Japan Waso Holdings Launches New Management Structure to Inherit and Innovate Kimono Culture

Japan Waso Holdings Co., Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard / Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo), which operates free "Kimono Dressing Classes" nationwide, has established a new management structure following the approval of a shareholder proposal by its controlling shareholder and founder, Shigehisa Yoshida, at the 40th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 27, 2026. Details of the new officers' backgrounds are available in the IR information disclosed on the same day, but this release highlights the characteristics of the new officer system.

One of the major features of this new officer system is its progressiveness in gender balance. Of the eight directors (including outside directors), five are women, representing a ratio of 62.5%. This significantly exceeds the government's target of 30% female board members by 2030.

Furthermore, among internal directors alone, three out of five are women, reaching a ratio of 60%. According to Keidanren's 2024 data, the ratio of female internal directors in all listed companies remains at 3.3%; in simple comparison, our company's ratio is approximately 18 times higher. We believe this figure positions us among the top-tier companies when compared to other TSE-listed companies actively promoting gender balance.

It is important to note that the selection of these individuals was not solely aimed at increasing the proportion of women. The newly appointed female officers include individuals who have excelled as leaders and instructors at our key locations, as well as those with expertise as social insurance labor consultants and proven track records as corporate managers, each possessing advanced knowledge and extensive experience.

By promoting individuals from within the company who have established their expertise and social standing through their own efforts regardless of gender, and by recruiting externally, our management structure will evolve to become more multifaceted and effective.

In addition, regarding male officers, including auditors, the team comprises members with extensive experience and specialized knowledge, such as Shigehisa Yoshida, who conceived and developed our business model as the founder; experienced company directors; experts in the real estate field; tax accountants and certified public accountants; specialists in IT/DX fields; and individuals from the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau with tax accountant qualifications.

As a company dealing with kimono, a traditional Japanese culture, we have consistently incorporated new perspectives and innovations while inheriting its value. The diversity and inclusivity inherent in kimono culture deeply resonate with modern concepts of diversity. This new management structure is a symbolic initiative that embodies both "cultural inheritance" and "challenging innovation."

Moving forward, in addition to promoting women, we aim to create value and achieve sustainable growth that transcends the boundaries of gender and diversity by integrating expertise, experience, and diverse perspectives.

■Company Profile

Japan Waso Holdings Co., Ltd.

Business Description: Intermediary sales of kimonos and obi. Operates free dressing classes nationwide.

Headquarters Location: Roppongi Hills North Tower 5F, 6-2-31 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Shigehisa Yoshida, President and Representative Director

Listing Classification: TSE Standard Market (Securities Code 2499)

URL: https://www.wasou.com