#Japan #Tokyo #Women Empowerment #Veuve Clicquot #Bold Woman Award

Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award 2025

On November 27, 2025, Veuve Clicquot held the fifth annual Bold Woman Award, recognizing the exceptional achievements of female entrepreneurs. Hosted by MHD Moët Hennessy Diageo in Japan, this event aimed to celebrate the “Real Voices” behind women’s challenges and triumphs in business.

The ceremony began with a video message from Thomas Mulliez, the new president of Veuve Clicquot, who emphasized the movement's significance: "This award is not just about recognition. It is about supporting women entrepreneurs and creating a sustainable impact in society. Strong women are driving change and inspiring younger generations to believe in themselves—Be Bold, Stay Bold, Lead Bold!"

Among the honored was Masayo Takahashi, CEO of Vision Care, who received the Bold Woman Award, and Chihiro Kanou, CEO of ASTRA FOOD PLAN, recognized with the Bold Future Award. Their heartfelt reflections on their journeys set the tone for a powerful event.

Takahashi shared her transformative journey, which began with a resolute decision to shift from a university hospital to RIKEN, driven by her belief in creating her own therapeutic solutions. "That was the biggest adventure of my life. I am honored to receive this recognition in the business field, and I aim to continue moving forward with courage."

Following the award presentations, a panel discussion on the evening's theme, "Real Voice—An Evening with Women Entrepreneurs," delved into the motivations behind their challenges, the barriers they face, and how connections empower them. Utilizing data from the Veuve Clicquot International Bold Barometer, the dialogue explored the current landscape surrounding female entrepreneurs.

The panel also featured special guest RIKACO, a talent who resonated deeply with the audience. RIKACO reflected on the strength of women, affirming that they often possess a unique power to push through challenges more effectively than their male counterparts. She urged attendees to recognize this strength and let go of unnecessary burdens to foster successful collaborations.

Award Highlights

Bold Woman Award: This award recognizes women leading substantial changes across industries and inspiring future generations.

• - Masayo Takahashi: A trailblazer in regenerative medicine, she led the world’s first clinical transplantation of retinal cells derived from iPS cells. After leaving RIKEN, she sought to implement regenerative medicine through Vision Care, contributing to the establishment of the Kobe Eye Center.

> "My decision to change my role was sparked by a commitment to creating my own treatment," said Takahashi, citing her experience as a significant milestone in her life.

Bold Future Award: This award celebrates the next generation of women leaders expected to achieve further successes through innovative initiatives.

• - Chihiro Kanou: As the CEO of ASTRA FOOD PLAN, she addresses issues of hidden food loss through advanced processing technologies and upcycled products.

> "I hope this honor serves as a role model for upcoming women entrepreneurs. My drive stems from the desire to meet expectations and contribute to a better society," Kanou stated.

Insights from the Panel

The panel discussion highlighted how women's entrepreneurship often emerges from deep personal beliefs and motivations, diverging from the traditional male-centric view of financial success as the primary driver. Takahashi’s experience stemmed from a heartfelt commitment to help struggling patients, while Kanou's journey was influenced by her father’s entrepreneurial challenges. Both shared that internal values motivated their respective entrepreneurial endeavors.

As women continue to carve their paths in business, sharing their authentic experiences fosters inspiration and a sense of community among aspiring entrepreneurs. The event concluded with the promise of the Bold Woman initiative expanding globally, encouraging meaningful conversations and collaborations between women leaders.

The Legacy of Veuve Clicquot

Veuve Clicquot, founded in 1772, champions the spirit of strong female leadership. The story of Madame Clicquot, who took the reins of the winery at just 27 years old, illustrates the power of determination and innovation. Her efforts transformed the champagne industry, establishing a legacy that continues to inspire women today.

The Bold Woman Award initiative not only honors pioneering women but also seeks to build a community where the voices of female entrepreneurs resonate, emphasizing their challenges and aspirations in a supportive environment. In a world that desperately needs diverse leaders, the work of Veuve Clicquot shines a guiding light for future generations.

Discover more about Veuve Clicquot and its commitment to women leadership by visiting Veuve Clicquot's website.