#Japan #Tokyo #SS Pharma #BeliEVE #EVE Brand

Women Empowerment Conference 'BeliEVE': Celebrating a Decade of Progress

On August 28, 2025, the first-ever 'BeliEVE Conference' was held in Tokyo, featuring prominent personalities such as actress Nana O and comedian Hikorohee, focused on promoting women's career development. Initiated by SS Pharma's fever-reducing medication brand 'EVE,' the conference coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Women’s Empowerment Act in Japan, which mandates companies to create working environments supporting the balance of family and work life.

The primary goal of the conference was to discuss the challenges faced by women in the workplace and explore effective solutions as part of the 'BeliEVE PROJECT.' A large survey by 'EVE' revealed that one in two women feels they lack someone to consult about their careers, highlighting the need for mentoring. Unfortunately, a comparative study indicated that Japan lags behind many countries in mentoring systems, earning the label of a “mentoring laggard.” As a response, 'EVE' focused the conference on the significance of mentoring as a crucial element in empowering female workers.

The event brought together around 90 participants, including industry representatives, media, and working women. Topics ranged from the current work environment for women to the importance of having a supportive advisory network, with discussions on initiatives to increase the percentage of women in managerial roles.

In addition to the existing mentoring program tailored for businesses, the conference also launched the 'BeliEVE Mentoring Door,' an online service designed to provide broader access to mentorship for working individuals. This initiative aims to encourage conversations around career development and support women in realizing their potential.

Highlights of the Conference

Addressing the Lack of Role Models

The first segment of the event featured a discussion on the BeliEVE PROJECT's background and its findings regarding the absence of role models in women’s careers. Yoko Motonishida, EVE's Marketing Director, expressed the brand's commitment to inspire women not to give up on their careers and announced plans for regular conferences to tackle challenges faced by working women collectively.

Through discussions on Japanese society’s mentorship challenges, Motonishida underscored the gap between Japan and other countries in mentoring practices. Data revealed that more than half of surveyed women feel unsure whom to consult regarding their careers, emphasizing the necessity for a structured mentoring approach. The 'BeliEVE Mentoring Program,' developed in collaboration with the company Mentor For, aims to bridge this gap and supports the development of female managers.

Collaborative Efforts by Top Corporates

The second segment featured a panel discussion with representatives from various companies known for their high female management ratios, including Sayuri Arai from Toyoko Inn and Kayoko Kosaka from Sompo Japan. Moderated by journalist Keiko Hamada, the discussion highlighted the initiatives companies have implemented to support women, such as mentoring schemes and internal career support programs.

Arai discussed how women’s problems evolve with age and the importance of meeting those challenges with empathy. Kosaka added that over 90% of mentors felt they gained insights through the mentoring process, which positively impacted their leadership development. Motonishida pointed out the need for a culture that encourages open discussions between employees and the management to foster a supportive environment.

Real Experiences Shared by Mentors

A special session featuring Nana O and Hikorohee focused on common workplace challenges faced by women. O shared insights on her experiences responding to questions from fans on social media, emphasizing the importance of listening and reinforcing one’s own experiences when giving advice. Hikorohee provided a comedic perspective on career advice, highlighting the challenges women face during various life stages such as childbirth and career transitions while avoiding controlling behaviors when advising others.

Nana O experienced the newly launched 'BeliEVE Mentoring Door' service, sharing how simple and accessible it was for discussing sensitive topics. She praised the service, believing it would genuinely help those hesitant to seek direct advice from others. The launch of the platform showcased encouraging content from various mentors, further solidifying its role as a supportive resource for women navigating their careers.

A Vision for the Future

The main message of the 'BeliEVE Conference' was the importance of continuous dialogue and collaboration in addressing societal issues regarding women's careers. With a commitment to regular gatherings, 'EVE' aims to keep pushing for solutions aligned with the 'BeliEVE PROJECT' vision: empowering women to harness their true potential and continue progressing.

As the company reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing career opportunities for women, it looks forward to working alongside industry representatives, the media, and women professionals to foster a society where everyone can aspire confidently for their career goals. Through initiatives like the 'BeliEVE Mentoring Program' and 'BeliEVE Mentoring Door,' 'EVE' strives to instigate meaningful change in workplace culture and promote the professional growth of women across Japan.

For more information on the BeliEVE PROJECT and SS Pharma, please visit SS Pharma's official page.