#Japan #Tokyo #Asahi Shimbun #Think Gender Forum #Fondation CHANEL

Launch of the Think Gender Forum

In a significant move towards fostering gender equality within the media landscape, Asahi Shimbun, under the leadership of CEO Katsutaka Kakuda, is set to launch the Think Gender Forum in April 2026. This initiative aims to create a collaborative learning environment for journalists and creators involved in media. With the support of the Fondation CHANEL, the forum seeks to address and challenge gender biases in media representation through educational events and discussions.

The inaugural event will feature a keynote address by acclaimed screenwriter and novelist Eriko Yoshida, known for her work on the NHK series “Tiger with Wings.” A seminar focused on the latest insights regarding media and gender will take place in July 2026, followed by a roundtable discussion to share knowledge and engage with the public later that year. This forum aims to gather media professionals to visualize existing issues and promote gender equality through unified efforts.

Overview of the Seminar

• - Dates: July 2 (Thursday) - July 3 (Friday), 2026
• - Venue: Hamarikyu Asahi Hall, Chuo City, Tokyo
• - Participation Fee: Free of charge (transport and accommodation covered for participants traveling from afar)

Program Features

• - Keynote Speaker: Eriko Yoshida (Screenwriter and Novelist)
• - Workshops: Interactive learning sessions
• - General Supervisor: Toko Tanaka (Professor at University of Tokyo)
• - Target Participants:

- Journalists and directors from media organizations (newspapers, agencies, broadcasts)
- Individual creators engaged in online media and social networks
- University students (no year restriction)

Application Process

To join the Think Gender Forum, interested individuals must apply via the official website, with a selection process for approximately 40 attendees.

Insights from Leaders

Katsutaka Kakuda, CEO of Asahi Shimbun, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Fondation CHANEL, stating, “Gender equality is fundamental for a sustainable society, and the media holds the responsibility to drive this realization. Having traditionally operated in a male-dominated environment, media is undergoing a transformative shift, and I believe this partnership will propel gender equality in the media forward.”

Alison Eskesen, regional director of Fondation CHANEL, added, “We take pride in our partnership with Asahi Shimbun. The media shapes not only what we see but also how we perceive ourselves. As powerful storytellers, media can challenge stereotypes and amplify diverse voices to foster the cultural shift needed for advancing gender equality.” This initiative promises to enhance journalists' understanding of including women's perspectives in responsible journalism.

Asahi Shimbun’s Commitment to Gender Equality

Asahi Shimbun has been at the forefront of promoting gender equality since 2017 with its Think Gender campaign, centered around International Women’s Day on March 8. This pioneering effort has expanded across various media platforms in Japan. In 2024, the company made waves by altering the newspaper’s logo to a special design featuring mimosa flowers.

To ensure diversity in reporting, Asahi Shimbun implemented a Gender Equality Declaration in 2020 to include more women in decision-making roles. The company introduced an initiative, “No Meetings without Women,” aiming to foster learning opportunities through job shadowing programs that involve young employees collaborating with executives.

Additionally, Asahi Shimbun produced a comprehensive Gender Guidebook to assist journalists in creating gender-sensitive content, influencing media and advertising practices since its initial release in 2002. These efforts have garnered recognition, with Asahi Shimbun being awarded a commendation for excellence in promoting women’s empowerment in various prestigious categories.

Company Overview

Asahi Shimbun Co., Ltd. (https://www.asahi.com/corporate/)

• - Headquarters: 5-3-2 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo
• - CEO: Katsutaka Kakuda
• - Founded: January 1879
• - Business Focus: Content creation through newspaper and digital media, event planning, real estate, etc.

About Fondation CHANEL

Established in 2011, Fondation CHANEL works towards enabling women and girls to seize control of their lives. Acting in coordination with various organizations worldwide, the foundation strives to eradicate multiple forms of discrimination against women and promote gender equality.

In Asia, including Japan, it has partnered with media companies to become a pivotal force for cultural change, emphasizing the importance of representing diverse voices in society. This collaboration with Asahi Shimbun signifies a forward step in their commitment to gender empowerment.