Diversity and inclusion (D&I) have become the buzz words in homogenous Japan and is a top agenda in politics, business and other organizations struggling to reform. A timely book compiled by Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University—no strangers to diversity—discusses these important goals by bringing lively examples strengthened by in-depth analysis. Why does diversity and inclusion matter? Why is Japan so eager to change and how can organizations and societies become more inclusive? These questions are fundamental and critical to enriching our discourse on diversity and taking a step forward. 

The e-book, Diversity and Inclusion in Japan, offers articles that are grounded in research. It analyses critical issues surrounding diversity and inclusion in Japan at the individual, organizational, and industry levels. The book is developed in collaboration with two research centers, the Center for Inclusive Leadership in Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University and the Diversity Center for Inclusive Leadership at Tsuda University. 

Yuko Takahashi became the eleventh president of Tsuda College (now Tsuda University) in 2016. Her discussion will focus on Taki Fujita, the president of Tsuda University and Director of the Women’s and Minor’s Bureau of the Ministry of Labor in 1951-1955. She had a significant impact on succeeding female Japanese leaders.

Yoshiki Shinohara is the director of the Center for Inclusive Leadership (CIL) and an associate professor at the School of Management of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.  He will discuss the crucial role of laws and policies in advancing D&I among Japanese companies.

Lailani Alcantara is a professor and the first female dean of the School of Management in Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. She will share the current status of diversity & inclusion in Japan and invite discussion on D&I challenges and why it matters for Japanese companies and other organizations to address these challenges.

Doors open at 6:00 pm. Dinner is served from 6:15 pm. The presentation starts from 7:15 pm. Menu: Chef's Salad/ Bread/ Roasted Duck Breast with Green Pepper Sauce/ Fig Bavarois with its Compote/ Coffee or Tea with One Drink. Book Break charges are 3,000 yen/ 4,000 yen (members/ non-members) per person. FCCJ members can sign up at the reception desk. Reservations cancelled less than 72 hours in advance will be charged in full. Non-members can reserve at the reception desk by email (front@fccj.or.jp). Payment is in advance till Thursday, March 2nd, 2023. No refund is available unless the event is cancelled by FCCJ. 


Online attendance (via Zoom) is available at 550 yen per person. Please indicate the intention to attend online when signing up. Details on how to join online will be sent to individual emails after their reservations are confirmed. 

Attendees with food restriction should inform the reception desk (front@fccj.or.jp) three days before the event.We kindly ask for your cooperation with Covid-19 prevention measures at the reception and to wear a mask in the premises. Thank you.

(The talk will be in English)      

Library, Archives & Workroom Committee