Shinnenkai 2025!
January 31, 2025 / Upcoming Event, News
Shinnenkai 2025 Event Recap
What you Missed… FEW Japan held the annual Shinnenkai Event
FEW Japan held our annual Shinnenkai on Friday, January 31st, at the Code Chrysalis office in Roppongi. This gathering served as an important platform for FEW’s Corporate and Non-Profit Organizational Members, who served as panelists on an educational and impactful panel discussion. After networking over a delicious dinner catered by Kiwi Kitchen, participants listened as our esteemed panelists shared their strategies and insights regarding the implementation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, underlining the significance of incorporating diverse perspectives in the workplace and the benefits of doing so. The evening finished with an opportunity for more networking and a fun photo opportunity - check out the photos below!
Key Takeaways
- In the context of today's complex political landscape, Japan stands poised to harness both challenges and opportunities. The nation can emerge as a leader, providing guidance and strength to others in the integration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the workplace. This proactive approach not only fosters a more inclusive environment but also sets a standard for global best practices in organizational culture.
- The implementation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within organizations has resulted in significant, measurable outcomes, as shared by our panelists. These outcomes include a notable increase in hiring rates, enhanced employee retention, and the cultivation of a more inclusive and safe work environment.
- The inclusion of diverse perspectives and experiences within organizations plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and enhancing customer service quality. By embracing a variety of viewpoints, businesses can leverage creativity and address customer needs more effectively, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and satisfaction.
- Diversity of perspectives and experience within organizations also contributes to increased innovation and overall better customer service.
- In the long term, everyone gains from inclusive organizational structures that benefit employees.
FEW Japan would like to sincerely thank our Corporate Sustaining Member panelists: Jill Hackney from Code Chrysalis & Robert Millar from Innovacious; our Organizational Member panelists: Kristine Ayuzawa from build+ & Tracey Northcott from Tokyo Family Stays; and our Nonprofit Organizational Member panelists: Namino Horii-Rivoal from Mimoza Ways, Kozue Oka from Mirai no Mori & Dr. Paul Bookman from the Glide Fund.
Resources
To find out more about any of the organizations our panelists belong to, we have included their websites for your reference;
Corporate Sustaining Members
Organizational Members
Nonprofit Organizational Members
We were so pleased to have so many members and friends of our community come out to support us at this all-genders-welcome event. It was clear from the dedication of our panelists that their work serves as both motivation and inspiration for us to be a part of the future we all want to see in Japan, because together, we can co-create the FEWture!
Meet the Corporate Member Panelists!
Corporate Sustaining Members
Code Chrysalis: Jill Hackney
Jill started with Code Chrysalis in 2019. Prior to her role as Chief Strategy Officer, Jill was the Chief Technology Officer where she led the curriculum, product, and engineering functions of the company, with an emphasis on localization projects.
To re-engineer herself as Chief Strategy Officer, Jill leads and sets the strategic direction for the business. She is passionate about global women’s issues and has broad international experience in Japan, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, and the UK. Jill is originally from the United States.
Innovacious: Robert Millar
Robert Millar is a Japan-based Website Specialist whose global company offers a full suite of website services for busy entrepreneurs and small business owners including all aspects of web design, management and optimization to achieve dramatic results for his clients. He’s founded several successful online and offline businesses, giving him unique insight into what really works to grow and develop businesses, especially in Japan.
Organizational Members
Tokyo Family Stays: Tracey Northcott
Tracey Northcott is a seasoned entrepreneur, hospitality expert, and engaging speaker, known for her passion for creating memorable guest experiences and empowering fellow hosts. With over a decade of hosting experience, Tracey has welcomed thousands of guests from around the world to her Tokyo-based properties, mastering the art of hospitality and building a thriving short-term rental business. Her approach combines a deep understanding of cultural nuances with a commitment to providing exceptional service, making her a sought-after mentor and consultant in the hosting community.
Tracey is the founder of Tokyo Family Stays, a boutique property management company that specializes in helping families and travelers find comfortable and unique accommodations in Japan. Her firsthand knowledge of navigating the challenges and opportunities in the short-term rental industry has made her a trusted voice for hosts looking to elevate their game.
Wahl + Case: Kristine Ayuzawa
Kristine has helped globally-minded professionals build meaningful careers for over 15 years. As Director of People Operations at Wahl+Case, she champions innovative hiring, learning, and performance strategies that align with company values and embody their one rule - “Always do what is in the best interest of your customers. Always.”
Her experience spans recruitment, talent management, leadership, and sales operations. Originally from the United States, she holds a BS from Cornell University, an MS in Corporate Training & Communication from Purdue University, and is a Professional Certified Coach with the ICF.
Nonprofit Organizational Members
Glide Fund: Dr. Paul Bookman
As the father of two chronically ill and disabled children, Paul has spent the better part of 30 years dealing with hospitals, life threatening illnesses, and obstacles trying to make life easier for his two affected children. With the formation of the GLIDE Fund, established by his son Mark, he is now embarking on a new phase of his life. He plans to carry on the disability advocacy work of his son and daughter by making sure that the GLIDE Fund grows internationally. His hope, as a lasting tribute to his son’s passion and research, is to make the GLIDE Fund the leading grant making organization whose sole purpose is to aid disabled students traveling internationally to further their studies and understanding of the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Mimoza Ways: Namino Horii-Rivoal
Namino Horii-Rivoal is the producer of the play MIMOZA WAYS which introduces 100 years of Japanese feminism. Also a Board Member of the Japanese Association of International Women's Rights and Advisor to the G7 Official Engagement Group, W7 (Women7) Namino Horii-Rivoal is also a co-translator of the book “Crocodiles: Everyday harassment and sexism lurking like crocodiles, and how to deal with them” (Kamogawa Publishing 2022)
Mirai no Mori: Kozue Oka
Born and raised in Japan, Kozue has always believed in the power of nature. After studying Environmental/Outdoor Education in Sweden for a year, she joined Mirai no Mori to share her experiences and to create an environment in which marginalized youth can thrive. She is committed to the mission and to creating a place where campers can call “home away from home.”