Celebrating Female Entrepreneurship in Japan
In a significant recognition of female leadership in the business landscape, EY Japan has announced the selection of three outstanding female entrepreneurs as part of the 2026 EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ (EWW) Asia-Pacific Program. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of influential female leaders who have the potential to expand their businesses globally.
The Selected Entrepreneurs
The three distinguished entrepreneurs selected from Japan are:
1.
Midori Ogino - President and CEO of Brown Sugar 1st Inc.
2.
Hirami Kawamata - President and CEO of Mecara Inc.
3.
Yukie Yoshii - President of Linkmed Inc.
These talented women were chosen from a competitive pool of candidates across the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting their excellence and innovative spirit in their respective fields. In total, 23 participants from nine countries and regions, including Japan, will embark on this year-long program filled with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Program Overview
The EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ program is designed to support women entrepreneurs who are poised for global expansion and business maturity. Throughout the year, selected entrepreneurs will engage in discussions and exchanges of ideas about international business strategies, assess their current business status, and explore collaboration opportunities.
An essential landmark in the program is an upcoming session in May, which will take place in Seoul, South Korea, where participants will introduce their businesses and share insights. This allows these entrepreneurs to connect with one another by exploring synergies and potential partnerships, ultimately fostering a rich ecosystem of cooperation among female leaders.
EY's Commitment to Female Entrepreneurship
Since its inception in Japan in 2013, the EWW program has recognized and celebrated the achievements of 65 female entrepreneurs, providing them with access to invaluable resources. Participants benefit from mentoring, networking opportunities, and business matching assistance to help them expand their enterprises effectively.
EY Japan is dedicated to enabling female entrepreneurs to thrive, aiming to empower them not only to grow their businesses but also to contribute positively to society at large. As part of their mission, EY supports the creation of a robust environment conducive to women's success in entrepreneurship and leadership roles.
About EY
EY, known globally as Ernst & Young Global Limited, strives to build a better working world and create new value for clients, members, society, and the planet. Through advanced technologies, data insights, and AI, EY teams support clients in confidently shaping their futures, addressing pressing challenges both now and in the years to come. Operating in over 150 countries and regions, EY collaborates with diverse industry partners to provide comprehensive services across assurance, consulting, tax, strategy, and transactions.
With a commitment to empowerment and excellence, EY continues to stand at the forefront of fostering female entrepreneurship and innovation worldwide, shaping a more equitable and prosperous future for all.