OnBoard Launches Japan's First AI-Powered Female Executive Search Service

OnBoard Co., Ltd. is proud to announce the launch of Japan's first AI-powered platform for searching female executives at publicly listed companies, named "Female Executive AI Search," starting December 19, 2025. This innovative tool will address the current challenges in finding suitable female candidates for corporate boards in Japan.

The Need for Change

As of July 2025, female executives accounted for only 14.2% of board positions in listed companies. The government and the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) aim to increase this figure to over 30% by the year 2030. However, effectively identifying and recruiting appropriate candidates has proven to be a significant hurdle. According to a survey by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), many companies often select outside directors based on personal connections, raising concerns about the independence and transparency of the selection process. In response to these challenges, OnBoard has combined its extensive experience in introducing female external directors with cutting-edge AI technology to create a service that allows companies to effortlessly search for female executive talent tailored to their specific needs.

Service Overview

From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the platform will feature data on approximately 4,100 female executives based on information derived from securities reports. Users will have the ability to conduct searches for free based on categories such as age, executive experience, industry background, skills, and expertise. By subscribing to a paid plan, users will unlock the AI-powered search capability, allowing for more nuanced query inputs. OnBoard will assist users with comprehensive support for candidate searches, inquiries, and introductions.

How to Use the Service

To utilize OnBoard's Female Executive AI Search, users can visit the website at OnBoard. Here’s how it works:

1. Initial Search: Users select various attributes to define the desired female executive, such as career background (business, lawyer, accountant, etc.), age, executive experience, industry experience, and skill set. Relevant candidates' profiles will be displayed based on these criteria.

2. AI Search Feature: Upon registration for a paid plan, users will gain access to the AI search functionality. This tool scores candidates based on the input requirements and suggests the best matches, displaying candidates' names and career histories.

3. Consultation: For organizations actively searching for female executives, OnBoard offers a unique service. By reaching out, companies can access an exclusive list of candidates (currently around 2,200) that match their requirements.

Use Cases

- Initial Exploration: Organizations may want to outline the profile of the female executives they seek before engaging recruitment firms.
- Competitor Analysis: Companies looking to understand the skills and backgrounds of female executives in similar industries can use this platform.
- Quick Assessment: Assessing whether suitable female candidates meet the company's needs can be done rapidly.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, OnBoard plans to expand its database, enabling greater visibility of a wider array of talent. Continuous improvements will be made to enhance the accuracy of the AI search results, ensuring that organizations are matched with the most suitable candidates. Moreover, new features and services will be introduced based on client demands to further support Japanese companies in enhancing board diversity.

Founders’ Vision

"We want to enhance the competitiveness of Japanese companies by starting with board diversity," says Naomi Koshii, Co-Founder and CEO. The board of directors serves as the company's compass. By incorporating diverse backgrounds, organizations can prevent the oversight of risks and foster multi-faceted discussions that contribute to long-term growth strategies and value creation. I am confident that our service will accelerate the visibility of candidates and their engagement with companies, thus improving governance quality.

Kao Matsuzawa, Co-Founder and CEO, adds, "Our goal is to transform diversity into competitive advantage and accelerate innovation within Japanese companies. A diverse organization is a source of innovation. We deeply understand our clients' corporate strategies and combine governance expertise with AI technology to achieve high-quality matches that satisfy both candidates and companies. OnBoard will leverage its AI platform to unlock the potential of exceptional female leaders, establishing a foundation for Japanese firms to thrive in global competition."

About OnBoard Co., Ltd.

OnBoard is a leading company specializing in introducing female external directors and auditors. With a mission to promote "Diversity as a Growth Strategy," OnBoard aims to enhance the diversity of corporate boards to support the growth of Japanese firms. Founded by Naomi Koshii and Kao Matsuzawa, both seasoned lawyers with extensive board experience, the company offers customized introductions based on each organization's growth strategy and corporate culture. OnBoard boasts a successful track record in introducing candidates to both listed companies and startups seeking to go public.

Contact Information
Businesses seeking female executive candidates can reach out through the dedicated inquiry form on the OnBoard website. For partnership inquiries, send an email to [email protected].