#Japan #Women Entrepreneurs #Shinagawa #Female Empowerment #Goddess Contest

Introduction

On March 11, 2026, the Goddess Speech Contest will take place at the Kyurian Hall in Shinagawa, Tokyo. Organized by the Goddess Speech Contest Executive Committee, this event is designed to unite women entrepreneurs and offer them a platform to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations.

Background of the Event

In recent years, the freelance population has surged, in part due to work style reforms. While there are approximately 4 million registered freelancers in Japan, estimates suggest the total may reach around 13 million when including those unregistered. However, alongside this growth, many encounter significant difficulties in sustaining their businesses. The failure rate within three years of starting a business stands at about 11% for men and significantly higher at approximately 22% for women, primarily stemming from persistent management challenges. Common issues include:

• - Lack of management knowledge
• - Limited networks with fellow entrepreneurs
• - Inability to effectively communicate their value
• - Insufficient understanding from family

Purpose of the Contest

The Goddess Speech Contest aims to address the high failure rates faced by female freelancers. Often, women entrepreneurs grapple with their struggles in isolation, unable to voice their challenges. This contest serves as a vital space where they can articulate their experiences, enabling them to share the complexities of their journeys in a supportive environment.

Speakers will be invited to discuss their journeys, revealing both their uncertainties and the determination that drives them forward. Each participant, whether they share their story, lend an ear, provide support, or help with organization, will hold a role as a “goddess.” In this way, the event emphasizes that no one person is the sole protagonist—everyone involved contributes to the narrative, fostering a collaborative spirit deemed “Team Goddess.” This approach encourages shared responsibility among participants and aims to create a support structure so female entrepreneurs do not face isolation.

Event Details

• - Event Title: Goddess Speech Contest 2026
• - Date: March 11, 2026 (Wednesday) from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• - Venue: Kyurian Hall, Shinagawa
• - Admission: Free entry for all

To fund the contest, a crowdfunding campaign will be established, with the aim of hosting this event annually. By fostering a spirit of community and support, the event hopes to increase the number of women who can continue to pursue challenges positively, also contributing to the revitalization of local economies through new businesses and expressions emerging from shared experiences.

Organizing Structure and Roles

The event is hosted by the Goddess Speech Contest Executive Committee, which consists of various core members and volunteer staff. The team operates as equals, regardless of titles or positions, to ensure an inclusive and collaborative atmosphere.

Key Figures

• - Representative and Speech Writer: Chikazu Kaneda - With years of experience supporting entrepreneurs, Chikazu designs speeches that articulate the personal journeys, struggles, and motivations of participants, allowing them to convey their true selves.

• - Founder of Sakura Publishing: Sakura Kawahara - She has launched a series documenting the lives and challenges of female entrepreneurs. Under her guidance, eleven volumes of “Goddess’s Birthday” have been published, focusing on the narratives behind choices rather than solely on success outcomes.

Crowdfunding Initiative

To facilitate the event and the documentation process, crowdfunding will play a crucial role. It allows speakers, supporters, and others involved to participate in the “Team Goddess” initiative from their respective roles. For more information, visit the project page at Crowdfunding Page.