Entry Results for 'WOMAN AI AWARD 2026' Announced, Revealing 'Women Utilizing AI at Life's Turning Points' from Ages 15 to 69 Across 23 Prefectures

The Women AI Initiative Japan (WAIJ) announced the results of entries for the 'WOMAN AI AWARD 2026,' scheduled to be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, after closing applications on Wednesday, May 13.

The award received 122 entries (including self-nominations and recommendations) from all over the country. The applicants spanned all generations, from the youngest at 15 to the oldest at 69, a 54-year age gap, and came from 23 prefectures as well as overseas. This shows that AI utilization is not confined to specific generations, regions, or occupations.

Furthermore, 191 applications were received during the pre-entry period, indicating a higher-than-expected level of interest.

The 'real stories of change' gathered from individuals regardless of occupation, age, or skill, demonstrate the spread of new female role models in the AI era.

■ Three Trends Revealed by Entry Analysis

An analysis of this year's entries revealed three prominent trends in the spread and methods of AI utilization.

[Trend 1] Nationwide, All-Generation Application Structure—From Teens to 60s, Across 23 Prefectures
Applicants' ages ranged from 15 to 69. While the core group was in their 30s and 40s, all generations from teens to the 60s were represented, a characteristic feature of the non-biased age structure. Geographically, after the Kanto region centered on Tokyo, Aichi and Osaka prefectures followed. Applications were received from 23 prefectures nationwide, from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south, as well as from residents overseas.

[Trend 2] Women Utilizing AI at 'Life's Turning Points'—A Catalyst for Career Re-entry and Life Stage Transitions
Over 40% of applicants had experience with marriage, childbirth, or childcare, and over 30% had experience starting a business. Many had also experienced job separation, career changes, or returning to work after a break. In their current life phase, 'balancing with childcare' was the most common response, showing that AI functions as a 'catalyst for a fresh start' when taking a new step.

[Trend 3] Non-Engineers Form the Core—The Reality of 'AI Democratization'
By occupation, IT engineers accounted for only about 10%, with the majority being 'non-engineers' in roles such as planning, administration, consulting, marketing, sales, and PR/HR. The industries were also diverse, not limited to IT and technology, but spanning human resources, advertising, education, government, healthcare, and finance. The nature of engagement with AI was also led by 'teachers/educators' and 'internal change promoters,' followed by 'creators/implementers.' The application contents strongly reflected an evolution in the use of AI from a tool to 'reduce tasks' to one that 'expands possibilities,' such as launching new businesses or promoting internal DX.

■ About WOMAN AI AWARD 2026

This award recognizes women who have challenged themselves with AI and expanded their own options, presenting them as 'role models' and widely sharing the stories behind their transformations. The aim is for the presence of these role models to create opportunities to 'learn and engage with AI' and broaden the social recognition of AI utilization. The judging criteria are based on three pillars: 'Empathy,' 'Uniqueness,' and 'Transformation.'

'WOMAN AI AWARD 2026' Special Website
https://women-ai-initiative.jp/wo