Supporting Female Entrepreneurs: EY Japan Introduces Winning Women 2026 Finalists

EY Japan Announces Finalists for Winning Women 2026

In a commendable initiative to empower female entrepreneurs, EY Japan has recently announced the five finalists for the EY Winning Women 2026 program. The program is designed to support women entrepreneurs who strive for business growth and aim to generate a positive social impact across various sectors. This year marks a significant milestone as the Selection Committee highlighted the diverse range of applications from many industries, showcasing the rising prominence of women in entrepreneurship.

What is EY Winning Women?

EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ (EWW), initiated in Japan in 2013, aims to support women entrepreneurs with high challenge spirits dedicated to business growth. Over the past years, the program has honored 65 women who have displayed innovative thinking and robust business acumen. Selected participants gain access to EY’s global network, receive guidance from subject matter experts, and can engage with influential entrepreneurs and established corporations, offering invaluable networking opportunities.

Profiles of the 2026 Finalists

This year's finalists hail from a variety of fields:

1. Yuko Inamasu - CEO of TOKI
- Founded her company in 2014 to offer bespoke travel experiences rooted in Japanese tradition, catering to affluent international clients. She has developed TRAVESENS, a system for managing travel and hospitality operations, thus enhancing the service quality in this niche.

2. Chikako Kurokawa - CEO of esa
- Committed to transforming plastic waste into valuable resources, she leads her company in reprocessing difficult-to-recycle plastics, promoting environmental sustainability without compromising economic viability.

3. Etsuko Tajawa - CEO of Ethical Bamboo
- Established Ethical Bamboo in 2016 to create a circular economy using bamboo. The company engages in buying local bamboo and manufacturing products, fostering both environmental sustainability and economic growth in the region.

4. Mizuki Fukuju - CEO of Lorans
- Emphasizing inclusivity, her floral gifting and workplace greenery services employ individuals facing disabilities, striving to ensure