#Japan #Tokyo #Champion of Change #JWLI #Fish Family Foundation

9th Champion of Change Japan Award Now Open for Nominations

The Fish Family Foundation, headquartered in Boston with an office in Tokyo, is currently accepting nominations for the 9th Champion of Change Japan Award until June 26, 2025, at 23:59. This esteemed award aims to recognize grassroots women leaders working tirelessly to address societal challenges across Japan.

Key Details of the 9th Champion of Change Japan Award:

• - Nomination Deadline: June 26, 2025, at 23:59
• - Eligibility: Women actively engaged in social issue resolution within their communities
• - Nomination Form: bit.ly/ccja2025nominate
• - More Information: jwli.org/championofchange

The Fish Family Foundation launched the Japanese Women's Leadership Initiative (JWLI) in 2003, which focuses on nurturing and recognizing women leaders primarily in the social sector. The Foundation runs several programs, including the JWLI Fellowship, Champion of Change Japan Award, JWLI Bootcamp, and JWLI Scholarship, with approximately 200 alumni.

The Champion of Change Japan Award seeks to create an inclusive society where everyone can live safely and equally, driven by the courage of grassroots women leaders. Winners are awarded monetary prizes along with various benefits, with 212 nominations received last year.

This award is organized by the Fish Family Foundation and supported by various partner organizations, including Shizenkan Educational Foundation, The Japan Times, Grant-making Foundation Center, Japan Women's Learning Foundation, Nonprofit Organization Evaluation Center (JCNE), POLA Corporation, and Link Theory Japan, among others.

Overview of the Japanese Women’s Leadership Initiative Programs:

JWLI Fellowship

Established in 2003, this program selects women leaders from across Japan, empowering them to become more action-oriented leaders. Participants spend four weeks in Boston to build confidence and devise plans for social change, followed by two years of mentorship to support the implementation of their initiatives.

Champion of Change Japan Award

Launched in 2017, this award acknowledges women who take initiative and persistently address various social issues and community challenges. Each year, the program receives around 200 nominations, with a total prize pool of 2 million yen awarded to the winners.

JWLI Bootcamp

Initiated in 2019, this program aims to train leaders who are ahead of societal trends, represent local voices, and contribute to shaping future communities. It condenses the four-week Boston training of JWLI Fellowship into an intensive three-day boot camp, delivering the essence of JWLI in Japan, in Japanese.

JWLI Scholarship

Established in 2021, this program supports talented women from immigrant or refugee backgrounds who will play pivotal roles in international society. It offers grant-based scholarships with no repayment obligation, along with support for student life and job placement.

The Champion of Change Japan Award is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on extraordinary women who contribute positively to society. The nomination process is open, and the Fish Family Foundation encourages everyone to recognize the impactful work of women leaders in your communities.