Celebrating Kaori Ishimaru: A Trailblazer at WOMAN AI AWARD 2026
On July 6th, 2026, in Tokyo, the prestigious WOMAN AI AWARD 2026 took place, recognizing the remarkable contributions of women in AI. Among the celebrated individuals was
Kaori Ishimaru, the Product Manager of
Reelu, who not only emerged as a finalist but also received the esteemed Company Innovator Award. This accolade highlights her significant impact on the integration of AI within organizational operations.
About the WOMAN AI AWARD 2026
The WOMAN AI AWARD is organized by the
Women AI Initiative Japan, aiming to honor women who bravely engage with AI, expanding their horizons and inspiring others. The initiative seeks to amplify the stories behind these trailblazers, encouraging broader acceptance and understanding of AI in society.
This year, the event saw a remarkable turnout with
191 applications from
23 prefectures and abroad, showcasing talent from individuals aged
15 to 69. The selection process included rigorous evaluations based on criteria like empathy, uniqueness, and transformative impact. Ultimately, 30 finalists were chosen, from which 13 awardees emerged, along with one additional winner selected through public voting.
Award Ceremony Details
- - Event Name: WOMAN AI AWARD 2026
- - Date: July 6, 2026
- - Venue: Tokyo
- - Contents: Opening remarks, introductions of judges and awardees, award ceremony, panel discussions, photo sessions, and networking opportunities.
- - Organizer: Women AI Initiative Japan
- - Sponsors: CORE Co., Ltd.
- - Endorsed by: GUGA and JDLA
Kaori Ishimaru: A Voice of Innovation
Kaori Ishimaru's achievement, the Company Innovator Award, is bestowed upon individuals who effectuate change from within organizations. Ishimaru's contributions were recognized by
Yuriko Asahina, a judge and former CIO of Persol Tempstaff Co., who praised her for redesigning AI operational workflows at Reelu. Her initiatives have significantly shortened the timeline for the company to reach profitability while predicting a
20% reduction in labor costs. These accomplishments also reflect her commitment to embedding AI within the organizational framework.
In her statements, Ishimaru expressed gratitude for being recognized amongst such talented individuals. She emphasized how advancements in generative AI have transformed traditional business creation processes. Moving forward, her goal remains clear: to deliver enhanced experiences and outcomes for Reelu's workers and corporate partners through dedicated efforts.
Insights from Reelu's CEO
Tama Konno, the CEO of Reelu, shares his perspective on the company's operations. He acknowledges the indispensable value of communication and hospitality that human touch brings, especially with AI's evolution. The award received by Ishimaru underscores their commitment to leveraging technology to maximize human potential in hospitality settings, thereby improving quality matchings in their services.
About Reelu: Setting New Standards in Hospitality
Reelu is dedicated to delivering
premium spot work services specializing in international standards of hospitality. They focus on matching language talents—including English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Japanese—to various sectors like tourism, transport, hotel management, events, commerce, MICE, and medical interpreting, thus aiding companies facing workforce shortages and visitor engagement challenges.
- - Company Name: Reelu Co., Ltd.
- - CEO: Tama Konno
- - Headquarters: 8F, Aoyama Tower Place, 8-4-14 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo
- - Founded: April 2022
- - Capital: ¥38,497,600 (including capital reserves)
- - Website: Reelu
- - Service Site: Reelu Services
For inquiries regarding their services, visit
here. Please refrain from reaching out for sales inquiries.
In conclusion, the recognition received by Kaori Ishimaru at the WOMAN AI AWARD is not just a personal accomplishment but a reflection of the forward-thinking initiatives at Reelu, paving the way for a more integrated and human-centric approach to AI in business.