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

• Code Chrysalis
•  Innovacious

Organizational Members 

• build+ [formerly Wahl+Case]
• Tokyo Family Stays

Nonprofit Organizational Members 

• Mimoza Ways
• Mirai no Mori
• Glide Fund

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!