International Women’s Day was first observed in New York City in 1904 as a demonstration for women’s suffrage, and in 1975, the United Nations designated March 8 as International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day is a day to reflect on women’s freedom and equality, and to celebrate the courage and determination of women.To commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day, we held a panel discussion and networking event, “How does Japan look from overseas? – Perspectives of those who work in New York” was held on Thursday, March 9. The event was fully booked, but we received many inquiries from those who wanted to watch the event, so we made a recording of the event available on demand from March 16 to 22.The first half of the event featured a panel discussion with six panelists from New York and Japan, followed by networking in the second half.

Panelists from New York were; moderator and panelist Ms. Taiko Otsuka, Partner, IBM Corporation; Ms. Miyoko Demay, former President & CEO, Tiffany & Co. Japan Inc.; and Ms. Sayaka Kobayashi, Nobutaka Tsubota’s book “Flying Colors” (originally titled “Birigyaru”) is based on her real-life experiences as a high school girl who was behind in her studies and decided to start trying to get into a famous Japanese university.

Joining us via Zoom from Japan were Yuko Watanab, co-owner of HSW Japan and outside director of Cybozu, Aya Komaki, president of Sanrio Entertainment, and Miki Oikawa, president of POLA Inc.

The themes of the panel discussion were 1. “Differences in Work/Life Values between Japan and Other Countries,” and 2. “Perspectives from Overseas – How to Promote Change in Japan.”

During the networking session in the second half, Ms. Joan Coukos, a female chocolatier from Chocolat Moderne, offered a sampling of two types of chocolates, Campagne Chic and Yuzu Honey. Chocolat Moderne, which opened in New York in 2003, is an up-and-coming chocolate brand that has been called “the modern art of chocolate” for its innovative style that sparkles with the delicate sensitivity of a woman.

Also, a member company of JCCI, The II Gattopardo Group, an Italian restaurant in Manhattan donated Italian wine for the event. “II Gattopardo” means “panther” and is also the logo of the restaurant. The restaurant is named after the movie “Wildcat” starring Burt Lancaster.

We’d like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the following 7 member companies who sponsored this event.

■ Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc.
■ Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas)
■ Sumitomo Corporation of Americas
■ Hotta Liesenberg Saito, LLP
■ NTT America, Inc.
■ SB Telecom America Corp.
■ Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

Lastly, thank you to everyone who attended the event in-person or watched virtually.