AgeWellJapan's CEO Akagi Earns Woman of the Year 2026 Recognition for Impactful Leadership

AgeWellJapan CEO Akagi Marika Honored as Woman of the Year 2026

AgeWellJapan, a notable company based in Shibuya, Tokyo, specializing in services for seniors such as 'Motto Mate' and community spaces like 'MottBa!', has announced that its CEO, Akagi Marika, has been selected as a recipient of the esteemed 'Woman of the Year 2026' award. This recognition is attributed to her leadership and the significant impact of the company's initiatives promoting intergenerational communities.

A Prestigious Award with a Purpose

The 'Woman of the Year' award, initiated in 1999 by Nikkei WOMAN, honors women leaders who have made exceptional contributions in various fields such as entrepreneurship, health care, welfare, and social issues. This award aims to highlight the achievements and societal influence of female leaders across Japan. Recipients are recognized not only for their success but for the positive changes they inspire in society.

Reasons Behind the Selection

Akagi's selection for this prestigious award was based on four main criteria: novelty, success, social impact, and role model status. External experts evaluated her initiatives, particularly the 'Age-Well' philosophy that encourages a positive view of aging. Akagi's efforts in shaping a culture around this concept were highly regarded for their societal significance, contributing to her award recognition.

Understanding the Age-Well Philosophy

The 'Age-Well' approach promotes embracing aging positively while focusing on emotional richness and continuous challenges. Unlike traditional views that fixate on external age indicators, this philosophy emphasizes personal feelings, thoughts, and actions. Central to this mindset are three elements: self-awareness, challenge, and discovery, all illustrated through the 'Age-Well Map.' This framework encourages individuals to engage in lifelong learning and personal growth.

The Role of Age-Well Designers

To further the Age-Well initiative, AgeWellJapan has introduced the concept of 'Age-Well Designers (AWDs).' These professionals are dedicated to facilitating the aging process positively through challenges and discoveries. They actively engage with seniors, tapping into their interests and curiosity, which amplifies their self-efficacy and fosters behavioral change. AgeWellJapan has developed a specialized training program for AWDs, enabling them to effectively nurture Age-Well individuals across various platforms. Currently, their outreach has exceeded more than 100,000 interactions, with approximately 11,600 hours of active engagement.

A Grateful Acknowledgment from Akagi

In her acceptance of the award, Akagi expressed heartfelt gratitude. She credited the recognition to the vibrant community of seniors and the over 200 Age-Well Designers who embody the Age-Well philosophy. Inspired by her grandmother's reflection on life, Akagi's vision is to cultivate a society that celebrates longevity and positive emotions associated with aging. She believes in the power of intergenerational collaboration and aims to extend these efforts across Japan, aspiring for the country to become a leader in fostering Age-Well practices.

About AgeWellJapan

With the vision of 'Becoming a Companion for a Life Well-Aged,' AgeWellJapan operates initiatives like 'Motto Mate,' delivering well-being services for seniors, and the community spaces 'MottBa!'. Additionally, the company runs the 'Age-Well Design Lab,' which is dedicated to training and developing Age-Well talents using data from their senior members. AgeWellJapan also engages in human resource development and partnerships tailored for businesses and local governments, highlighting its commitment to serving the aging population. The company has garnered recognition as one of the leading innovative firms in reports from Nikkei Cross Trend and Forbes Japan, validating its forward-thinking approach.

For more information, visit AgeWellJapan's website.