Celebrating the 2025 D&I Award Winners: Champions of Inclusion and Diversity

Announcement of the D&I Award 2025 Winners

The 2025 D&I Award, organized by JobRainbow, recognizes individuals and teams who have driven significant advancements in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). This year, the award introduced a new category, the Individual Award, celebrating those who have actively supported D&I initiatives in the workplace.

Changemaker Award

This award honors individuals who have involved stakeholders both inside and outside their organizations to foster real change at societal and industry levels. Below are this year’s recipients:

- Mione Yoshimura (Free Co., Ltd.): As the DEI Lead, Mione has been pivotal since joining freee, spearheading a diversity promotion office and shifting the company’s approach to DEI. Mione emphasizes making DEI a personal and tangible subject for everyone in the organization.

- Emiko Nemura (Seiko Epson Corporation): Emiko’s career spans global marketing and new business development, leading to her current role in promoting diversity and respect for human rights. She oversees sustainability and communication efforts to enhance corporate value through consistent storytelling.

- Eri Watanabe (CRAZY): Eri contributed to producing over 200 weddings since her involvement with CRAZY and initiated the “CELEBRATION for All” initiative aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ couples, fundamentally promoting a more inclusive cultural environment.

Trailblazer Award

This award is given to individuals who have courageously taken the first steps in addressing previously unchallenged issues within their organizations or society. This year’s honorees are:

- Yosuke Kuniyoshi (Pink Dot Okinawa): A sign language interpreter and board member of Pink Dot Okinawa, he has dedicated himself to creating inclusive spaces at various pride events across Japan, embodying the vision of a society where everyone can be allies to one another.

- Yoko Hori (Panasonic Industry): Yoko’s personal experience as an amputee has led her to establish a diversity network at Panasonic, promoting interaction among employees with disabilities to foster inclusivity within the workplace.

- Tomoko Ogasawara (Wom-tech): While working as an engineer in the automotive sector, Tomoko founded Wom-tech to connect women in STEM fields, leading workshops and research initiatives to support an inclusive manufacturing future.

Evangelist Award

This award honors those who have shared their values and perspectives, fostering empathy within their organizations while championing cultural shifts. This year’s recipients include:

- Minori Tanaka (Mahle Japan): Inspired by her studies in gender studies during her time in the U.S., Minori now works in HR at Mahle Japan, focusing on creating a comfortable environment for all while leading D&I initiatives.

- Yuji Sumiyoshi (Panasonic Operational Excellence): Transitioning from engineering to HR after 20 years, he has begun initiatives for psychological safety within Panasonic, creating an inclusive community that now boasts over 4,200 members.

Special Team Recognition

A noteworthy acknowledgment is given to the “CAN Ambassador Team” from Mitsubishi Chemical Group, consisting of members who leverage their personal cancer experiences to support and comfort others facing similar challenges by hosting monthly online cancer salons.

Award Ceremony Details

The Individual Award ceremony will take place during the D&I Conference 2025 on December 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The venue will be City Hall & Gallery Gotanda in Shinagawa, Tokyo, combining an in-person and online format.

All attendees interested in D&I are welcome, particularly those involved in corporate D&I initiatives, management, HR, public relations, and any media representatives. Participation is free.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the D&I Award, please contact JobRainbow’s D&I Award administration team at: [email protected]. Visit JobRainbow for further details on their services promoting D&I in the workplace.