JAPAN Forward 
International Women's Day is a celebration of every woman wherever she may be.
Japanese women are making changes globally in the world of enterprise, finance, technology, academia, politics, sports, the media, and more. If they were ever invisible, certainly they are not now. What inspired them to step forward into their roles today? Are their dreams and aspirations different from the generation of their mentors?
For International Women's Day 2025, find a selection of our articles below.
Women Rocking Government and the Business World
"In a diverse society, we can benefit from a range of perspectives and become aware of aspects that were previously overlooked" — former Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa
Mitsuko Tottori, who has dedicated her career to safety and service, became the first woman to lead Japan Airlines — or any major Japanese airline.
Junko Kemi started kay me when she was just 30. Since then, she's been on a journey to help women become groundbreakers in the business world through fashion.
Miyo Yamamoto speaks candidly about the opportunities and challenges for women entrepreneurs in Japan — and the positive changes underway.
Breaking New Ground in Music and Arts
Kanata Okajima has written music for BTS, TWICE, and Namie Amuro. And she is a mother of two. With unstoppable drive, she sets her sights on the Eurovision Song Contest.
Haruka Kawashima is redefining women's entrepreneurship and the floral sector in Japan by upcycling leftover flowers into beautiful dried arrangements.
Naked festivals are adapting to the modern era, including the Konomiya Hadaka Matsuri, where women participated for the first time in its 1,200-year history.
Careers Through Communication
An event in Otemachi featured speakers such as former Justice Minister Masako Mori, who shared how communication could be a potent tool for empowering women.
Cynthia Usui didn't let her age or resume gap prevent building a thriving career in hospitality. Now in her 60s, she supports single mothers through an NPO.
Pioneering New Leadership Roles
Naomi Harada is leading Japan's 66th Antarctic expedition. Her team departed in December to conduct critical research on melting glaciers and climate change.
GEM Talks 2024 showcased Japan's promising youth, empowering ten exceptional finalists with presentation skills and confidence to inspire their futures.
These 19th-century trailblazers from Japan, India, and Syria inspired future generations of women to shatter glass ceilings in male-dominated fields.
"With 90% of our domestic workforce comprising women, our achievements are inseparable from their active participation" — CEO Kikuta of Dai-ichi Life Holdings
Leading in Sports, Fitness, and Health
Kana Watanabe started out as a judo prodigy before switching to MMA. She spoke to SportsLook about food, fighting in the PFL, and her quest to be the best.
Niigata native Kana Suzuki, a professional bodybuilder, shares how balancing intense training with a demanding job has shaped her career and personal growth.
Author: JAPAN Forward
