Women in Leadership: Changing Japan’s Corporate Culture from Within
Japan ranks 118th in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report, highlighting the ongoing challenges women face in attaining leadership positions. Deep-rooted cultural norms and rigid workplace practices—such as long working hours—continue to hold many women back.
This raises an important question: how can we begin to shift these long-standing traditions and empower more women to step into and thrive in leadership roles?
Professor Eriko Ishida Kawai, who is currently collaborating with a major Japanese health-related company on a women’s empowerment program, aims at transforming corporate culture from within.
Her goal is clear: Changing the culture of a company is for women to help spark broader change across Japan.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025
- Time: 19:00pm (Doors open at 18:30 pm)
- Location: Nihonbashi (Address will be provided to confirmed participants)
- Participation fee: 12,000 JPY per person, to be paid IN CASH at the door (Covers event participation, dinner, and drinks)
- Seating Capacity: Max 14 seats available
- RSVP By: Friday, June 13, 2025. Please register using the sign-up function below.
About Professor Eriko Ishida Kawai:
Professor Eriko Ishida Kawai currently serves as Non Executive Director, DMG MORI, Mitsui Fudosan, and Daiwa Securities Group Inc. and Member of the Supervisory Board, Yamaha Motors.
She has over 30 years of experience working and studying in Europe and the United States. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University in 1981 and an MBA from INSEAD in France.
After working in the UK, France, Poland, and Switzerland, Eriko returned to Japan and joined Kyoto University in 2012. In 2021, she was named Professor Emeritus of Kyoto University.
Her international career includes roles at major organizations such as the OECD in Paris and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basel. While in Poland, she was responsible for managing privatization funds.
In addition to being on the boards of several Japanese companies, she leads the International Management Forum, an executive training firm focused on global leadership and women's empowerment. She lives in Kyoto with her husband.
RSVP Instructions:
Please confirm your attendance by applying via the form below, and indicate any dietary restrictions or special accommodations needed. Seating is limited (max 14 pax.), so early registration is encouraged.
We look forward to your participation in what promises to be an engaging and insightful evening with one of Japan's foremost diplomats.
Important Notes:
*This Event will be off the record. Thank you for your understanding.
**Note that cancellations after noon on Friday June 13th and no-shows will be charged the full participation fee above, as we are committing to the venue on a per-person basis. By registering for this event, you are agreeing to comply with this policy. Your understanding of and compliance with this policy are greatly appreciated!