The Japan Society’s Women in Work Series explores the challenges the women face working in the Japanese context. The first event in this series saw Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki interviewed by the Society’s former Chair, Bill Emmott, author of Japan’s Far More Female Future, on the lessons she learned in striving for her professional goals as a working mother. The second event, a panel discussion moderated by Emiko Terazono of the FT, focused on the macro-context within Japan, while the third, a panel discussion moderated by Kana Inagaki of the FT, focused on what companies can do to better facilitate and support women within the workplace. 

This event, on ‘Lessons from Female Leaders’, takes a different approach. Participants of our earlier events expressed an interest in a female-only event to allow a more in-depth discussion of some of the most important and sensitive topics. 

As such, this event is designed to be interactive, with everyone having the opportunity to speak and take part in the discussion thanks to its small-group format. It is structured to encourage more intimate conversations with female leaders working within the Japanese context. We are delighted to be joined by  

• Ms Yasuko Fukuda of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group - The Senior Executive Officer of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd., overseeing operations across the United Kingdom, MS Reinsurance (based in Switzerland), and Africa 

• Ms Kanako Kanno of NEC Corporation - Global Head of Organisational Development and Talent 

• Ms Yoshiko Nakazawa of Sumitomo Corporation Europe - Executive Officer of Sumitomo Corporation and Head of Global Human Resources of Sumitomo Corporation Europe 

• Ms Julie Rogers of Mitsubishi Corporation - Board of Directors of Cermaq, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation, General Manager of the Communications and Sustainability Department, Chair of the Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for EMEA

Topics to be explored include working in a male environment, developing self-confidence, and maintaining a work-life balance in the context of societal expectations of mother figures. 

There will be a reception immediately after the round tables here you will be able to network with others who are eager to see change in this area.   

The Japan Society is extremely grateful to our Corporate Supporter, Deloitte LLP, for hosting this event.

If you have any questions, please call the Japan Society office on 020 3075 1997 or email us at: membership@japansociety.org.uk.

Booking Essential| Admission Free

This event is open only to female members of The Japan Society who work in a Japanese context.

Deadline: Friday 24 October 2025