’s Corporate Members. Women’s empowerment in the U.S.-Japan space is of paramount importance. To effectively address diversity challenges in both the United States and Japan, we invite companies to be part of this impactful journey! Your participation is instrumental in driving positive change!
For further information about sponsoring the U.S.-Japan Women Leaders Initiative or joining Japan Society’s Corporate Membership, please contact [email protected]
The U.S.-Japan Women Leaders Initiative is generously supported by Advocate sponsors.
ADVOCATE
Business & Policy Forum is generously supported by Japan Society Global Leaders & Corporate Partners.
GLOBAL LEADERS
CORPORATE PARTNERS
Japan Society programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
