Japan HEIB Council Announces Constructive Dissolution After 48 Years of Activity

Seiko Suzuki, Representative Director, announced the constructive dissolution (disbandment). The Japan HEIB Council (location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo), established in 1978 with the aim of improving the abilities of women working in companies as a 'bridge between consumers and companies,' announced at a general meeting held on April 17, 2026, that it will undergo a constructive dissolution (disbandment) on July 31, 2026. [Message from Representative Director Seiko Suzuki] Approximately half a century has passed since the Japan HEIB Council was established in 1978, and today, society's awareness regarding women working has significantly changed. Furthermore, in consumer life, the importance of collaboration and co-creation among people from various standpoints, such as consumers, companies, and administration, is widely recognized, not just from a gender perspective. Considering these societal changes, after repeated deliberations on future activities, we have concluded that the initial objectives of the establishment have permeated society to a certain extent, and our role as a council has reached a milestone. Upon its constructive dissolution (disbandment), we have produced the 'Mirai Book for Working Women' while looking back on 48 years of history. This is our council's final proposal, wishing for an era where everyone, including women, can choose their way of working and living. We have walked a path that values dialogue and learning among people from diverse backgrounds, and we are deeply grateful for the warm support and cooperation from our members, member companies, and all stakeholders who have enabled us to continue our activities for so many years. [Overview of 'Mirai Book for Working Women'] This booklet summarizes the history of working women from the perspective of the Japan HEIB Council, based on a vast amount of materials documenting the council's 48 years of activity and interviews with members, OGs, and related parties, along with thoughts for the future. A4 modified size / 60 pages / Full color [Special Feature] Dialogue between Rie Kuroki, Counselor, Consumer Affairs Agency, and Seiko Suzuki, Representative Director, Japan HEIB Council 'Is the category of 'women' still necessary?' The title of the booklet is 'Mirai Book for Working Women,' but this dialogue brought a major realization: the focus should not only be on 'working' but on 'life itself.' They discussed the desire to convey that everyone, not just women, has various choices for their future way of life. [Chapter 1: History of Working Women] What are the values of work, society, and home revealed by the 'Survey on Working Women and Life'? Based on the 'Survey on Working Women and Life' conducted by the Council from 1985 to 2012, this chapter traces the trajectory of working women, unraveling changes in women's values regarding work purpose and balancing work with household chores. It also includes 'Heib VOICE' (raw voices) where 11 members and OGs share their feelings at the time, accompanying the analysis of 11 survey results. [Chapter 2: Evolution of Working Women] What is 'Women's Empowerment' considered from a life design perspective? Yukiko Miyaki, a special member, contributed an essay considering 'women's empowerment' and 'life design' for the future. She states that life has three slopes: 'upslope, downslope, and unexpected,' and life design is like a navigation system for re-selecting one's path without losing sight of the destination when an 'unexpected' event occurs. [Chapter 3: Future of Working Women] Future is different, everyone is good! How to work? How to live? Numerous questionnaires and interviews with people related to the Council are featured. Different futures are envisioned, such as 'working rooted in the local community,' 'viewing work solely as a means to earn living expenses and prioritizing hobbies,' and 'working actively until age 80.' Many charms and wisdom for flexible living, such as 'cultivating insensitivity' and 'human interaction is multiplication,' are also introduced. The Japan HEIB Council, as an organization, concludes its half-century history, but the spirit we have cherished, 'connecting people and thoughts,' is an increasingly sought-after power in the uncertain society of the future. We hope that this booklet will be the first step towards a society where everyone can affirm their own way of life. 'Mirai Book for Working Women' e-book https://www.torendou.co.jp/mirai_book/ [Contact for inquiries regarding this matter and our council] General Incorporated Association Japan HEIB Council Secretariat E-mail: heib-jimukyoku@heib.gr.jp *Inquiries will be accepted until July 31, 2026.