 | 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. |
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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. |
“As a woman of color, it didn’t take me long once I got out of college to realize that the workplace wasn’t really designed for me. And when I had a chance to make it my mission, to try to change it so that it would work for me, it was easy to sign up to do that.”
—Susan Reid, Managing Director and Global Head of Talent, Morgan Stanley, The Future of Work and Office Life: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
Women are a demographic reality—for people in the workplace, for leadership positions in the private and public sectors, and for the continued economic health of both Japan and the United States. Our intention in bringing this initiative to the U.S.-Japan space is to connect our speakers and Advisory Council with participants to build a community that can take the steps needed to foster a new generation and a new mindset. This initiative is needed not only to spotlight women’s issues—it is an even larger concern for workforce development, and for addressing critical demographic changes in both countries.
U.S.-Japan Women Leaders Initiative events are open to Japan Society Corporate members only. For further information about Corporate Membership, please contact [email protected].
“When we talk about these issues, including women and women in leadership, the numbers of CEOs, we have to recognize that this is a marathon and not a sprint.”
—Mya Fisher, Founder and Chief Executive and Transformation Officer (CETO), Global Equity Forward and Director, Richard U. Light Fellowship, Yale University, Women in Leadership—Why it Matters
Making Connections
On 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.
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. Participants practiced and refined their communication skills throughout the interactive two-hour program, which concluded with a practice session where everyone had the opportunity to use their new skills to speak in front of their peers and receive personalized feedback from Christine. The workshop was followed by a sushi and wine networking reception.
The Future of Work and Office Life: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
March 9, 2023
The pandemic has profoundly transformed offices and the way we work. More than three years later, employers and employees are adapting to an entirely new work world. Some companies have embraced going fully remote, while many are offering hybrid models, allowing employees to split work time between office and home. Companies find themselves navigating a new reality, addressing the best way to redefine workplace culture, improve employee engagement, and strengthen connections in a hybrid environment. How has the pandemic reshaped work in the United States and Japan? How can we use this new work environment to accelerate the advancement of women in leadership in the U.S. and Japan? What are some ways to reignite a connected workplace?
Women in Leadership—Why It Matters
November 9, 2022
Despite progress toward gender equality within the workplace in Japan and the United States, professional women continue to face barriers in advancing to top leadership positions. In the U.S., there are 44 female CEOs heading Fortune 500 companies, which means women lead only 8.8 percent of all Fortune 500 companies. Furthermore, according to Catalyst, an organization dedicated to workplace diversity, only 15 percent of management roles in Japan are held by women. What are the barriers for women leaders? Why do we need more women in leadership roles? How can corporations ensure diversity at the executive level?
“From a Japan perspective, the way we work will open doors to changing the Japanese mindset. We need to change the Japanese mindset to make Japan great again.”
—Keiko Tashiro, Member of the Board, Deputy President, Daiwa Securities Group Inc., The Future of Work and Office Life: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
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 Morgan Stanley.
Business & Policy programs are generously supported by Japan Society Global Leaders & Corporate Partners.
Global Leaders
Corporate Partners
