Empowering Change: Three Women Leaders Pitch Solutions at JWLI Bootcamp 2026

On September 17, 2026, the Fish Family Foundation, based in Boston, will host an inspiring event at Venture Café Tokyo. Titled "Changing Society: Pitch by Three Women Leaders - JWLI Bootcamp 2026 Fukui Demo Day," it will feature three remarkable graduates from the JWLI Bootcamp 2026 Fukui program, each presenting innovative pitches addressing critical social issues.

The three selected leaders represent diverse fields, focusing on societal issues such as enhancing the participation of the hearing-impaired community, facilitating travel for medically dependent children and their families, and providing comprehensive sex education to prevent sexual violence among youth. These presentations will showcase their journeys, challenges, and visions for a better future.

The Event and Its Importance

This event is not only a platform for these women's voices but also a call to action for those interested in social change, nonprofit work, community development, education, and women's leadership. Whether you wish to support or learn, your participation is encouraged. Both in-person and online attendance are free.

The expert commentators enhancing the discussions include Yasuhisa Yamada, managing director of the Japan Nonprofit Organization Evaluation Center, Kazuhisa Matsumoto, professor at Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University, and Makiko Takemura, park producer. These individuals bring unique perspectives from their respective fields to support and uplift the innovative pitches presented during the event.

Featured Speakers

1. Yukari Kato - As the founder of NPO Naseba Naru, Yukari has been a strong advocate for the hearing-impaired. Overcoming her personal challenges, she established a nurturing community for those with hearing difficulties, employing technologies like voice recognition apps to facilitate social participation and connection.
- Instagram: Naseba Naru

2. Mayuko Suda - As the representative director of the general incorporated association Try Angle, Mayuko focuses on supporting travel for medically dependent children and their families. She seeks to create an inclusive travel environment through training and resource sharing, shedding light on a commonly overlooked issue.
- Website: Try Angle

3. Ai-on Suzuki - Founding the NPO SISTERS, Ai-on is dedicated to implementing comprehensive sex education in schools to combat sexual violence. Her work emphasizes creating a culture of respect and dignity for all individuals, aiming to instill these values from a young age.
- Website: SISTERS

The Significance of JWLI Bootcamp

The JWLI Bootcamp aims to cultivate leaders capable of incorporating global perspectives into local community challenges. This immersive three-day program encourages participants to develop strategic actions for social improvement. The recent camp took place in Awara City, Fukui Prefecture, focusing on the theme "Turning Hope into Strategy & Action."

Past camps have successfully engaged women leaders from various regions in Japan, with over 240 graduates contributing positively to their communities. The Fish Family Foundation continues to support these leaders through programs like the JWLI Fellowship, Champion of Change Japan Awards, and more.

Join Us

We invite everyone interested in making a difference to witness the compelling pitches from these women on September 17. Their innovative ideas showcase the power of determination and creativity in addressing significant social issues. Let's come together to support their journeys and inspire others to take action for a better tomorrow.

For more information and to register for the event, visit Venture Café Tokyo. It’s time to be part of the change!

Event Date: September 17, 2026, from 18:00 to 19:00
Venue: Hybrid - In-person at Venture Café Tokyo and online
Participation Fee: Free

Co-hosted by: Manabu Tomono WA LLC
Supported by: Fukui Prefecture
In collaboration with: Venture Café Tokyo