International Women’s Day (IWD) is a holiday celebrated annually on March 8 with a focal point in the women’s rights movement. Here at Savvy Tokyo, we wanted to share with our readers some ways this day can be celebrated in and around Tokyo! First, get to know the history of IWD in Japan, from its early beginnings here in 1923. Then, read on for Tokyo’s many IWD events where you can celebrate the history and victories of women’s rights in Japan and learn what work still needs to be done to advance gender equality. While you’re at it, why not consider volunteering for a Japan-based organization focusing on women’s empowerment?

The History of International Women’s Day in Japan

© Photo by iStock: Vittorio Gravino

While the first International Women’s Day was held on March 11, 1911 in several European countries, its roots lay in the United States a few years earlier. In 1909, the Socialist Party of America organized the first National Women’s Day in New York City to protest the poor labor conditions facing female garment workers. During World War I, these marches also became key sites for anti-war protests across the globe. March 8th became the official day when Russian women protested against food shortages, the war and the czarist government.

In 1923, the feminist socialist group, Akarankai organized Japan’s first International Women’s Day march to call for women’s liberation. As with other marches around the world, socialism’s critiques against capitalism’s enslavement of women drove the protest’s messages. The protest was violently suppressed by the police and the next International Women’s Day wouldn’t be held in Japan again until 1947. Since then, annual marches have taken place to call for gender equality and world peace. In recent years, marches have focused on ending war, particularly Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and closing the gender pay gap.

International Women’s Day Events in Tokyo for 2026

To celebrate International Women’s Day in Tokyo this year, join like-minded people at the exciting events below. Whatever angle of IWD interests you, you are sure to find an event of interest in Tokyo this March!

Happy Woman Festa Tokyo 2026

© Photo by Happy Woman Festa Tokyo 2025

The Happy Woman Festa 2026 is a series of events organized to celebrate IWD across Japan. The theme this year is Towards a future where happiness circulates. Make sure to reserve your seat in advance!

• Date: March 8, 2026
• Times: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.(Happy Woman Festa 2026)
• Address: United Nations University, 5-53-70 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
• Cost: Free!
• Note: The dress code for the Happy Woman Festa 2026 is yellow, the official color for IWD.

College Women’s Association of Japan’s Celebrates International Women’s Day

© Photo by College Women’s Association of Japan

CWAJ marks International Women’s Day with a special staged reading of Mimoza Ways. The performance explores 100 years of Japanese women’s history, from the Seito Movement led by feminist pioneer Hiratsuka Raicho to the present day, blending reflection with moments of humor. A Japanese-French co-production that has received acclaim since its 2022 premiere, Mimoza Ways is the first Japanese production to trace a century of women’s experiences in this way. The reading is directed by Yu Yamagami and features Tsurumatsu Matsukuma, Yuko Ueno, Rena Koto and Yu Yamagami. Following the performance, a talk session with producer and translator Namino Rivoal Hori, along with the director and cast, will offer further insight and discussion. The event will be in Japanese.

• Date: March 6, 2026
• Time: 7-9 p.m.
• Address: Theater X, Ryogoku City Core 1F, 2-10-14 Ryogoku, Sumida, Tokyo
• Cost: ¥4,000

The Yellow Walk & Mimosa Day Award Party

Dress in yellow and join a vibrant celebration that will turn Tokyo into a moving field of mimosa! On March 7, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ICCJ)’s Yellow Walk kicks off at the Italian Embassy, winding through the city in a powerful tribute to International Women’s Day before arriving at the iconic Tokyo Tower. The celebration doesn’t stop there either. Afterward, you can join the exclusive Mimosa Day Award Party, where you’ll enjoy live DJ music, signature cocktails and finger food while soaking in the classic high-rise view of Tokyo.

• Date: March 6, 2026
• Meeting time: 5:45 p.m.
• Walk time: 6-9 p.m.
• Address: Tokyo Tower Main Deck 1F, 4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo
• Cost: Free to walk; Yellow Walk + Mimosa Day Award Party (includes a ticket to Tokyo Tower Main Deck, all-you-can-eat buffet and drink); ICCJ Members: ¥6,600; Non-Members: 8,800; Mimosa Day Award Party only: ICCJ Members: ¥8,800; Non-Members: 11,000
• Note: Dress as yellow as possible!

International Women’s Day Breakfast & Panel Discussion Australian Embassy Tokyo

The Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ANZCCJ) invites you to Pullman Tokyo Tamachi for IWD 2026. This year’s theme is “Give to Gain” and will feature a panel discussion with several senior business leaders. Over breakfast, these panelists will highlight single mothers and single-parent households living in Japan.

• Date: March 6, 2026
• Time: 8 a.m.-9 a.m. (doors open at 7:30 a.m.)
• Address: Pullman Tokyo Tamachi ​Banquet Room 9F, 3-1-21 Shibaura Minato, Tokyo
• Cost: ¥10,000 (ANZCCJ members), ¥12,000 (non-ANZCCJ members)
• Note: Attendees must register by Feb. 27, 2026

Women’s March Tokyo 2026

As with other IWD events globally, the Women’s Day March in Tokyo will be one of this year’s main events. This event has been held in the city since 2017. The one-kilometer march will begin and end at Jingu-dori Park in Shibuya Ward and all participants are invited to the after-party. Attendees who don’t want to be photographed can gather together behind a “no photos” sign during the event. Come join others to call for gender equality and an end to violence.

• Date: March 8, 2026
• Meeting time: 5:30 p.m.
• Start time: 6 p.m.
• Address: 6-22-8 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
• Cost: Free!

Grand Hyatt Tokyo’s International Women’s Day Specials

Grand Hyatt Tokyo Hotel will be offering a variety of IWD specials. At the Mimosa Dinner – The French Kitchen, between March 1 and 8, offer the women in your life the stunning Mimosa Mousse Cake, designed by women patissiers. Whether you are sampling their seafood saffron nage or digging into a mimosa rare cheesecake, mark this year’s IWD with upscale dining!

• Date: March 1 – 8, 2026
• Address: Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• Cost: Prices vary depending on the dish or course.

Mimosa Week

For up-to-date information about the state of women in Japan alongside beautiful illuminations, head to the Former Kunitachi Station. Inside this historic building, you can learn about recent developments in women’s issues on poster boards. Join a workshop on the eighth on how to make mimosa badges to show your support for women’s equality. Also, read up on several gender-related case studies exploring the experiences of women. As a special treat, there will be an illumination event featuring using yellow lights, the official color of IWD.

• Date: March 5- 10, 2026
• Address: Former Kunitachi Station Building, 1-1-69 Higashi, Kunitachi, Tokyo
• Cost: Free!

BCCJ’s International Women’s Day 2026

The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) will be hosting talks over dinner for International Women’s Day. Her Excellency Julia Longbottom CMG, British Ambassador to Japan, will speak on explring leadership and her experiences leading the UK-Japan relationship alongside voices from business and civil society. Offering an opprotunity for open dialog and collaboration, this event is open to all genders.

• Date: March 18, 2026
• Time: 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
• Address: PwC Tokyo, 1-2-1, Otemachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
• Cost: ¥5,000 (BCCJ members); ¥8,000 (non-members)

We hope you enjoy your International Women’s Day in Japan! How are you planning on celebrating?

This year is already shaping up to be a monumental year for Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi. After calling a snap election in February, a record number of women joined the campaign trail (24.4% of all candidates). The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won by a landslide, grabbing 316 out of 465 seats in the House of Representatives. Overall, female candidates won 68 seats in the lower house, adding to the list of must-know women in Japanese politics today.

Although sizable, it’s still lower than the 73 seats won by women in the 2024 election. It also falls short of the government’s mandate to ensure an equal number of male and female members in the Diet, as set out in the 2018 Act on the Promotion of Gender Equality in the Political Field. Globally, Japan also ranks pretty low in gender affairs, at position 118 out of 148 countries in the latest World Economic Forum Gender Gap Index (June 2025). 

Still, there’s hope. These are the 68 seats won by women, by political party affiliation:

• Liberal Democratic Party (LDP): 39 out of 316 seats 
• Centrist Reform Alliance (CRA): 8 out of 49 seats 
• Democratic Party for the People (DPP): 8 out of 28 seats
• Sanseito: 8 out of 15 seats 
• Team Mirai: 2 out of 11 seats 
• Japanese Communist Party: 2 out of 4 seats 
• Japan Innovation Party: 1 out of 36 seats

Overall, women now make up 14.6% of the newly elected members of the lower house. With this in mind, who are the women in Japanese politics?

Ayuko Kato (LDP)

Winning her constituency seat in Yamagata Prefecture, this Columbia University graduate is now serving her fifth term in government. Ayuko Kato hails from a family of politicians. Her father, Koichi Kato, was the LDP’s Secretary General and Chief Cabinet Secretary, while her grandfather, Seizo Kato, served in the House of Representatives.

Like her dad, she believes that listening to the people is the key to good politics. The mother of two boys has previously served as Minister of State for child policy, gender equality, youth empowerment and the declining birth rate. This must-know female Japanese politician is considered a next-generation LDP leader, hoping to follow in Takaichi’s footsteps.

Hikaru Fujita (LDP)

Hikaru Fujita shocked everyone when she announced her first pregnancy on the campaign trail. On February 8, the Harvard-educated former diplomat won her seat in Nagano Prefecture. Even though some locals think she’s a waste of time, she hopes to inspire more young women to enter politics, even as expectant mothers. 

Fujita grew up admiring her grandparents who farmed rice and tobacco in the mountains. Over the years, she has volunteered for nonprofits abroad, spent a decade with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and completed a stint with global consulting firm McKinsey & Company. 

She believes that responsible child-rearing and regional revitalization are keys to a new Japan. The future looks bright for this one.

Kimi Onoda (LDP)

As Minister in charge of economic security, “cool Japan” and “a society of well-ordered and harmonious existence with foreign nationals,”  House of Councillors member Kimi Onoda certainly has some big shoes to fill. 

Born in Illinois, USA, to a Japanese mother and American father, she and her mother moved back to Okayama Prefecture when she was one year old. Since she was a little girl, she has admired superheroes, particularly those in Super Sentai and Dragon Ball Z. 

Because of her strong sense of justice, she studied politics at university and entered the political game in 2011. In 2017, she finally renounced her American citizenship to show her dedication to her homeland. As one of only two women in Takaichi’s Cabinet, she is one to watch.

Satsuki Katayama (LDP)

Twice married, no kids but lots of firsts. Even in elementary school, one teacher wondered whether Satsuki Katayama would become a bride, a lawyer, an MP or the PM. Seems like the majority of those predictions came true for this high achiever. 

Unlike many of her female peers, after law school, she joined the Ministry of Finance at a time when few women held leadership positions there. She quickly rose through the ranks to become the first female in many departmental roles. 

After almost a quarter of a century in the public service,  she joined the political realm on an LDP ticket. After stints in the lower and upper houses of the Diet, in October 2025, she became the first female Minister of Finance and one of two women in Takaichi’s Cabinet. Previously, she was the only female in Shinzo Abe’s Cabinet at one point in time

Eri Yamada (Team Mirai)

Eri Yamada won the South Kanto block through proportional representation. She is one of two women who won seats in the Diet on a Team Mirai ticket. Team Mirai is a spanking new political party that believes that technology, including AI, can be used to increase efficiency in schools and government agencies. 

The former EPIC Records employee has a track record in politics, having served the Kawasaki City Council since 2019. Yamada first entered politics when she heard about a child murdering another child along her favorite Tama River. 

Since then, she has been vocal about child rearing, particularly inclusivity and offering childcare subsidy programs to all families, regardless of income level. 

Muto Kazuko (Team Mirai)

Like Yamada, Muto Kazuko is a new member of Parliament hailing from Japan’s youngest political party. Her priorities include childcare, particularly tax reduction for families with many children. She also supports using tech to deliver government services to those who need them. 

Prior to politics, the mother of two worked as a server engineer and project manager in IT for almost two decades. After retiring from the industry, she served a non-profit that supported single mothers. 

When she applied for the position of online secretary for Takahiro Yasuno (now the leader of Team Mirai), she had no idea that her entire life path would change. Let’s hope she makes a dent in the Diet.

Rina Yoshikawa (Sanseito)

Winning the Tokyo block seat through proportional representation, 38-year-old Rina Yoshikawa is one of eight women who emerged victorious for Sanseito in the election on February 8. The mother of three is also the deputy leader of the orange-hued party. 

Yoshikawa’s main platform is that mothers are important to safeguarding the future and raising Japanese children with “peace of mind.” The registered nurse who previously worked in cosmetic medicine also believes that Japanese people should live in a society where “health is the norm.”

Mayuko Toyota (Sanseito)

Mayuko Toyota won the seat for the North Kanto block through proportional representation. The ex-LDP MP now serves as a Board Member for ultraconservative Sanseito. The mother of two’s political platform emphasizes social security and education. 

The Harvard grad previously served the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the Financial Services Agency and the Permanent Mission of Japan to International Organizations at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva. 

After nine years, Toyota has risen from the ashes of a tattered political career. In 2017, after serving two terms in the Diet, she resigned from her position after claims that she verbally and physically abused her male secretary surfaced. Let’s hope she treats her new political aide better than the last.

What do you think about these women in Japanese politics? Only time will tell whether they deliver on their campaign promises.

Looking for more girl power articles? Here’s one about the 5 most powerful women in Japan.

As the cold winds blow, we are really feeling the season now. In Europe, Italy is almost ready to host the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. Which Japanese female athletes will climb the podium at the 2026 Winter Olympics for figure skating? Mark your calendars: the competition runs from February 6 to 22. Here’s the lowdown on just some of the amazing Japanese female athletes hoping to make their nation proud on the world stage this year. 

Figure Skating Singles

Kaori Sakamoto

Figure skating is not just about flair. It’s also about athletic skill. This has always been the mantra of veteran skater Kaori Sakamoto. Since her senior debut in 2017, she has proved she can skate, jump and spin better than the rest. She is synonymous with charisma and clean skating.

Her career has been a host of superlatives: the first Japanese woman to participate in three consecutive Olympics and the first Japanese athlete to win three successive World Championships (2022-2024). Copping bronze at Beijing in 2022, after Milano-Cortina, she is more than happy to pass the baton and enjoy her retirement.

Kobe-born Sakamoto was first inspired to become a figure skater after watching the J-drama Teru Teru Kazoku. Since her debut, the Japanese superstar has transformed from a tomboyish athlete to a sophisticated queen on the ice. When she’s not at the rink, she loves driving, doing 400-500 piece puzzles and making origami.  

Ami Nakai

This will be Nakai’s Olympic debut. The Japanese female athlete is one to watch at this Winter Olympics. Last year, the seventeen-year-old rookie copped gold at the Grand Prix de France (beating fellow teammate Sakamoto), silver at the Grand Prix Final and bronze at Skate Canada. 

Even though the high schooler bungled her performance at the Japan Championships last December, the Japan Skating Federation has high hopes that she will perform well at Milano-Cortina. 

This Niigata-born ice queen is all about upping her game, with her all-or-nothing attitude. She was initially inspired to skate after watching three-time World Champion and Olympic vet Asada Mao skate in shiny costumes on TV. 

Nakai’s skating style has been described as “flowy,” “liquid” and “storytelling” on ice. Her signature move is the challenging triple axel. In her downtime, she likes listening to music. 

Mone Chiba

Like Nakai, this will be Chiba’s maiden games, but she’s no shrinking violet. Among other accolades, she’s won gold at the Four Continents Championships (2024), silver at the Grand Prix Final (2025) and bronze at the World Championships (2025).

Chiba was born in Sendai, the same hometown as legendary figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu. She considers Hanyu her idol and “big brother.” In her free time, the Waseda University student likes to wind down with a book or a spot of embroidery.

However, she has battled several health issues in the past. She even performed on the ice with gastroenteritis at the Four Continents Championships last year. Even though she didn’t medal, she believes in giving it all to the very end. 

Rinka Watanabe

First alternate is Rinka Watanabe. Already, she has climbed the podium at several major international competitions, including silver at Skate America (2025) and bronze in the Four Continents Championships (2024). 

The Chiba-born Watanabe started skating at four. After several setbacks due to injury, she wanted to quit skating but persevered to earn a place on the Japanese national Olympic team.  

The self-professed anime fan has a weird and wonderful hobby: collecting giant isopod merch. She’s also fluent in English, having lived with a host family during her pre-pandemic training days in Vancouver. And, she’s played Tony Tony Chopper on One Piece on Ice. Rinka-chan, you are a wonder!

Yuna Aoki

Second alternate is Yokohama-born Yuna Aoki. During her debut Four Continents Championships in January this year, she snatched gold. Fellow teammates Ami Nakai and Mone Chiba came in second and third, respectively. 

This Shizuka Arakawa fan is also the fourth woman in the history of the International Skating Union (ISU) competition to land the incredibly difficult triple Lutz-triple loop combination jump. 

Despite a series of injuries and a desire to retire at the end of university, she has continued to fight. Her skating has been described as “emotional” and “elegant,” one reason why she has been chosen for an Art on Ice show in Switzerland later this year. 

Pair Skating

Riku Miura/Ryuichi Kihara

Since their Olympic debut at the Beijing Games in 2022, Rikuryu has climbed the leaderboard in just four years, earning a string of achievements. World Champions and Four Continents Champions in 2023 and 2025. Grand Prix Final winners in 2022 and 2025. 

Now, the heat is on. Will they come away with gold at Milano-Cortina? After becoming world champions, they admitted that they felt the pressure to perform. Now, the pair says they are putting the title behind them and focusing on the Games. 

They are a team through and through, especially during the tough times. Despite Riku suffering a dislocated shoulder, the unstoppable pair pulled through the All Japan Figure Skating Championships last December, grabbing gold. They just get on with it. And the results are remarkable with the team spinning, lifting and twirling all the way to the podium.

Yuna Nagaoka/Sumitada Moriguchi

Following in Rikuryu’s footsteps is Yunasumi. Although they have only paired up since 2022, they have already achieved some formidable results. They copped first place in the Japan Championships in 2023 and 2025 and third in the Four Continents Championships (2026) and the Asian Winter Games (2025). 

Hokkaido-born Nagaoka and Kyoto-born Moriguchi have been dividing their time between Kyoto and Canada, training for international tournaments. Their signature moves are high-speed lifts and the triple twist lift.

Although they are feeling the pressure to perform, the young duo hopes to make a solid debut at the Milano-Cortina. Making a strong showing at the Games will definitely be a career highlight for Nagaoka who celebrated her Coming of Age in January this year. 

Will the Games inspire you to get out there this winter? Check out our beginner’s guide to skiing in Japan!

Japan made history in 2025 when it appointed its first-ever female Prime Minister. So far, Sanae Takaichi has impressed the Japanese population and conservative world leaders with her no-nonsense work ethic and social media savvy.

The Japanese “Iron Lady” (she’s a Maggie Thatcher fangirl) is also making waves overseas. Forbes Magazine dubbed her the third most powerful woman in the world in 2025. In fact, she was the only Japanese entrant out of one hundred women recognized for their influence over global affairs.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report 2025, Japan still lags way behind in gender equality, ranking 118th out of 148 countries. This is not great news for the world’s fifth-largest economy. However, this doesn’t mean that Japan lacks influential female leaders. In fact, here’s what you should know about the most powerful women in Japan.

1. Naomi Watanabe

The first on our list of powerful women in Japan, Naomi Watanabe isn’t called “Japanese Beyoncé” for nothing. Since her debut impression of the American diva on TV in 2008, this Taiwan-born comedian has catapulted into the stratosphere. 

Watanabe’s star power has since grown aggressively, with high visibility on social media and partnerships with global brands. Unlike many other celebrities, the “pocha kawaii” (cute and chubby) Watanabe is no dummy when it comes to show business. 

Japan’s highest-paid female entertainer shrewdly controls her image and intellectual property. Her empire also includes a clothing line, Punyus. Unlike many Japanese fashion brands, hers celebrates body positivity, catering to anyone who is not stick-thin.

Growing up poor in a single-mother household in Ibaraki, life was not always easy for Watanabe. Also bullied in school, she sought solace in front of the screen. What started as her clowning around in middle school led to her moving to Tokyo to do sketch comedy. Now she calls New York home. Who’s laughing now, right?

Since then, Watanabe’s influencer game has been validated globally, including being ranked on the BBC 100 Women 2024 list. Time will only tell what’s next for the parody queen.

2. Yuriko Koike

For Tokyoites, Yuriko Koike is no stranger. In 2016, she became the first female Tokyo Governor. Today, already well into her third term, she calls the shots in a global city of more than 9 million. 

Following her father’s advice to challenge the status quo always, Koike studied Arabic at the American University in Cairo, Egypt. On returning to Japan, she worked as a translator and then as an economic news anchor for Nippon TV.  

Koike then switched to politics in 1992, joining the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Her ministerial portfolio included many firsts, including first female Minister of Defence. Under her leadership as Minister of the Environment, she also spearheaded the Cool Biz campaign.

Since then, her charisma and political clout have become legendary. Like the current Japanese PM, Koike also made Forbes’ list of the world’s most powerful women in 2023. In fact, Koike was first tipped to be Japan’s first female PM but Takaichi beat her to the chase.

As one of Japan’s most powerful women, Koike has always been vocal about the gender gap in Japanese society, calling the glass ceiling an “iron plate” that makes it difficult for women to ascend the corporate ladder. 

Under her leadership as Tokyo Governor, she has weathered many storms, including the COVID pandemic and the delayed Tokyo Olympic Games. Koike continues to spearhead environmental sustainability and women’s issues, even coining the term “iku-gyo” (childcare as a mission) rather than the normal “iku-kyu” (childcare as rest).

3. Makiko Ono

Making the cut for Fortune’s 2025 list of the most powerful women in business is Makiko Ono. After more than forty years at the same company, Ono clambered up the ranks to take the helm as president of Suntory Beverage and Food in 2023. In doing so, she became the first woman in the driver’s seat at a major listed Japanese company. 

It was just one of many firsts for the Kanagawa-born trailblazer. She also advocated to become the first woman boss Suntory assigned abroad. In France, she acquired the reputable vineyard Château Lagarde and during her posting in England, she snatched up Lucozade and Ribena for the drinks giant.

The Tokyo Uni graduate admits that breaking the glass ceiling in Japan is more difficult than in the West. Last year, she told the Broadsheet, a Fortune magazine newsletter, that while Japan does have fewer women in the C-suite, “I just happened to be female.” She hopes her appointment will inspire younger women in Japan to achieve as much or more.

4. Rei Kawakubo

With over five decades in the business, Rei Kawakubo is synonymous with avant-garde fashion. Notoriously media shy, the blunt bob-wearing designer prefers to let her designs do the talking. Her aesthetic has been described as “visionary” and “anti-fashion.” She also holds the honor of being one of only two designers celebrated by the Met Gala in New York.

The self-taught artist’s Comme des Garçons label consistently challenges conventional ideals of beauty and fashion. Her designs are often difficult to categorize, with dramatic and often distorted shapes, asymmetrical lines, holes and exposed seams that hide rather than flatter the body.

Her influence on global fashion has been so pervasive that she has been called “the mother of deconstruction.” To date, she has received many accolades, including the Isamu Noguchi Award for innovation in 2019. Now, the co-founder of Dover Street Market continues to push boundaries and pursue the new.

5. Mitsuko Tottori

Rounding up our list of powerful women in Japan is Mitsuko Tottori. She shattered the ceiling when she became the first female CEO of Japan Airlines (JAL) in 2024. Similar to Ono, the Fukuoka-native moved up the corporate ladder, from a humble flight attendant to president.

Her career trajectory is far from the norm, described as “non-elite” compared to that of past JAL CEOs. Like Ono, Tottori also made the list of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business this year. This powerful Japanese woman also made the cut in 2024.

Her leadership stint, however, has been no stranger to controversy. In 2025, her pay was docked for two months after the company experienced an incident involving two drunk pilots who caused a major flight delay on a Melbourne to Tokyo flight. In spite of this, this women’s college graduate continues to cut a path in corporate Japan for younger women to emulate.

Do you agree with our list? Who are other powerful women in Japan you think should be included? We want to hear from you!

Born in 1959 into a Chinese–Filipino family in the Philippines, Cynthia Usui, Chief Empowerment Officer of Sekaia Inc., came to Japan in 1980 as a government-sponsored international student and graduated from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. She once imagined a traditional professional path, but life took her across countries and roles, including a long period as a full-time homemaker. Married to a Japanese diplomat, she spent nearly two decades raising her daughter while living in multiple countries before eventually becoming a Japanese national and calling Tokyo home.

At age 47—when most people believe “it’s too late to start over”—Cynthia re-entered the workforce with a part-time cafeteria job. She began what would become one of Japan’s most remarkable second-career stories. From hospitality roles at major hotels, including ANA InterContinental Tokyo and Shangri-La, she went on to lead Tokyo 2020 hospitality at Coca-Cola. She later became a country manager in the hotel industry and then a manager at a major global IT company. Today, she serves as an advisor to an NPO that supports single mothers, while being recognized as a LinkedIn influencer and published author who advocates for career breaks.

Career Breaks by Cynthia Usui

Cynthia’s beliefs are rooted in lived experience. After a 17-year career break, she learned firsthand that stepping away from work is not the end of a career. It can become the beginning of a more authentic one. She calls herself the “Cinderella of stay-at-home moms,” not because she waited for the clock to strike midnight. But because she transformed “ordinary” and “unemployed” into extraordinary and unstoppable through curiosity, humility and persistence.

Her message is simple but radical:

“A career break is not a career end.”

Career pauses also create space for growth, resilience and new perspectives—qualities that enrich professional life later. Through storytelling, writing and mentoring, she now champions women who are restarting professional journeys after motherhood, caregiving, relocation or personal transitions.

What makes Cynthia inspiring is not only that she achieved senior roles. It is the fact that she began again when most people believe the window has closed. She has proven, through her own example, that it is never too late to reinvent oneself. Opportunity doesn’t fade with age, gender or circumstance. She stands for possibility, for second chances and for the power of saying “yes” even when your confidence says “not yet.”

Today, through Career Hub, her books and her platform on LinkedIn, Cynthia empowers a new generation of women to believe that every chapter counts—and that the time spent away from work doesn’t erase your potential. It expands it.

Cynthia’s Japan Recommendations

• Take the train and get out of central Tokyo to see how regular people live.

Visit Cynthia’s website for more information about her and her work.

Her books are all available on Amazon (Japanese language):

• 人生は、もっと、自分で決めていい (Jinsei wa, motto, jibun de kimete ii; “You’re allowed to decide more of your own life.”)
• ハーバード、イェール、プリンストン大学に合格した娘は、どう育てられたか ママ・シンシアの自力のつく子育て術33 (Hābādo, Yēru, Purinsuton Daigaku ni gōkaku shita musume wa, dō sodaterareta ka: Mama Shinshia no jiriki no tsuku kosodatejutsu 33; “How was the daughter who got into Harvard, Yale and Princeton raised? Cynthia’s 33 child-raising methods for building independence.”)
• 専業主婦が就職するまでにやっておくべき8つのこと (Sengyō shufu ga shūshoku suru made ni yatte oku beki yattsu no koto; “Eight things a full-time homemaker should do before getting a job.”)

If you would like to follow Cynthia Usui personally, you can find her over on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

If you have someone in mind you would like us to interview for Savvy Spotlight, please leave a comment below with your recommendations.

Hey Hilary—I’m Rethinking Life in Japan

You probably receive emails like this all the time, but I’ve broken up with my Japanese boyfriend, and now I’m rethinking everything about my life, including whether to stay in Japan.

I’ve lived in Japan for eight years. My Japanese ex-boyfriend and I work in the same office together; I’ve known him for all eight years, but we only dated for two. Our office has no rules against dating coworkers, and he and I were able to keep our personal and work lives separate for the most part. I don’t want to get into the details of why we broke up, but it came down to wanting different things. We decided to go our separate ways but stay friends.

Now he ignores me at work and when we do have to interact, he’s cold and standoffish. I’m good at my job, and I haven’t had any issues with anyone before the break-up, but this month, for some reason, other coworkers have had complaints about my work.

I feel like he’s brought our break-up into work, and since I’m less senior there than he is, I get the feeling that people are hoping I’ll leave.

I’m starting to seriously consider leaving my job, and Japan as well. I couldn’t easily find another job in my industry, and I would still run the risk of having to interact with my ex and my current company. I could easily work in my industry in my home country and never interact with my ex-boyfriend again.

I’m unsure whether returning overseas makes sense, or if I should relocate within Japan, or stay at my current company until my visa expires. I guess my question is, what would you do in my position?

—Feeling Lost

Dear Feeling Lost,

You’ve been in Japan for some time, and you’ve experienced a significant change in a relationship, which has either directly or indirectly impacted your career as well. Understandably, you’d be feeling lost and conflicted about your future.

One of my favorite movie quotes comes from Olympia Dukakis’s character in Moonstruck: “Don’t s*** where you eat.” As you have unfortunately learned, and despite making it work for a few years, what happens between coworkers who turn into couples rarely stays out of the workplace.

While I can only take your word that your coworkers have never taken issue with your work, this sudden change in your perception in the office is telling. You know your ex best, so I would have to agree that, consciously or not, he has somehow influenced your coworkers against you.

Given that you’re now in a more hostile work environment, it also makes sense that you’d be considering leaving your current job. However, before you do, note this: if he is undermining your work, you may want to bring this to the attention of people higher up in the company.

Harassment of various kinds has become an increasingly pressing issue in Japan recently.

Harassment in the workplace is something the company would take seriously. According to top recruiting companies, your ex’s behavior could fall under power/moral harassment, which includes gossip, mental attacks and purposely excluding people and/or persuading others to do so.

You say that it wouldn’t be easy to find a new, similar position while in Japan, and you would likely still be in contact with your ex and current company.

• Would you feel comfortable still being in contact with him or the company?
• Could you separate what happened from your potential other employer?
• What do you stand to gain and lose if you were to change jobs (or even careers) in Japan?

Perhaps the more complicated question to answer:

• What would you stand to gain and lose if you were to move back to your home country?
• Would the pros outweigh the cons in the long term, or vice versa?

Another important question to consider:

• How much time do you have left on your visa?

If it’s a year or less, you might feel pressured to make decisions quickly, especially with the changing visa fees being discussed in the news these days. Don’t bow to that pressure; give yourself the time to consider your options carefully. Leaving Japan requires a lot of preparation, and if you rush into things, you might come to regret your decision in the long run.

If it’s more than a year, then I would suggest sticking it out for a month or two more at your current job. Things could settle down to relative normal again, or they might not. It’s essential to determine whether this is a temporary reaction on your coworkers’ part or if it is a sign that you should consider finding a new job. You need to know that you’re making the right decision for your career and future.

It’s nearly the end of the year, and I know things can feel more dire in this season, but you need to put yourself first and foremost. Take your time and make sure that you’re seeing things with clear eyes. You know you, so give yourself the grace to breathe, think and come to the right conclusions—best of luck.

Got a question you’d like to ask Hilary? Email it to askhilary@savvytokyo.com with the subject “Ask Hilary.”

Finding a part-time job in Japan as a parent—or really in any country—can be a challenging and time-consuming undertaking. Throw in different cultural norms and a foreign language, and it can feel nearly impossible.

In America, I might show up and ask one of the staff members if they were hiring, but I wasn’t sure if it would come across as too aggressive in Japan. Thankfully, after hours of scouring the internet, painstakingly filling out resumes by hand and on the computer and making plenty of mistakes, I can share my knowledge to help others be better prepared than I was.

Why Choose A Part-Time Job?

© Photo by iStock: maroke

Many housewives and househusbands turn to アルバイト (arubaito; “part-time jobs“) for the flexible schedule and the well-known practice of maintaining spousal social insurance dependency. Not only that, but working a part-time job helps you connect more with your community and offers you a chance to improve your Japanese language skills. You might find that part-time work is more rewarding than you expected, gaining more knowledge and confidence to live in Japan.

Daycare & School Hours

It’s no surprise that being a parent comes with the unfortunate task of juggling different schedules, events, activities and finances. The moment I became a mom, I was overwhelmed with keeping up with my son’s ever-changing schedule and needs. Now that my son is starting daycare, I find myself trying to squeeze in as much work as possible during the day while also keeping our shared family calendar up to date to know who is picking up and dropping off our son.

Daycare hours in Japan vary by area and individual schools. Standard hours are usually between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Depending on the certification given to you by your local municipality, you might only be permitted to use shortened hours, which are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anything outside of the standard or shortened hours is considered extended hours, which come with an extra fee.

On paper, the schedule sounds manageable. Realistically, however, depending on your work, your commute and the location of your daycare, you might find yourself sprinting from one place to the next. If daycare ends at 6 p.m. and the typical Japanese workday also ends at 6 p.m., it becomes clear how impossible it can feel.

Applying to daycares near your home doesn’t always guarantee you will get in.

All the daycares near us were filled, from public to private to unlicensed. We were then forced to apply to ones outside of our city and prefecture. When we finally got accepted, it was a 50-minute commute from door to door. A commute like that is manageable for an adult, but for a squirmy toddler, it can be a nightmare.

What can be even more taxing are the shorter elementary school hours, with children returning home around 3 p.m. School also starts later in the morning, meaning parents might leave the house before their children do. Thankfully, most children in Japan attend elementary schools located in their neighborhoods and are easily accessible on foot. Designated volunteers in the community are stationed at some crosswalks to ensure children reach school safely, but this can make it difficult for parents to maintain a work-life balance.

Taxes & Dependency Status

Japan offers maternity leave and childcare leave to those who have ‌full-time jobs in Japan. As a foreigner who worked on English teaching contract jobs, I wasn’t one of those lucky people to get such benefits. Thankfully, while freelancing during my pregnancy and raising our son while out of work, my husband was able to claim me as a dependent. His company provided both of us with social insurance and handled our taxes every year.

In fact, many mothers in Japan are in similar situations. They often feel pressure from their managers or societal demands to be the perfect mom, which can lead them to leave their full-time jobs. On top of it all, the price of daycare can be even higher if both parents are working. To make matters worse, the daycare application process requires an overwhelming amount of paperwork that must be resubmitted, which can put a strain on an already busy work schedule.

However, working a part-time job that earns less than ¥1.3 million a year, which is approximately 20 hours of work a week at the typical Tokyo minimum wage, allows a spouse to remain a dependent. This reduces the amount a household is taxed and allows the spouse to remain on the other’s social insurance plan.

After December 1, 2025, these numbers will change slightly, but realistically, the amount‌ isn’t enough. With ever-increasing prices of goods and stagnant salaries, families are struggling and need more assistance and leniency from the government.

Applying For Part-Time Jobs

© Photo by iStock: Prostock-Studio

The easiest and most straightforward way to start applying is to look online. If you don’t have any Japanese language skills or lack the confidence to interview in Japanese, there are plenty of part-time jobs that don’t require it.

GaijinPot Jobs can not only help you find places that welcome foreign staff. You can also refine your search using advanced options, such as filtering by industry and remote work availability. They also offer jobs that provide full-time or contract work, should you decide to change your work style.

If you have basic Japanese conversation skills or don’t mind navigating Japanese websites for part-time work, I recommend using these sites to get you started:

• Baitoru (バイトル)
• Townwork (タウンワーク)
• Shufu Job (しゅふJOB)

Here are some phrases you can use while searching for a job in Japanese:

After submitting your application, some jobs will contact you by phone or email to invite you in for an interview. From personal experience, a rare few will ask you to bring in a resume. Most of them had an original form they wanted me to fill out at their shop on the day of the interview.

Japanese Resumes

© Photo by iStock: Takatoshi

For me, this was the hardest part. Resumes in Japan differ significantly from those in my home country, with far more rules and requirements. I found myself rushing to my local train station to sit in a photo booth to take a proper resume picture, which is meant to be 40mm x 30mm.

When listing your work history and education, keep in mind that Japan might have a different order than you’re used to. List your educational background first, including details about your junior high school and high school experiences. Your work history should be listed in order from your first job to the last job or the one you’re currently working.

If you are confident in your writing abilities, you can purchase resumes at the convenience store. There are two different kinds. The blue one, 履歴書用紙 (rirekisho yoshi), is typically used for changing companies or by recent graduates entering a company. The red one, パート・アルバイト用履歴書用紙(paato/arubaito you rirekisho yoshi), is more for part-time or casual work.

As a housewife or parent, you don’t need to handwrite your resume. Finding a free online template or using a free service like Canva is a great way to fill it out on your computer and save yourself the sanity of squeezing kanji into small boxes. Sites like GaijinPot Jobs allow you to upload your resume in English and Japanese, lessening the hassle of having to print one out every time you go in for an interview.

Interviewing For Part-Time Jobs

© Photo by iStock: mapo

After applying for jobs online or by phone, you should have a date set up for an interview. Since this is a part-time job, it isn’t quite as serious as applying for a corporate job. However, you should go to your interview dressed well and looking professional. Arrive 10 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork and start the interview on a positive note.

Many of the websites and videos I watched in preparation for my interview mentioned the importance of giving a self-introduction. However, none of my interviewers asked me to introduce myself. They seemed much more interested in my reasons for choosing the job, the hours I was willing to work, whether I could work during holidays and if I wanted to remain dependent on my husband’s social insurance.

When you arrive at the store, find an employee who isn’t busy or wait patiently until you can talk to an employee. Let them know you’re there for your interview (try the Japanese below). They will likely escort you to the manager or lead you to a designated area to conduct the interview.

Here are some example questions or information you might be asked to answer during your interview, and some possible examples of how to respond.

Please give a self-introduction.

Please tell us why you chose our store.

Why did you want to start working again?

What days and times can you work?

Do you want to work within the dependent’s allowance?

When can you start working?

How long will you be working for us?

Can you work overtime?

How long is your commute and how will you get to the store?

What will you do if you’re working and your child gets sick?

Closing Thoughts

© Photo by iStock: pixelfit

In the end, whether you choose part-time work or full-time work, job hunting can be stressful. Do what’s best for you and your family’s situation and, of course, find a store that will be enjoyable to work at. Be honest and don’t be afraid to tell them your limits. I found that many store managers understood my situation as a mom, listened to my limits and called me in for the job.

Are you thinking about finding a part-time job or already have one? Let me know in the comments how it went or what your favorite thing about working part-time in Japan is!

“He works all weekend long.” “He’s too physical.” “They don’t have any money.” Those sound like common complaints that anyone on the dating scene might make, but you may be surprised to find out that these are, in fact, referring to specific undateable professions in Japan.

Yes, that’s right. Having a particular career can kill your love life. Or, at the very least, that’s what Japanese men’s and women’s magazines (and some blogs) will have you believe.

The “don’t date careers” trend has been around for a couple of decades now, but hearing it brought up again on a morning TV show really got me thinking. I discussed it with a few friends over drinks, and their answers prompted me to think even more about it—so much so that I ended up informally interviewing/surveying about 30 Japanese men and women, aged 23-55, about these career biases.

The Original “Non-Dateable Careers”

© Photo by iStock: yamasan

Beginning in the late 1990s to early 2000s, women’s magazines such as Ageha, AnAn, Can-Can and Non-No surveyed women of all ages and discovered that there were three jobs, referred to as the 3B’s, that were ranked as the least desired male professions to date.

These 3B’s are:

• Band members or bassists (still considered the worst offenders among band members)
• Bartenders
• Biyoshi (美容師) or beauticians/hairdressers

These men are often considered handsome and the best-dressed men about town. Yet, they aren’t seen as the ideal partners thanks to their irregular work schedules, less-than-steady incomes and flirty, womanizing reputations.

From 3Bs To 5Bs+

© Photo by iStock: Jacob Wackerhausen

Nowadays, there are over five B’s and other letters floating around in discussions. In addition to the original 3Bs, another two were added to the commonly understood undateable professions list, with the additions being:

• Bloggers (better known these days as content creators/influencers)
• Binbō (貧乏) or “broke boys”

These broke boys aren’t always poor due to bad luck or poor planning so much as a refusal to prioritize stable income, or a continuing dependence on their parents for their financial needs. Bloggers also still carry that image of unstable income, which many women fear may compromise their own lifestyle down the road.

The 3Ss

• Seitaishi (massage/bodywork therapists)
• Shōbōshi (firefighters)
• Sports instructors

These guys can come across as serious, down-to-earth men but behind that majime (mature) veneer lurk rumors of flirtation and infidelity—at least according to magazines like GJewel, Pinky Life Magazine and Lovely. Some say their irregular hours, physical contact as part of the job and a certain rugged magnetism make physical closeness feel less special and more casual.

The Risky & Ideal 3Cs

© Photo by iStock: chabybucko

There are also 3Cs. However, be aware that there are two distinct types of 3Cs in the conversation: the risky ones and the ideal ones.

The Risky 3Cs

• Consultants
• Creators (similar to the “B” for blogger)
• Chefs or カレーをスパイスから作る男性 (kare- wo supaisu kara tsukuru dansei; “men who make curry from scratch”)

These 3Cs are considered risky due to their often unpredictable nature. They may also be emotionally distant individuals with irregular working hours. The criticism is also that these men are overly particular, creatively self-centered or live by their own rules, making them “hard to live with.”

The Ideal 3Cs

• Comfortable
• Communicative
• Cooperative

The ideal 3Cs are not technically professions, but rather the traits that most women say they truly want and should look for in a partner. Someone you can relax around, talk with about what matters and who’ll work together on the small things like housework, planning and supporting each other.

What About Women?

© Photo by iStock: Gorica Poturak

Of course, women aren’t immune to bias either. Men’s magazines like Men Gym, Uomo and even GQ have their own “bad jobs for girlfriends and potential wives” lists. Among the least desirable professions are:

• Nurses
• Lawyers
• Police officers
• Hairdressers
• Sports instructors/massage therapists
• Traditional office ladies (OLs)
• Hostesses
• “Professional only-daughters,” (although obviously not a profession)

Hairdressers, female sports instructors and massage therapists suffer from the same misconceptions as their male counterparts, while many men still view traditional office ladies as being “desperate housewife wannabes”.

Hostesses are typically expected (if not forced) to provide “extra customer service” in order to earn the big bucks from their club, which isn’t something that many men are willing to accept in a serious partner. “Nurses are too busy”, “lawyers are too intimidating” and “police officers have too risky work” are the in-a-nutshell reasons for the others.

“Professional only-daughters” simply refers to daughters of single-child families. Thanks to Japan’s aging society and flatlining birth rate, these daughters have the full burden of caring for their parents plus a career to think of, and “they can be the worst kind of husband hunters,” as 31-year-old Satoshi, a participant in my survey, explains.

The Hidden 2s

© Photo by iStock: TayaCho

From my own conversations with Japanese men and women, two previously unmentioned professions that also seem to have a bad reputation are:

• Delivery drivers for men
• Eikaiwa (English language schools) instructors for women

Delivery drivers suffer from two biases, affecting both men and women: their irregular schedules and long hours, which make them less available for dates, and their perceived promiscuity (are they really spending all this time delivering?)

As for eikaiwa workers, for Japanese men interested in dating non-Japanese women, seriousness and jealousy were the two most commonly mentioned issues.

“Very few foreign women live in Japan for more than a couple of years, and a lot of them treat Japan like some fantasy land. I could never date one seriously—or move abroad with them when they get bored with Japan. Why should I give up my culture for someone who doesn’t take my country seriously?” (Masa, 31).

“I don’t think it’d be a serious relationship. I wouldn’t want my future wife spending all that time talking to other men—it’s like being a hostess” (Keigo, 29).

So, Should We Really Avoid These Professions?

© Photo by iStock: AzmanJaka

Of course, not everyone in these jobs is an undesirable partner, and discounting someone solely based on their career is, needless to say, ridiculous. However, in Japan, at least, there appears to be some truth to these beliefs.

“My younger brother is a bartender. He’s a good man, but he works seven days a week and sleeps all day—he doesn’t have time to date anyone.” (Hiroko, 51).

“I used to date a drummer, and I never knew where he was or who he was with. He went on tour and came back married. His “main” girlfriend had given birth to their second child and he felt guilty.” (Mariko, 46).

“I’ve dated a real estate broker before—he was a lovely, funny guy, but our work schedules never matched up, and even if we were out on a date together, phone calls from his clients or boss came first.”

“My friend dated a binbo before she knew he was broke—he took her to Kyoto for a weekend and got arrested because he was using his mother’s credit card to fund the trip.”

While we can see that there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to support these do-not-date career biases in this group of 30 people, it is essential to note that no two individuals are the same. Your decision to date or not date someone should come down to how compatible you are and how well you can communicate your own wants and needs to one another.

Or… you may consider changing your job? Either way, let all of this be your choice.

What do you think of these perceptions? Are there any other undateable professions in Japan that have a bad reputation for dating?

With various online publications touting the next-best Tokyo event and influencers on TikTok and Instagram sharing trending cafes and restaurants, the freedom to explore the city’s many highlights has never been easier. While general gatherings are a great way to socialize and network, finding art or creator-focused activities in Tokyo has proved to be more difficult.

Luckily, this writer and artist has scoured the streets of Tokyo in search of the best activities and resources to pull inspiration from for your next artistic endeavor, whatever that may be.

1. Shop For Art Supplies

© Photo by Michele Tanabe

Prior to moving to Tokyo, I heavily relied on ordering art supplies from Amazon or making rare trips back home during the holidays to pick up colored pencils and markers. It wasn’t until I ventured out to Shinjuku in search of a proper watercolor sketchbook that I found Sekaido.

Sekaido is truly Tokyo’s mecca of art supply shops. Shinjuku’s flagship multi-story store is dedicated to serving artists at all levels of their creative careers.  Each floor is dedicated to a specific type of art or craft, and one can spend hours browsing through their massive selection.

At Sekaido, you’ll find items such as: 

• Acrylic, oil and gouache paints
• Watercolor paper, paints and pencils
• Paint brushes of all types, including Japanese calligraphy brushes
• Pre-stretched and primed canvas in varying sizes 
• Assorted sketchbooks and paper types
• Pencils, charcoal, erasers, sharpeners and shading products
• Manga and comic inking supplies
• Markers, soft pastels, chalk pastels, crayons and crafting clay

For artists who aren’t fussed over specific supplies and are looking for something basic, I recommend stationery staples like Muji, Loft or Tokyu Hands. These shops make it easy to find grab-and-go products such as markers, notebooks, craft paper and other basic art supplies. For an extended list of places to check out, see our article Where To Find Art Supplies in Tokyo.

2. Take A Trip To An Art Exhibition

© Photo by iStock: South_agency

One of the best ways to get the ballpoint pen rolling is to venture into urban Tokyo and visit an art exhibition. I often enjoy taking a solo trip when I’m stuck on a concept for a painting or drawing.

One spot I frequent is the National Art Center, Tokyo or NACT.  Here you’ll find a fast-rotating schedule of art installations surrounded by dreamy architecture that one can’t help but pull inspiration from. Currently, two special exhibitions are on display at NACT, available for viewing until mid-December:

• Prism of the Real: Making Art in Japan 1989-2010: Until Mon, Dec. 8, 2025
• ​​Bvlgari Kaleidos: Colors, Cultures and Crafts: Until Mon, Dec. 15, 2025

With exhibitions like these, and many more shared in Savvy’s very own Tokyo Art Scene articles, you’ll be filled to the brim with ideas for your next project. If you want an extended list of places to frequent, check out our list of Tokyo’s Top 10 Art Museums, Tokyo’s Top 10 Offbeat Museums, 10 Interactive Art Museums To Visit In & Around Tokyo, and 7 Free Art Galleries in Ginza.

3. Share Your Work Through Competitions

© Photo by iStock: mixetto

Although somewhat intimidating, sharing your work is a great way to showcase your art while connecting with others who share the same interests. If you’re a competitive person and eager to showcase your creations, I suggest exploring the numerous competitions available both in Japan and internationally.

Listed below are a few contests and events you can submit your work to:

• Kyoto Writing Competition (English Application)
• Tokyo Midtown Award Art Competition (Japanese Application)
• Canon Graphgate Photo Contest (Japanese Application)
• Boit! International Illustration Contest (English Application)
• Ploughshares Emerging Writers Contest (English Application)

Our friends at GaijinPot also host an art/photo contest at their annual GaijinPot Expo, offering cash prizes to the winners. Anyone in any Japanese prefecture can apply, so keep an eye out for the next submission period to open.

4. Attend An Art Event Or Sketch Meetup

© Photo by iStock: recep-bg

If a competition isn’t up your alley but you still want to share your work, an art event or sketch meetup is a great way to collaborate, create and socialize!

I recently attended a live sketching event through a Meetup group called Art Jammers. At their most recent event, I had the opportunity to sketch the surrounding nature and city architecture while making friends with people who share my interest in drawing. At the end of our session, we shared our work and highlighted things we liked in each other’s pieces.

© Photo by Michele Tanabe

I walked away from that event with newfound motivation and even pocketed useful tips from experienced sketchers to help improve my drawing skills!

Artedly Tokyo‘s monthly meetups are also a great resource for those looking to connect with Tokyo’s creatives in a more casual setting. Not only that, but Artdely helps connect artists and photographers with cafe exhibitions at a low cost. If you’re looking for a way to display your art, this is definitely worth considering.

5. Participate In An Art Class

© Photo by Art Bar

Classes are ideal for budding artists who prefer learning under the guidance of an instructor. Even advanced artists can benefit from classes when learning a new medium, say, transitioning from acrylic to oil paints. Add a little alcohol to the mix, and you’ve got ArtBar.  

Artbar is Tokyo’s first “paint & sip” studio that offers classes on varying styles, such as paint pouring, gold accents, impressionism and recreating famous works of art like Monet’s famous water lilies. Many of Artbar’s instructors are also fluent in English and classes are offered frequently for those with busy schedules.

For those interested in delving into figure drawing with a live model, consider attending the Wednesday Night Sketch Club hosted at the BnA Hotel in Nihonbashi. Co-founder Keigo Fukugaki is fully bilingual and welcomes artists from all walks of life and levels. Ticket prices include a drink, supplies and model fees.

Tokyo might initially shy away from showcasing its artistic side, but those who seek it will eventually find their way into the creative world when they are ready and willing.

Congratulations on your incoming little one(s)! After you register your pregnancy at the local ward office and start getting the essentials for the baby, you and your partner should start thinking about maternity and paternity leave. In Japan, there are leave programs for mothers and fathers. In an effort to ease the declining birthrate, the Japanese government has been providing additional financial benefits and leave programs to encourage people to have children.

While there are some overlapping options for both parents, namely Childcare Leave (育児休業, ikuji kyuugyou), there are also ones unique to mothers or fathers before and after the birth of a child. Keep reading for a primer on maternity and paternity leave in Japan.

Who Can Take Maternity & Paternity Leave in Japan?

© Photo by iStock: Hispanolistic

Under Japanese law, all employed women, regardless of the type or duration of their contract, are entitled to take maternity leave. Unfortunately, freelancers and self-employed women are not considered eligible and, thus, cannot receive the government leave benefits discussed below.

As for men, full-time permanent employees, as well as contract and dispatch workers, are able to take leave. However, there are several situations that may prevent a male employee from taking leave, including:

• Working less than two days a week 
• Having less than a year remaining in their contract following their return from childcare leave 
• Working at the company for less than a year 

For more information about your or your partner’s specific case, it is always best to inquire with the employer and local labor bureau.

Do People Take Childcare Leave in Japan?

© Photo by iStock: CG Tan

Although many types of workers are eligible for childcare leave, not everyone takes it.

Statistics On Childcare Leave in Japan

Approximately 86% of eligible women and 40% of men took some kind of childcare leave in 2024. If the difference between men and women is surprising, that’s actually a big improvement from recent years. In 2023 and 2022, only 30% and 18% of fathers, respectively, took advantage of a leave program.

Barriers To Taking Leave

While rates are increasing, men have opted not to take leave in greater numbers for several reasons:

• Conservative ideas about women as caregivers and men as financial providers
• Employers who discourage men from taking leave, leading to harassment and punishment 

Meanwhile, women have also faced harassment from employers for taking leave or pressure to return to work early following the birth of their child. Both are prohibited under Japanese law.

How To Apply For Maternity & Childcare Leave Through Your Employer

© Photo by iStock: damircudic

Before parents can take leave from work, there are a few steps to follow:

1. Verify the eligibility requirements for leave to ensure you meet the qualifications. 
2. Notify your employer in advance, at least two weeks but ideally one month, before your intended start date of leave.
3. You will typically need to submit a written application form to your employer. In this application, you will need to clearly indicate the start and end dates of your intended leave.
4. Your employer or HR department will handle the formal application process and will submit the social insurance exemption notices on your behalf.

For more information about eligibility requirements and for a sample of a leave application form, please read this document produced by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Women Only: Childcare Leave Before/After Birth

© Photo by iStock: Hispanolistic

Women are eligible to apply for Childcare Before Birth (産前休業, sanzen kyuugyou) for a maximum of six weeks prior to the expected date of delivery. If there are multiple births, such as twins or triplets, the period is extended to 14 weeks.

Under Japanese law, women must take Childcare Leave After Birth (産後休業, sango kyuugyou) for the eight weeks following the child’s birth. As a result, employers cannot require women to return to work before their child is eight weeks old, and women who wish to resume work must obtain permission from a doctor. To calculate the maximum duration of your Childcare Leave Before/After Birth, input your expected due date and whether you are having multiple births in this handy calculator.

Both Parents: Childcare Leave

© Photo by iStock: StudioYummy

Childcare Leave (育児休業, ikuji kyuugyou) is available to both men and women and lasts until the day before the child’s first birthday. For women, the start of Child Care Leave must begin sometime after the end of Childcare Leave After Birth. For men, Childcare Leave can start at any time from the child’s date of birth. Both parents can take Childcare Leave concurrently, if desired.

In terms of salary, you will receive:

• 67% of your salary for the first 180 days of Childcare Leave
• 50% of your salary for the period following the initial 180 days of Childcare Leave 

Childcare Leave can be taken for any duration until the day before the child’s first birthday. Also, a parent can take Childcare Leave in one or two chunks. For example, a father can stay home from the time the child is three to six months and nine to 11 months old.

Men Only: Childcare At Birth Leave

© Photo by iStock: itakayuki

In the eight weeks following the birth of a child, fathers are allowed to take four weeks off from work with Childcare at Birth Leave (出生児育児休業, shusshouji ikuji kyuugyou).

The four weeks can be divided into two separate periods as long as they both fall within the first eight weeks after birth. For instance, men can take leave in the first two weeks after the birth of the child and when the baby is seven to eight weeks old.

Men must submit a plan, including start and end dates, to their employer prior to taking leave. If not, employers may legally prohibit the second part of the leave.

Compensation will be 67% of the employee’s salary for a maximum of ¥15,190 per day.

Papa & Mama Childcare Leave Plus

© Photo by iStock: franckreporter

Although the standard Childcare Leave program allows parents to take leaves until the day before the child’s first birthday, there is a way to extend that by two months. The Papa and Mama Childcare Leave (パパ・ママ育休プラス, papa/mama ikukyuu purasu) allows one parent to take leave until the child is 14 months old, if the following conditions are met:

• Both parents must be eligible for Childcare Leave
• The parent who takes Childcare Leave Plus begins on the same day or after the start of their spouse’s Childcare Leave 
• The combined duration of Childcare Leave and Childcare Leave Plus cannot exceed one year

If the total duration of Childcare Leave and Childcare Leave Plus is equal to 180 days or less, the parent will receive 67% of their salary. If applicable, the salary earnings decrease to 50% for the period that exceeds 180 days. For several example scenarios and additional information, consult the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare website. 

Returning to Work After Maternity & Childcare Leave

© Photo by iStock: AzmanJaka

About one month before the maternity or childcare leave comes to an end, it’s ideal to schedule a return-to-work meeting with your employer to finalize paperwork and discuss work options:

• Employees can request reduced working hours and ask for exemptions from overtime and night shift work until their children have reached elementary school age.
• Under Japanese labor laws, employees are entitled to their same “role” upon their return to work, but not necessarily the same “position.”
• Discrimination and power harassment, including pressuring parents into working longer hours than they desire, are considered illegal practices and can be reported to the Labor Standards Bureau, as these actions may violate Japan’s Labour Standards Act and the Equal Employment Opportunity Act. Please view the Labor Standards site managed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for further details.

For advice on employer issues and free consultations regarding employee rights and entitlements, please visit the General Union website for more information.  

Have you or your spouse ever taken maternity or paternity leave in Japan? Let us know your experiences in the comments!

Japan’s a treasure trove of musical talent, with numerous all-female and female-led bands spanning diverse genres. While it’s impossible to compile an exhaustive list, we invite readers to begin exploring, as there’s plenty to discover.

1. The Jazz Avengers

With heroic solos, funky rhythms and chic feminine attire, The Jazz Avengers harness the language of jazz and womanly power. This up-and-coming all-female Japanese ensemble is led by award-winning drummer Senri Kawaguchi. The Jazz Avengers features a quartet of highly skilled saxophonists: Miku Yonezawa, Miho Terachi, WaKaNa and Ami Nakazon.

Joining forces with Chizuru Segawa on guitar, Marie Takeda on keyboard and Juna Serita on bass, the group creates upbeat compositions that blend jazz fusion with pop sensibilities, opening up the world of jazz to a broader audience.

As The Jazz Avengers prepare for their next release, new listeners can grab tickets to an upcoming show or get acquainted with their self-titled debut album, The Jazz Avengers, or their second album, 8 Steps.

2. OOIOO

At times meditative, other times wonderfully chaotic, OOIOO is an all-female Japanese rock band that invites you into a world of sonic experimentation. The group is led by multifaceted musician and composer YoshimiO, also known as Yoshimi P-We from Boredoms—an infamous Japanese rock group that collaborated with some of America’s big hit-making rock groups such as Nirvana and The Flaming Lips.

OOIOO’s avant-garde approach to music has been a source of fascination since their inception in 1995. They ventured into uncharted territories, combining elements of psychedelia, tribal rhythms and noise into their sound, often experimenting with their recording and performance style. The current lineup includes YoshimiO on vocals and guitar, AYA on bass, Mishina on drums, and kAyAn on guitar, vocals and keyboard.

Their upcoming concerts at Shindaita Fever (Sep. 17, 2025) and Shibuya Club Quattro (Oct. 7, 2025) promise an exhilarating experience.

3. 12 Violinists

Jump roping, riding a unicycle and playing kendama (a Japanese skill toy/game)—while playing the violin? 12 Violinists, an all-female Japanese ensemble, has made it their mission to challenge the conventional perception of highbrow classical violin performances.

Founded by the talented Chisako Takashima, a distinguished musician from Yale University’s Department of Music and former member of the New World Symphony orchestra in Miami, this twelve-piece ensemble merges virtuosity with light-hearted entertainment. The group’s dedication to making classical music more accessible and enjoyable is evident in their televised performances on Nippon TV, Fuji TV, TV Asahi and many others, breaking formalities while maintaining masterful technique.

Their 2025 to 2026 concert tour across Japan promises to entertain and share the joy of playing violin with a growing audience.

4. Perfume

With vibrant colors, futuristic fashion, and an elegant aesthetic, it’s no wonder that the Japanese girl group Perfume has been dazzling audiences with their music videos and live performances. The voices of Ayaka “A-chan” Nishiwaki, Ayano “Nocchi” Omoto and Yuka “Kashiyuka” Kashinois make up this sweet-scented trio.

Perfume is known for infusing electronic and techno elements with J-pop. At times bursting with high energy, and other times embracing a more nostalgic and mellow sound, they know how to keep their audience engaged and eager for what’s next.

With the release of their new album for “Nebula Romance Part 2” in September 2025, Perfume continues to capture hearts with their simple yet celestial air.

5. Rin’

It’s not every day that you hear traditional Japanese instruments like the koto, shamisen, biwa and shakuhachi in contemporary music. Rin’ has set out to change that. Comprising talented female alumni from the Tokyo University of the Arts, Rin’ seamlessly blends traditional Japanese music with modern influences such as pop and rock.

The ensemble consists of three vocalists, Mana Yoshinaga, Chie Arai and Tomoka Nagasu, who interchangeably play the koto, sangen, jushichigen, biwa, shamisen and shakuhachi. After a 10-year hiatus, the trio reunited with a renewed energy and creative vision, collaborating with dancers, digital artists and kimono designers.

Moreover, they traveled to historic locations, including Nakagusuku Castle and Tsuruga Castle ruins, where they performed and recorded stunning music videos that showcased the cultural heritage and beauty of Japanese landscapes.

Although no new albums have been released since June 2023, you can still attend concerts by the three performers, whether together or in special solo concerts. The next upcoming performance is one by Tomoka Nagasu. She will hold two solo concerts, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, on October 21, 2025, at Meguro Blues Alley, Japan.

These five groups are just a small glimpse into the expansive world of female bands and ensembles in Japan. Whether you’re drawn to jazz, rock, classical, pop, traditional Japanese music, or, of course, the catchy tunes of anime, Japan’s all-female musical ensembles have a lot to offer. Their diverse musical styles, blending the old with the new and pushing musical limits in their own unique ways, inspire us to explore further.

Know more about Japan’s all-female bands or ensembles? Let us know your favorite in a comment down below!