[New Strategy for Companies of Choice] How to Start "Health and Productivity Management Where Women Thrive" (Nikkei BP, Nikkei Publishing) - A Guide to "Building a Rewarding Workplace" for Every Leader
ThinkPearl, an organization supporting health and productivity management, has announced the release of a new book by Representative Director Michiyo Namba. The book provides a practical guide for leaders to implement health-focused management strategies that address women's health issues to foster sustainable corporate growth.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 12:00
- 🔍 Collected: March 31, 2026 at 09:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 13:02 (1516h 0m after Collected)
ThinkPearl (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Michiyo Namba; hereinafter "the Company"), an organization that supports the promotion of women's health and health and productivity management initiatives under the theme of "balancing well-being and productivity" in organizations and regions, is pleased to announce that the book by our representative, social issue and policy implementation producer Michiyo Namba, titled "How to Start 'Health and Productivity Management Where Women Thrive' - A New Strategy for Companies of Choice" (Nikkei BP, Nikkei Publishing), was released in bookstores and online retailers nationwide on March 11, 2026.
[Amazon purchase link here]
◼️ Book Overview
Why is women's health a management issue now? (From the "Introduction")
In October 2025, Sanae Takaichi, President of the Liberal Democratic Party, was inaugurated as the 104th Prime Minister of Japan, becoming the first female Prime Minister in the history of Japanese constitutional government. Drawing on her own experience suffering from a chronic condition caused by menopausal symptoms, Ms. Takaichi has made it clear that she has been working on policies to support women's health. In her first policy speech, she stated: "We will thoroughly implement 'proactive preventive medicine,' aim to extend healthy life expectancy, and work to ensure that everyone can live energetically and become contributors to social security. In particular, we will accelerate our response to health issues stemming from gender differences. I have been working on lifelong health issues for women for many years, and last year (2024), a comprehensive center for women's health was established. With this center as our command tower, we will expand its achievements nationwide, including developing medical hubs, conducting research, and fostering human resources for diseases specific to women."
My deep interest in health issues specific to gender differences began with my experience of being diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2009. Being diagnosed with cancer at 35, in the midst of running a company and raising children, and subsequently losing the ability to have more children due to a total hysterectomy—despite the cancer being caught early—made me keenly realize that "choosing not to have children and not being able to choose are two completely different things." The thought, "If this was so important, I wish I had known before I got cancer," is the origin of my work.
We now live in an era where individuals can choose whether to marry, become pregnant, or give birth. On the other hand, without access to correct knowledge, appropriate information, and medical care, people face the risk of losing life options or their lives themselves. This structure is not just an individual problem; it is a challenge for companies and society as a whole.
Finally, in Japan, serious discussions are taking place regarding the importance of human capital and how to improve the quality of work. Individual health has been positioned as a management issue within companies, and countermeasures are being implemented. If you want to access reliable new information based on scientific evidence, the environment is already in place where it is inexpensive and easy to obtain.
All that remains is for management to "decide to do it" and "set goals and deadlines to execute."
In March 2026, we are at a major turning point. Organizations that seize this opportunity and take action will become the companies that society chooses. This book is a textbook for "health and productivity management," specifically starting from women's health issues, to ensure that motivated and capable talent can work with vitality and a sense of purpose, and to realize happy growth and transformation for companies and society.
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Table of Contents
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[Introduction] Why is women's health a management issue now?
Prologue: The Game Change Has Begun
Column 1: How "Women's Health Issues" Have Been Overlooked
Chapter 1: "Costs" and "Investments" Invisible to Leaders
1-1 The Reality of the Invisible 3.4 Trillion Yen Economic Loss
1-2 What is Health and Productivity Management?
Column 2: Deepening Understanding of Health and Productivity Management: Market Size and Economic Impact
1-3 What is Well-being Management?
1-4 Cancer Countermeasures in the Workplace
Case Study 1: ITOCHU Corporation
Case Study 2: Marui Group Co., Ltd.
Case Study 3: Asteria Corporation
Chapter 2: What are the Essential Issues Companies Should Address?
2-1 The Key to Population Sustainability is Young Women
2-2 2025 is the "First Year of Preconception Care"
Column 3: Global Trends in Preconception Care
Case Study 4: Fujiwara Techno-Art Co., Ltd.
Case Study 5: Kosaka Construction Co., Ltd.
Chapter 3: Understanding the Balance Between Gender-Specific Health Issues and Work
3-1 What is Life-Course Healthcare?
3-2 Adolescence to Maturity: The Reality of Menstrual-Related Symptoms and Work Support
Case Study 6: ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
3-3 Pregnancy and Childbirth: The Reality of the Risk of Resignation and Balancing Work
3-4 Pregnancy and Childbirth: Balancing Fertility Treatment and Work
Column 4: Sumitomo Life "Whodo Saver"
3-5 Menopause: Understanding and Consideration for Menopausal Symptoms
3-6 The Importance of Support Throughout the Life Course
Column 5: A New Approach to Supporting Women's Health: "Mindfulness"
Chapter 4: Practice! 6-Month Introduction Start Program
4-1 20 Steps Aiming for "Health and Productivity Management" Certification
4-2 Detailed Explanation of the 20 Steps
Case Study 7: Asahi Kasei Corporation
[Epilogue] To Become a Company of Choice
[Image: "Women's Body Conference®" held from 2014 to 2026]
◼️ "Health and Productivity Management Where Women Thrive" Supporter Messages
Mr. Shuichi Abe (Governor of Nagano Prefecture, Chairman of the National Governors' Association)
In our country, where the population is rapidly declining, especially in rural areas, the development of a workplace environment where women can demonstrate their abilities significantly affects not only corporate growth but also the sustainability of the region. I sincerely hope that the spread of "Health and Productivity Management Where Women Thrive" will lead to the realization of a local society where each and every woman can shine even brighter.
◼️ Author Profile
Michiyo Namba
Social Issue and Policy Implementation Producer
After working in human resources and secretarial roles at financial institutions, she started her own business at 29. In 2009, at age 36, following her experience with cervical cancer, she established ThinkPearl, aiming to promote women's health education and preventive medicine. She translates policies and systems launched by central government ministries into "executable forms" and accompanies them through to social implementation. She specializes in project planning, stakeholder coordination, implementation strategy design, and communication, and provides support to bridge the gap between system design and on-site operations, particularly focusing on health and productivity management, women's health support, cancer countermeasures, and well-being.
For 17 years, she has delivered lectures on a wide range of themes, including "Career, Life Design, and Health" and "Japan's Healthcare: Challenges and Cancer Countermeasures." She reaches over 10,000 people annually and has a track record of collaborating with numerous organizations.
Representative Director, ThinkPearl / Director, PHR Popularization Promotion Council
◼️ Publication Commemorative Collaboration Seminars and Consultations on Project Promotion
To commemorate the publication of "How to Start 'Health and Productivity Management Where Women Thrive' - A New Strategy for Companies of Choice," starting April 1, 2026, the author, Michiyo Namba, will speak at seminars hosted by economic organizations, local governments, and companies across the country. Starting from an understanding of health and productivity management, she will commit to promotion through strategy formulation, planning, and execution support.
For bulk purchases of the book, or requests for lectures, training, or advisory services, please contact:
Michiyo Namba Office (within ThinkPearl)
info@thinkpearl.jp
＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝
◼️ Book Details
- Title: How to Start "Health and Productivity Management Where Women Thrive" - A New Strategy for Companies of Choice
- Author: Michiyo Namba, Representative Director of ThinkPearl, Social Issue and Policy Implementation Producer
- Publisher: Nikkei BP, Nikkei Publishing
- Release Date: March 11, 2026
- Price: 2,860 yen (tax included)
[Nikkei BOOK PLUS]
https://bookplus.nikkei.com/atcl/catalog/26/02/20/02495/
[Amazon purchase link here]
◼️ Book Overview
Why is women's health a management issue now? (From the "Introduction")
In October 2025, Sanae Takaichi, President of the Liberal Democratic Party, was inaugurated as the 104th Prime Minister of Japan, becoming the first female Prime Minister in the history of Japanese constitutional government. Drawing on her own experience suffering from a chronic condition caused by menopausal symptoms, Ms. Takaichi has made it clear that she has been working on policies to support women's health. In her first policy speech, she stated: "We will thoroughly implement 'proactive preventive medicine,' aim to extend healthy life expectancy, and work to ensure that everyone can live energetically and become contributors to social security. In particular, we will accelerate our response to health issues stemming from gender differences. I have been working on lifelong health issues for women for many years, and last year (2024), a comprehensive center for women's health was established. With this center as our command tower, we will expand its achievements nationwide, including developing medical hubs, conducting research, and fostering human resources for diseases specific to women."
My deep interest in health issues specific to gender differences began with my experience of being diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2009. Being diagnosed with cancer at 35, in the midst of running a company and raising children, and subsequently losing the ability to have more children due to a total hysterectomy—despite the cancer being caught early—made me keenly realize that "choosing not to have children and not being able to choose are two completely different things." The thought, "If this was so important, I wish I had known before I got cancer," is the origin of my work.
We now live in an era where individuals can choose whether to marry, become pregnant, or give birth. On the other hand, without access to correct knowledge, appropriate information, and medical care, people face the risk of losing life options or their lives themselves. This structure is not just an individual problem; it is a challenge for companies and society as a whole.
Finally, in Japan, serious discussions are taking place regarding the importance of human capital and how to improve the quality of work. Individual health has been positioned as a management issue within companies, and countermeasures are being implemented. If you want to access reliable new information based on scientific evidence, the environment is already in place where it is inexpensive and easy to obtain.
All that remains is for management to "decide to do it" and "set goals and deadlines to execute."
In March 2026, we are at a major turning point. Organizations that seize this opportunity and take action will become the companies that society chooses. This book is a textbook for "health and productivity management," specifically starting from women's health issues, to ensure that motivated and capable talent can work with vitality and a sense of purpose, and to realize happy growth and transformation for companies and society.
＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝
Table of Contents
＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝
[Introduction] Why is women's health a management issue now?
Prologue: The Game Change Has Begun
Column 1: How "Women's Health Issues" Have Been Overlooked
Chapter 1: "Costs" and "Investments" Invisible to Leaders
1-1 The Reality of the Invisible 3.4 Trillion Yen Economic Loss
1-2 What is Health and Productivity Management?
Column 2: Deepening Understanding of Health and Productivity Management: Market Size and Economic Impact
1-3 What is Well-being Management?
1-4 Cancer Countermeasures in the Workplace
Case Study 1: ITOCHU Corporation
Case Study 2: Marui Group Co., Ltd.
Case Study 3: Asteria Corporation
Chapter 2: What are the Essential Issues Companies Should Address?
2-1 The Key to Population Sustainability is Young Women
2-2 2025 is the "First Year of Preconception Care"
Column 3: Global Trends in Preconception Care
Case Study 4: Fujiwara Techno-Art Co., Ltd.
Case Study 5: Kosaka Construction Co., Ltd.
Chapter 3: Understanding the Balance Between Gender-Specific Health Issues and Work
3-1 What is Life-Course Healthcare?
3-2 Adolescence to Maturity: The Reality of Menstrual-Related Symptoms and Work Support
Case Study 6: ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
3-3 Pregnancy and Childbirth: The Reality of the Risk of Resignation and Balancing Work
3-4 Pregnancy and Childbirth: Balancing Fertility Treatment and Work
Column 4: Sumitomo Life "Whodo Saver"
3-5 Menopause: Understanding and Consideration for Menopausal Symptoms
3-6 The Importance of Support Throughout the Life Course
Column 5: A New Approach to Supporting Women's Health: "Mindfulness"
Chapter 4: Practice! 6-Month Introduction Start Program
4-1 20 Steps Aiming for "Health and Productivity Management" Certification
4-2 Detailed Explanation of the 20 Steps
Case Study 7: Asahi Kasei Corporation
[Epilogue] To Become a Company of Choice
[Image: "Women's Body Conference®" held from 2014 to 2026]
◼️ "Health and Productivity Management Where Women Thrive" Supporter Messages
Mr. Shuichi Abe (Governor of Nagano Prefecture, Chairman of the National Governors' Association)
In our country, where the population is rapidly declining, especially in rural areas, the development of a workplace environment where women can demonstrate their abilities significantly affects not only corporate growth but also the sustainability of the region. I sincerely hope that the spread of "Health and Productivity Management Where Women Thrive" will lead to the realization of a local society where each and every woman can shine even brighter.
◼️ Author Profile
Michiyo Namba
Social Issue and Policy Implementation Producer
After working in human resources and secretarial roles at financial institutions, she started her own business at 29. In 2009, at age 36, following her experience with cervical cancer, she established ThinkPearl, aiming to promote women's health education and preventive medicine. She translates policies and systems launched by central government ministries into "executable forms" and accompanies them through to social implementation. She specializes in project planning, stakeholder coordination, implementation strategy design, and communication, and provides support to bridge the gap between system design and on-site operations, particularly focusing on health and productivity management, women's health support, cancer countermeasures, and well-being.
For 17 years, she has delivered lectures on a wide range of themes, including "Career, Life Design, and Health" and "Japan's Healthcare: Challenges and Cancer Countermeasures." She reaches over 10,000 people annually and has a track record of collaborating with numerous organizations.
Representative Director, ThinkPearl / Director, PHR Popularization Promotion Council
◼️ Publication Commemorative Collaboration Seminars and Consultations on Project Promotion
To commemorate the publication of "How to Start 'Health and Productivity Management Where Women Thrive' - A New Strategy for Companies of Choice," starting April 1, 2026, the author, Michiyo Namba, will speak at seminars hosted by economic organizations, local governments, and companies across the country. Starting from an understanding of health and productivity management, she will commit to promotion through strategy formulation, planning, and execution support.
For bulk purchases of the book, or requests for lectures, training, or advisory services, please contact:
Michiyo Namba Office (within ThinkPearl)
info@thinkpearl.jp
＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝
◼️ Book Details
- Title: How to Start "Health and Productivity Management Where Women Thrive" - A New Strategy for Companies of Choice
- Author: Michiyo Namba, Representative Director of ThinkPearl, Social Issue and Policy Implementation Producer
- Publisher: Nikkei BP, Nikkei Publishing
- Release Date: March 11, 2026
- Price: 2,860 yen (tax included)
[Nikkei BOOK PLUS]
https://bookplus.nikkei.com/atcl/catalog/26/02/20/02495/