From 2 to 20 percent women on boards in Japan: Progress in motion.
Last week, I had the privilege of joining an inspiring event hosted by the Japan Board Diversity Network (JBDN) in San Francisco. JBDN is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing board diversity in Japan through education, advocacy, and global collaboration. Their mission is to increase the representation of women and other underrepresented groups on corporate boards, an effort that’s gaining momentum.
This event focused on finance, governance, and the evolving landscape of board diversity. What I expected to be a niche discussion turned out to be a powerful gathering, both in person and online, with a vibrant mix of voices, perspectives, and data that left me energized and reflective.
One of the most striking takeaways was the marked increase in women on boards in Japan: from less than 2% twenty years ago to 20% today among the largest companies. That’s a tenfold increase, a promising sign of progress. Yet, as many panelists emphasized, the journey is far from over. While representation is improving, true inclusion, influence, and systemic change demand sustained commitment. As Jen Sisson noted during the session, the framework is in place, and Japan’s top 500 companies are making strides but there are still 3,500 more companies that need attention.
The panelists were exceptional, seasoned professionals from finance, governance, and policy, each offering insights not just on numbers, but on the human stories behind those numbers. I was especially moved by the candid reflections on mentorship, allyship, and the importance of creating spaces where diverse voices are not only heard but valued.
What also stood out was the online participation: many, many women (and a few men!) joined virtually, underscoring the global relevance of these conversations. It reminded me that board diversity isn’t just a corporate checkbox, it’s a cultural shift, and one that affects how decisions are made, who gets to make them, and how inclusive our future can be.
On a personal note, I first met Tracy Gopal, the founder of JBDN, over six years ago during a coffee chat at the Hyatt lobby in San Francisco, a location famous for scenes from The Towering Inferno movie. Even then, her passion for board diversity and her vision for change were clear and compelling. It’s been incredible to see how far JBDN has come since that conversation.
JBDN is working hard to promote the merits of diversity on Japan’s boards, check them out by clicking here if you’re currently on a board or interested in joining one. Companies who are looking for not only diverse but truly excellent directors should check it out as well. ROI guaranteed!
Want to know more about current Japanese business practices or need training and support? At Japan Consulting Office, we specialize in equipping professionals to thrive in cross-cultural environments. Whether you’re looking for group training or one-on-one sessions, we’ve got you covered!
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