Japanese Keidanren Welcomes First Female Executive in 75 Years

Setting a Goal of 30% Female Executives by 2030
Only 1 Woman Among 20 Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons

▲On the 1st, Masakazu Tokura (fourth from the right), Chairman of Sumitomo Chemical, who was appointed as the new chairman, and others are taking a commemorative photo at the Keidanren Hall located in Tokyo, Japan. The first from the left is Tomoko Nanba, Chairman of DNA, who became the first female vice chairman in Keidanren's history.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Keidanren, Japan's leading business organization, has appointed a woman as vice chairman for the first time since its founding.

According to the Asahi Shimbun on the 2nd, Keidanren appointed Masakazu Tokura, chairman of Sumitomo Chemical, as the new chairman at the regular general meeting held on the 1st. Six new vice chairmen were also appointed, including Tokomo Namba, chairman of DNA.

This is the first time in Keidanren's history that a woman has been appointed as vice chairman.

She stated, "I am aware that I was appointed vice chairman because I am a woman," and added, "I want to fulfill my responsibilities properly and work hard so as not to block the path for juniors."

Founded in August 1946, it is highly significant that Keidanren has appointed a woman as vice chairman for the first time in about 75 years. However, some criticism has been raised that Keidanren's organization has been male-centered until now.

Previously, Keidanren set a goal to increase the proportion of female corporate executives to 30% by 2030. Kyodo News pointed out that this appointment is part of such efforts, with only one woman now appointed among the 20 key executives including the chairman and vice chairmen.

Among Japan's three major economic organizations, the Japan Association of Corporate Executives, which is similar to Keidanren, has three women among its 13 deputy secretaries.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), a Korean organization similar in nature to Keidanren, has all 10 of its chairman and vice chairmen as men.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.