Womenomics originator Matsui funds ESG startups

Louise George Kittaka
Contributing writer

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attracted global attention in 2013 for drawing on womenomics — the idea that female...

Puratos: Good food, good company, better future

Hiromichi Matono For Jean-Pierre Bernardino, there is nothing quite like working in an industry that connects people with good food,...

To create business value, first create shared value

Louise George Kittaka
Contributing writer

The phrase “sustainable business” seems to be everywhere these days, but what exactly does it mean for brands and consumers...

The better for wear: Designer upcycles old kimonos

Louise George Kittaka
Contributing writer

With roots in Belgium and Japan, Haruka Sugihara is a young designer and entrepreneur with a passion for taking the...

David Malone, rector of the United Nations University

“Rector” commonly known in Japan as “president,” denotes a senior official in an educational institution, as used in Europe and...

Architect Brooks reshapes offices to new world of work

Louise George Kittaka
Contributing writer

Christopher Brooks is the executive officer and design director of Garde, an international branding and interior design company based in...

Lixil change-maker cultures people for a cleaner world

Louise George Kittaka
contributing writer

Sanitation is something we take for granted, yet 3 billion people around the world lack access to good hygiene. Jin...

Businessman ambassador opens Panama connections

With both a father and grandfather who served their country as diplomats, it might seem that Carlos Pere is simply...

Envoy hopes Cuba studies Japan’s development path

A veteran of several overseas postings around Asia, Miguel Ramirez was delighted to be appointed ambassador to Japan late last...

Longtime work for chamber evolves into leading role

Although her days are packed to the brim, Sally Townsend wouldn’t have it any other way. As commissioner for South...

Bridging cultures through ‘food diplomacy’ and more

Peter Tan Hai Chuan was looking forward to enhancing opportunities for bilateral cooperation when he took up his position as...

A leap from academia to first Armenian ambassador

As ambassador of a country with one of the longest histories in the world, Grant Pogosyan is eager to share...