At the 120th GRIPS Forum on January 18, 2016, Ms. Reiko Okutani, Chairman, The R Co., Ltd. gave a lecture titled “What is Hindering the Expansion of Women’s Participation in Society?”.

Abstract

The Japanese government originally set the target of increasing the share of women in leadership positions to 30% by 2020 in all fields in society, but revised a part of it to 7% last year. What is hindering women from given equal opportunities to participate in society in this advanced nation?

Speakers’ Profile:

Ms. Okutani was born in Hyogo. After graduating with a law degree from Konan University, she joined Japan Airlines.

1982 Feb. Established The R Co. Ltd. and assumed the post of representative

director

1986 – 1992 Concurrently served as a representative director of We’ll Co. Ltd.

1986 Jan. Selected as the first female member of Japan Association of Corporate Executives

2002 May – current Lawson, Inc., Outside Director

2005 April – current Rakuten Baseball, Inc., Management Advisory Committee Member

2006 Jan. Japan Post, Outside Director

2010 June – current Culture Convenience Club, Co., Ltd., Management Advisory Committee Member

2013 Jan. – current Lion Corporation, Management Evaluation Committee Member

2013 April – current CCI France Japon, Honorary Committee Member

2015 June – current Credit Saison Co., Ltd., Outside Director

Currently in service:

Japan Association of New Economy, Executive Member

Chiba Institute of Technology, Board Member