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Initiative

Goal Our Programs Impact Testimonials Contact

About the Initiative

Japan 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.

About the Initiative

Japan 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

Through this initiative,
our aims are twofold:
  1. Cultivate women’s empowerment in the workplace by providing participants with meaningful engagement through our curated events.
  2. Serve as a catalyst for change in increasing the number of women in leadership positions within the U.S.-Japan space.
Our Goal

Our Impact

Since its inception in November 2022, the U.S.-Japan Women Leaders Initiative has consistently delivered a positive impact in the U.S.-Japan space. We remain dedicated to advancing workplace diversity and furthering the empowerment and advancement of women.
600+
individuals have participated in the diverse array of events and workshops since the initiative was launched in November 2022.
40
corporate member companies have actively engaged in these transformative events and workshops.
96%
of attendees have expressed that their active involvement in our panel discussions has greatly enhanced their awareness of modern workplace diversity issues.
100%
of workshop attendees expressed that they are satisfied with the content and considered it was informative.

Our Programs

Panel Discussions

Featuring dynamic events with leading speakers, our panel discussions unpack topics related to women’s empowerment. Within this context women’s empowerment not only spotlights women’s issues, it is an even larger concern for workforce development, and for addressing critical demographic changes in both countries
Companies in Action: Best Practices for Women’s Empowerment & Diversity
March 14, 2024
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.
The New Era of Work: Leadership Qualities & Skills in the 21st Century
November 1, 2023
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.
The Future of Work and Office Life: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
March 9, 2023
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

Our workshops offer more intimate, hands-on experiences, helping participants enhance their personal and professional development.
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence: Special Lecture on Professional Excellence
November 29, 2023
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.
Pitch Perfect
Pitch Perfect: Find Your Unique Expression
April 25, 2023
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.

Private Meetings

Japan Society hosts delegations from Japan with an interest in gaining insights into women’s empowerment. We facilitate meaningful exchanges and networking opportunities with prominent leaders, creating a valuable space for knowledge sharing and professional connections.
Japan’s Emerging Female Leaders

Private Group Visit: Japan’s Emerging Female Leaders

February 15, 2024
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

Private Group Visit

April 18, 2023
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.

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.
Group Mentoring Program

Testimonials

“The networking reception provided an excellent opportunity to connect with individuals both within and outside my organization, fostering interactions that I don’t typically encounter in my usual professional circle.”
“ I appreciated the insightful discussion on diversity of thought and the learning opportunities stemming from cross-cultural insights between Americans and Japanese. The speakers effectively highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives. “
“The event discussed effective leadership, drawing wisdom from real-life experiences rather than textbook concepts. The practical advice from the speakers added significant value, providing insights applicable to real-world scenarios.”
“The session offered a unique perspective on diversity, and I gained valuable insights on how to apply this understanding to enhance diversity in my current workplace.”

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 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.