#Japan #Tokyo #NEC Corporation #30% Club Japan #Takayuki Morita

NEC President Takayuki Morita Appointed New Chair of 30% Club Japan

In a significant move towards enhancing gender equality in Japan's corporate landscape, Takayuki Morita, President and CEO of NEC Corporation, has been appointed as the new Chair of 30% Club Japan. This organization, which aims to increase female representation within corporate boards, announced its new leadership during the decision-making phase for its third term, spanning from May 2026 to April 2028.

Aiming for 30% Representation by 2030

30% Club Japan is setting an ambitious target for the upcoming term, with the primary goal of achieving a minimum of 30% female representation in the boards of companies participating in the Tokyo Stock Price Index (TOPIX) by 2030. This initiative is not only focused on increasing female representation but also aims to accelerate efforts to close the gender gap in Japan's decision-making bodies.

Since its establishment in Japan in 2019, 30% Club Japan has garnered support from nearly 100 individuals and organizations, including businesses, universities, and investors. The organization aligns with the global initiative launched in the UK, which now spans over 20 countries. The need for enhancing the proportion of women in corporate leadership is crucial for strengthening governance, fostering sustainable growth, and improving international competitiveness—all of which contribute to building a sustainable society.

Previous Achievements

The progress made in the second term is noteworthy, with female representation on the boards of TOPIX 100 companies rising to 25.3% as of September 2025. Within the TOPIX президент association, female representation reached 27.3%. Despite these gains, there exists a considerable gap compared to the proportion of women in executive roles, such as executives and senior management, revealing structural challenges in the talent pipeline. Other issues include the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions and the influence of unconscious biases in organizational culture.

Goals for the Third Term

During the third term, the overarching aim is to ensure that the proportion of women on boards of TOPIX participating companies surpasses 30% by the fiscal year 2027. To achieve this, specific goals will include:

• - Individual Company Targets: Each company will be tasked with accelerating the elevation of women to executive positions by developing a five-year roadmap and milestones for recruitment and promotion by 2030. Companies that have already achieved the overall target will be encouraged to set additional goals, such as internal promotions for board positions and roles with profit/loss (P/L) responsibilities.
• - Collaborative Goals with Investor and University Groups: Strengthening collaboration with investor groups and universities will be a key focus, aiming to align their initiatives with the acceleration of women's advancement in corporate environments.

The organization has identified four emphasis areas for the new phase: strengthening the talent pipeline and nurturing the next generation of female leaders, reforming corporate culture and shifting male perspectives, enhancing the disclosure of corporate value, and addressing gender gaps to foster career diversity.

Notable New Participation

In an exciting development, Toyota Motor Corporation, known as one of Japan's leading firms, has decided to join 30% Club Japan and participate in the TOPIX president association. This new partnership reflects a commitment to foster societal change through collaboration with university and investor groups.

About 30% Club

Founded in the UK in 2010, the 30% Club is dedicated to advancing the proportion of women on corporate boards through various approaches. Operating in over 20 countries, the initiative has significantly contributed to increasing the number of female executives. A balanced gender representation in decision-making bodies not only bolsters corporate governance but also promotes sustainable growth and enhances international competitiveness, ultimately supporting the development of a socially sustainable Japan. Since launching its activities in Japan in May 2019, 30% Club Japan has cultivated a collaborative platform involving businesses, institutional investors, government, media, and educational institutions, effectively fostering corporate diversity through concentrated initiatives.