#Japan #Tokyo #Zuru Academy #Mew-style #Risa Kudo

Celebrating Empowerment: Zuru Academy's First Graduation Ceremony

On September 5, 2026, the Zuru Academy, a groundbreaking program designed for women's empowerment, marked the completion of its first cohort with a vibrant graduation party held at Anniversaire Omotesando. This initiative, introduced by Mew-style, led by CEO Risa Kudo, aims to transform how women perceive their choices and opportunities in life.

The program, which launched in April 2026, saw an enthusiastic participation of 30 women, all eager to learn new skills and reshape their lives. At the graduation party, participants reflected on their experiences, sharing crucial insights and future aspirations, with a significant focus on increasing their personal time and prioritizing self-care.

Understanding Women's Aspirations

A government survey indicated that 37% of women desired more time for personal pursuits such as hobbies and relaxation. Disturbingly, 21% expressed a wish to reduce household chores and caregiving responsibilities, revealing a greater burden on women compared to 10.6% of men who felt the same.

Zuru Academy addresses these needs by converting aspirations into actionable steps through practical strategies, teaching participants how to plan their schedules and leverage support from their surroundings effectively.

The Concept of 'Zuru Majime'

One of the pivotal philosophies promoted by Risa Kudo is 'Zuru Majime,' a concept that encourages individuals to balance their commitments without compromising their desires. This philosophy does not advocate for abandoning responsibility; rather, it emphasizes integrating personal needs into everyday life. Participants learn to practice asking for help, declining overwhelming requests, and articulating their needs clearly.

Through a combination of video lectures, unique exercises, and community engagement, participants explore various themes such as time and energy management, setting boundaries in relationships, self-advocacy, and financial decisions. Each woman chose one lesson to implement in her daily routine, allowing for continuous reflection and adjustment.

Graduation Celebration Highlights

The graduation event, held from noon to 2 PM, featured delightful meals and opportunities for interactions among participants. The highlight was a reflective presentation by the graduates, showcasing their personal growth journey throughout the course and engaging in discussions centered on future choices.

As the cohort participants shared their experiences, they illustrated remarkable transformations in their lives, stating:

• - “I’ve taken the wheel of my life!” – Shiorin, a public servant in her 30s, expressed satisfaction with her newfound perspective, noting how it liberated her from the habit of constant comparison.
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