WOMAN EXPO 2026 Summer, a Comprehensive Event for All Working Women to Shine Authentically, to be Held!!

On Saturday, June 6, WOMAN EXPO 2026 Summer was held at Hikarie Hall, Shibuya Hikarie (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo). WOMAN EXPO is an event that has been held since 2014 as part of a project to support the creation of an environment where women can be more active. Nikkei Group media, such as "Nikkei Woman," which supports the careers and lives of female leaders, and "Nikkei Health," which delivers information on health and beauty, leverage their respective characteristics to provide information and experiences useful for all working women who want to shine authentically, through seminars and exhibitions in real-world settings. Seven seminars were held. The first seminar featured Anna Kanda (freelance announcer), active in a wide range of fields as a commentator and columnist. Titled "Don't Fear Being Different: Job Skills That Keep You in Demand ~How to Pave Your Own Path Without a Role Model~," she introduced six turning points in her career. Focusing on her individuality, which she has valued since childhood, she shared her aspiration to become an announcer inspired by Masataka Henmi of "Heisei Kyōiku Iinkai" (Fuji TV). She also recounted how she acquired work know-how that connects to her current career at the Fukuoka Broadcasting Station, her first assignment after joining NHK. Upon transferring to Tokyo, she was assigned to "Bakushō On Air Battle" instead of her desired reporting role, and she spoke about how she faced it with all her might despite her worries. Kanda reflected on these experiences with clear talk. Prompted by the Great East Japan Earthquake, she re-examined her career and decided to become a freelancer. She revealed that only five people attended her lectures at the time, saying, "I am truly grateful that so many of you have come today," with a smile. However, when her work increased to the point where she ranked first in the "2023 Break Talent" ranking (Kanto region) in 2023, she confessed her struggles, saying, "Household chores were neglected, and the house was dusty. I didn't want to be like my mother, who was a full-time housewife, and I couldn't bring myself to delegate tasks." She then shifted to a lifestyle where she now always makes breakfast for health maintenance, having consciously reduced her workload for the first time. Kanda cited "wanting to meet the expectations of the staff" and "wanting to be a wife my husband (Yuki Himura of Banana Man) can be proud of" as her motivations. As she built her career, she expressed gratitude to those around her who recognized and supported her "individuality," which she has always valued. She encouraged the audience, who filled the venue to standing room only, with the message, "Worries will never disappear! That's why you should cherish yourself!" The final seminar was by Mieko Nakabayashi (Professor at Waseda University, Chairman of the Tokyo Foundation, Honorary Fellow at the Mansfield Foundation, USA), titled "Will Japan's Gender Gap Disappear by 2050!? The Importance of Looking at the World." Nakabayashi stated, "What may seem like a dream now, imagining 2050, has a high possibility of becoming a reality." Looking ahead to a future where "the world will be AI-centric, and the gaps in age and gender will continue to shrink," and "women's work styles will change as physical AI takes over housework and caregiving," she presented the idea that "you shouldn't just look at your bank account every day." She encouraged the audience, "Everyone, please have dreams for what you want to do." She also introduced the keyword "Be 'Unconventional'!". She explained, "The Japanese trait of 'reading the air' is completely useless outside of Japan. It's better to think about doing something slightly beyond common sense when you go out into the world." She emphasized, "Whether in business or anything else, I believe there is absolutely no difference in ability between men and women. It's just a matter of whether you decide to do it or not. Please find something you want to do, no matter how small." In addition, seminars were held on topics such as "Don't Worry Alone Anymore! Find Your Own Career Path with BeliEVE Mentors," featuring Rena Yamazaki (talent) and Atsuko Horie (Representative of Sreel) discussing career changes and worries; "Learn About Menopause & Kampo Care Early"; "Carve Out Your Own Career"; "Learn from Experts! Sleep in the Air-Conditioner Era That Changes Summer Sleep"; and "Don't Be Defeated by High Prices or Pension Worries! Money Strategies for Working Women." All of these seminars were well-attended, with participants listening intently. Furthermore, 11 booths were set up in the exhibition hall, showcasing a wide range of content to update lifestyles and careers, including beauty care, career support services, and trending recovery items. Many visitors tried samples, received advice from experts, and participated in a stamp rally, which was very popular. The next "WOMAN EXPO 2026 Winter" is scheduled to be held on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at Tokyo Midtown. Details will be announced on the official account in the fall of 2026. Name: "WOMAN EXPO 2026 Summer" Organizers: Nikkei Inc., Nikkei BP Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026 Venue: Hikarie Hall, Shibuya Hikarie (2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) Official Website: https://events.nikkeibp.co.jp/woman/2026s/ Participating Companies/Organizations: 　　　　S.S. Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. / X&D / Oisix / Kracie Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. / Claden Japan / 　　　　Cybozu, Inc. / Surf Beverage Co., Ltd. / TENTIAL / McDonald's Japan / 　　　　FUJIMI / PREMIUM WATER / Manekatsu by FANTAS / 　　　　Marco / Medecins du Monde Japon / Riken Vitamin Co., Ltd. Cooperating Media: Nikkei Woman, Nikkei Health, Nikkei Trendy Promotion: Kyodo Media Service