#Japan #Tokyo #Women Empowerment #Local Government #Networking Event

Supporting Women in Local Government

The Japan Management Association (JMA), located in Shibuya, Tokyo, is set to host the 38th Annual Workshop for Female Municipal Officials on January 23, 2026. This year's theme is "Co-creation for Progress: Nurturing Our Future Together." The event aims to bring together female municipal officers from across Japan to share their experiences in career development, work-life balance, organizational building, and community engagement within a supportive environment.

For nearly four decades, this workshop has provided a vibrant platform for women to connect and empower each other. With a history of engaging discussions and meaningful interactions, this annual event has become a hallmark for fostering female leadership within local government. Attendees can look forward to candid conversations about the challenges and triumphs faced in their roles and gain motivation from one another.

Event Highlights

This year will feature keynote speeches from influential figures, including Shoko Kawata, the youngest female mayor in Japan, who will discuss urban development from a women's perspective. Participants will also hear from female officials leading various innovative practices in local government. Here are the key components:

1. Keynote Speech:
- Speaker: Shoko Kawata, Mayor of Yawata City, Kyoto
- Topic: Urban Development Initiatives Focused on Women's Contributions

2. Case Studies from Participating Municipalities:
Each guest speaker will present real-life examples highlighting women's roles in local governance:
- Mito City, Ibaraki: Miwa Suzuki, responsible for public infrastructure as a female engineer, will share insights on creating a safe and secure community.
- Takaoka City, Toyama: Michiru Nubushi, a digital government advisor, will discuss strategies for transforming public services to enhance citizen happiness.
- Hamura City, Tokyo: Ayumi Hirata will present on the necessity of open communication between the government, citizens, and businesses.

3. Workshops:
After the presentations, there will be interactive workshops facilitated by Junko Mizuno, a certified psychologist and career consultant. These workshops aim to stimulate discussion and collaboration among participants, enabling them to brainstorm and develop practical solutions for improvement in their respective departments.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is designed for women municipal officers seeking:

• - Opportunities to connect with peers from different municipalities.
• - Time for reflection on personal career trajectories and growth.
• - Support in addressing workplace challenges and gathering actionable insights.
• - Interest in policy-making that values women's perspectives.
• - Examples of successful organizational and work-life reforms.

Event Details

• - Title: 38th Annual Workshop for Female Municipal Officers: "Co-creation for Progress: Nurturing Our Future Together"
• - Date: January 23, 2026 (Friday) from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• - Venue: JMA Classroom, 13th Floor, Sumitomo Realty & Development Shinjuku South Building, 5-31-11 Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo
• - Target Audience: Female officials from local governments across Japan
• - Participation Fee: 24,200 JPY for members, 27,500 JPY for non-members (includes lunch)

For more details and to register, visit the official event page.

About the Japan Management Association

Established in 1949, the JMA has dedicated itself to promoting modern management practices and efficiency across Japan. Its guiding principle is to foster a balance between management, human resources, and science, contributing to a sustainable society. With a commitment to continuous innovation, it strives to shape the future of management together with its stakeholders.

Discover more about JMA on their official website.