#Japan #Women Entrepreneurs #Atomus Award

A New Era for Diversity Management: The Atomus Award

Japan is witnessing a pivotal moment in diversity management with the introduction of the Atomus Award, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at recognizing women entrepreneurs who are keeping family businesses alive. Set to begin accepting applications on October 27, 2025, this award shines a light on the silent yet significant challenges faced by female successors in the business landscape.

Background and Purpose: Illuminating the Silent Struggles

As small businesses make up a staggering 99.7% of Japan's corporate landscape, the shortage of successors is becoming increasingly severe. According to research from Teikoku Databank, the proportion of female entrepreneurs remains alarmingly low at 8%. Traditional customs, such as the notion that daughters should not take over the family business, coupled with the demands of childcare and elderly care, have created myriad obstacles for women who aspire to continue their family legacies.

Since its inception in 2019, the Japan Female Successor Promotion Association has formed a network of 130 women successors across fields like manufacturing, construction, and agriculture—all industries heavily dominated by men. Through management courses, mentoring support, and collaborative programs with municipalities and financial institutions, the association has been committed to fostering sustainable growth in both the economy and individual enterprises.

A unique survey conducted by the Association in March 2025 revealed that female-led businesses are driving substantial improvements in male employee parental leave rates and overall organizational productivity. However, the underlying philosophies and achievements of these female entrepreneurs are still largely underappreciated in society.

A Spotlight on 'Love-Centered Management'

The Atomus Award aims to celebrate a management style that transcends conventional metrics of success like revenue or profit. It seeks to honor women who practice what can be termed as **