Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
On November 5, 2025, two trailblazing female entrepreneurs, Yuka Mikami of Liberty and Ayaka Tanaka of ROSE LABO, held an inspiring talk session at Daikanyama Tsutaya Bookstore. The event, titled "Career as a Life Strategy: Designing Your Unique Life and Future Choices," brought together approximately 90 participants both in person and online.
Redefining Career in Modern Times
In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of career has shifted from merely a job choice to a strategic life consideration. With an abundance of information and options available, individuals are empowered to choose and carve their own paths. Yuka and Ayaka, who both ventured into entrepreneurship in their 20s, shared their real-life experiences, revealing insights into building a career that aligns with personal values and visions.
The event was hosted in the SHARE LOUNGE on the second floor of Daikanyama Tsutaya Bookstore, set in an inviting atmosphere where audience members could interact with the panelists and participate in a book signing and merchandise sale after the talk.
Insights from the Panelists
The panelists, Ayaka Tanaka and Yuka Mikami, discussed their journeys in entrepreneurship, highlighting the differences in their paths. Ayaka, driven by her passion, dropped out of college to start her own business, while Yuka prepared for entrepreneurship while working as a stable company employee before establishing Liberty.
In the first half of the session, both women shared their views on the meaning of "freedom" that entrepreneurship brings and the joy of narrating one’s own life story, as noted by Ayaka. They candidly discussed the challenges faced in the early stages of their businesses, including the sacrifices made in personal life to ensure the success of their ventures.
As they elaborated on themes relevant to the modern concept of living over 100 years, they highlighted the importance of understanding personal happiness and setting individual goals, rather than adhering to societal standards. They emphasized the need to define one's life direction like planning a journey, with clear themes for different life's chapters.
Engaging with the Audience
The Q&A session allowed participants to ask insightful questions about business planning, funding, and potential obstacles in entrepreneurship. Many attendees, particularly those considering starting their own ventures, found the responses from the panelists clear and helpful.
Understanding Real Experiences
Participants echoed their appreciation of the event, noting how the panelist’s experiences illuminated their own career considerations. Attendees expressed gratitude for the chance to reflect on their life paths and gather clarity on their personal visions.
Among those voices were a 20-something male who found the discussions beneficial for solidifying his own perspective, and several young women who felt encouraged about their future choices, underlining the event’s impact.
Networking and Further Interaction
Following the talk, a lively networking event allowed participants to engage more deeply with Yuka and Ayaka, fostering an environment of inquiry and connection. Many attendees lined up to ask additional questions, demonstrating their eagerness to learn further from these accomplished entrepreneurs.
Ethical Products Promotion
Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to purchase special products from Ayaka's ROSE LABO, featuring a unique selection of ethical and sustainable goods. This collaboration was a fantastic way to merge product experience with the event's discussions on sustainability, attracting positive feedback from guests who enjoyed the hands-on interaction with the products discussed during the panel.
Book Signing and Thoughtful Insights
The event also featured the sale and signing of Yuka Mikami’s book, "Stable Entrepreneurship: A Life Strategy for Those with Stability Mindset," which ranked first in two categories on Amazon. The book addresses the motivations behind her decision to pursue entrepreneurship and the essential skills needed in today's unpredictable landscape.
Through their impactful stories and interactions, Yuka and Ayaka provided valuable insights that resonated with attendees, highlighting the significance of self-definition in building fulfilling careers and authentic lives.