Category: Diversity & Inclusion
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Pressing for Progress – International Women’s Day 2018 – women, step up!
In a win for good governance, in 2012 the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) moved to a fully open and democratic system for electing our Executive Committee (Excom) members. The annual Excom election ultimately determines which members will shape and influence the overall strategic direction of the Chamber. That same year, we pledged…
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Paternity Leave in Japan: the law vs the reality
Did you know that in Japan, after the birth of a baby, both parents can take up to one year of paid leave at the same time? No? Neither did we! Today, as my husband starts his three months of “paternity leave”, he joins a tiny minority of men who take time off to care…
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Happy 17th birthday, ewoman!
This evening, Baby Hope and I broke our curfew to attend a reception in Roppongi Hills, celebrating ewoman’s 17th and Unicul’s 30th anniversaries. Both orgs were founded by Kaori Sasaki, one of our favourite ladies in Japan! As well as running two businesses, Sasaki-san sits on the boards and advisory boards for several large organisations,…
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The importance of a British-style education
This morning, I had the pleasure of contributing to a COBIS (Council of British International Schools) conference, at The British School in Tokyo’s (BST) Showa Campus. Our panel discussion, “At the Hub of Global British Business Communities” focused on the importance of British international schools to the communities they serve. Panelists were Chris Heffer (Director…
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A Prime Minister, a coalition, and 2 pregnant Brits walk into a . . .
The UK-Japan 21st Century Group was launched in 1985, at the joint request of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone. A coalition of private sector, public sector, and civil society leaders – representing industry, academia, the media, and government – the group aims to promote dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. Members meet…
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Women at work – a slow moving wave
For some years now, female employment and promotion have been on Japan’s to-do list. But government policies – and related private sector initiatives – have so far fallen short. Even with public “Womenomics” targets, offerings of flexi-time, and the creation of daycare spots, women continue to make up two-thirds of Japan’s ‘non-regular’ contract and part-time employees.…
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The only thing to say when a colleague tells you she’s pregnant
As I’ve found out over the past few months, there are many unsolicited things you can say when a woman – your employee, your boss, your client, your customer – tells you she’s pregnant. “Wow.” “I had no idea.” “Oh . . .” “Eh?! I’m SO SURPRISED!” “Really?!” “Did you get married?” *silently steps in lift…
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Japan: it’s time to reboot the system
After over a decade of living and working in Japan, I genuinely feel like change is in the air. With the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics sitting as a key milestone, the country has a once-in-a-generation opportunity for self-analysis and rediscovery. And it’s Japan’s game to lose right now. As we know, the country is facing…
2020 Mum in Tokyo 