Tokyo and ABC Cooking Studio Partner for Women's Empowerment Initiatives
On June 26, 2026, ABC Cooking Studio, a leading culinary education provider based in Tokyo, formalized a partnership with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to accelerate initiatives that promote women's empowerment. This agreement aligns with ABC’s ethos of fostering a work environment where women can build long-term careers. Known for its commitment to employee development, ABC has been recognized for six consecutive years as a leading company in the ratio of female managers, according to the 'CSR Corporate Overview' published by Toyo Keizai.
Tokyo has taken active measures to advance women's participation in the workforce by enacting various initiatives, including a new ordinance aimed at fostering an inclusive society that enables everyone to showcase their abilities. Through this partnership, both parties aim to collaborate and promote efforts that support women, leading to a society where everyone can thrive authentically.
ABC's President and CEO, Narumi Shimura, expressed her commitment during the 'Tokyo Women’s Future Forum 2026' held in January, where she discussed goals for a society where both men and women can excel. She highlighted the importance of combining perspectives from businesses, communities, and families for future planning in Tokyo and Japan.
The signing ceremony was conducted at ABC’s Marunouchi ground, attended by Tokyo's Deputy Governor Akiko Matsumoto and ABC’s Narumi Shimura.
Date: June 26, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:20 AM
Venue: ABC Marunouchi Ground
Attendees:
Deputy Governor Matsumoto expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where women can express their individuality and capabilities. She acknowledges ABC Cooking Studio's proactive approach towards nurturing women’s continued participation in the workforce and looks forward to amplifying those efforts through effective communication of their initiatives.
In response, Shimura articulated her honor in starting this new journey with the Tokyo government. She affirmed ABC's commitment to leverage its connections with working women to broaden the dissemination of information about women's empowerment and career support. The aim is to encourage women to embrace their true selves through cooking and, in partnership with the Tokyo government, to strive toward achieving overall well-being. The collaboration will also enhance opportunities for women equipped with skills in food and management to connect with corporations and municipalities.
The partnership encompasses several initiatives including:
1. Promoting public awareness and dissemination of information about women's empowerment.
2. Sharing best practices, insights, and information that support initiatives for women's empowerment.
3. Addressing additional relevant matters deemed necessary for advancing municipal policies.
In acknowledgment of the critical role women play in building a diverse and sustainable society amidst Japan's declining population, Tokyo has branded its women's empowerment efforts as 'Women in Action (WA)', aiming to foster awareness and expand opportunities for working women across Tokyo and Japan.
Additionally, the 'Tokyo Women’s Empowerment Promotion Ordinance' will take effect on July 1, 2026, setting a comprehensive framework for increasing women’s participation in employment and broader societal roles. Information regarding this ordinance and other related initiatives will be continually updated on the Tokyo Women’s Empowerment Promotion website, which also features consultation services.
As one of the largest culinary schools globally, ABC Cooking Studio provides cooking classes across Japan and multiple Asian countries, serving approximately 1.73 million members as of April 2026. Founded on the principle of 'Bringing Smiles to Dinner Tables Worldwide', ABC offers a diverse range of classes aimed at teaching the importance and joy of homemade food. The studio also engages in local revitalization projects through recipe development and consulting, as well as media efforts aimed at product promotion and workforce support.
In conclusion, the partnership between the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and ABC Cooking Studio not only signifies a shared commitment to empowering women but also lays the groundwork for a society where everyone, regardless of gender, can realize their potential. The collective strength of both entities will undoubtedly create a broader impact on women’s roles in society and their pathways to successful careers.
Tokyo has taken active measures to advance women's participation in the workforce by enacting various initiatives, including a new ordinance aimed at fostering an inclusive society that enables everyone to showcase their abilities. Through this partnership, both parties aim to collaborate and promote efforts that support women, leading to a society where everyone can thrive authentically.
ABC's President and CEO, Narumi Shimura, expressed her commitment during the 'Tokyo Women’s Future Forum 2026' held in January, where she discussed goals for a society where both men and women can excel. She highlighted the importance of combining perspectives from businesses, communities, and families for future planning in Tokyo and Japan.
The signing ceremony was conducted at ABC’s Marunouchi ground, attended by Tokyo's Deputy Governor Akiko Matsumoto and ABC’s Narumi Shimura.
Signing Ceremony Details
Date: June 26, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:20 AM
Venue: ABC Marunouchi Ground
Attendees:
- - Tokyo: Akiko Matsumoto, Deputy Governor
- - ABC Cooking Studio: Narumi Shimura, President and CEO
Deputy Governor Matsumoto expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where women can express their individuality and capabilities. She acknowledges ABC Cooking Studio's proactive approach towards nurturing women’s continued participation in the workforce and looks forward to amplifying those efforts through effective communication of their initiatives.
In response, Shimura articulated her honor in starting this new journey with the Tokyo government. She affirmed ABC's commitment to leverage its connections with working women to broaden the dissemination of information about women's empowerment and career support. The aim is to encourage women to embrace their true selves through cooking and, in partnership with the Tokyo government, to strive toward achieving overall well-being. The collaboration will also enhance opportunities for women equipped with skills in food and management to connect with corporations and municipalities.
Key Collaboration Areas
The partnership encompasses several initiatives including:
1. Promoting public awareness and dissemination of information about women's empowerment.
2. Sharing best practices, insights, and information that support initiatives for women's empowerment.
3. Addressing additional relevant matters deemed necessary for advancing municipal policies.
Tokyo's Initiatives
In acknowledgment of the critical role women play in building a diverse and sustainable society amidst Japan's declining population, Tokyo has branded its women's empowerment efforts as 'Women in Action (WA)', aiming to foster awareness and expand opportunities for working women across Tokyo and Japan.
Additionally, the 'Tokyo Women’s Empowerment Promotion Ordinance' will take effect on July 1, 2026, setting a comprehensive framework for increasing women’s participation in employment and broader societal roles. Information regarding this ordinance and other related initiatives will be continually updated on the Tokyo Women’s Empowerment Promotion website, which also features consultation services.
ABC Cooking Studio
As one of the largest culinary schools globally, ABC Cooking Studio provides cooking classes across Japan and multiple Asian countries, serving approximately 1.73 million members as of April 2026. Founded on the principle of 'Bringing Smiles to Dinner Tables Worldwide', ABC offers a diverse range of classes aimed at teaching the importance and joy of homemade food. The studio also engages in local revitalization projects through recipe development and consulting, as well as media efforts aimed at product promotion and workforce support.
In conclusion, the partnership between the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and ABC Cooking Studio not only signifies a shared commitment to empowering women but also lays the groundwork for a society where everyone, regardless of gender, can realize their potential. The collective strength of both entities will undoubtedly create a broader impact on women’s roles in society and their pathways to successful careers.
Topics People & Culture）
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