Words from Women on the Global Stage, Part 2: Ms. Aiko Ohbuchi, Representative Attorney at Law for Amour Law Office

June 22, 2023

We spoke with Ms. Aiko Ohbuchi, a lawyer who heads the Amour Law Office and who is known for her appearances on many popular television programs in Japan. She talked to us about the role of diversification and the challenges facing Japan regarding the participation of women in the workplace, and gave us a message for the younger generations based on her experience of establishing an independent business at a young age.

You have given a number of lectures on "Promoting Diversification and the Participation of Women". Please, share with us your thoughts on the role of diversification.

Japan is a male-dominated society, and corporate boards of directors tend to be made up of the same types of individuals. This results in a homogeneity of ideas and the creation of nothing new, which is a missed opportunity for Japan. If, instead, these companies were given new life by welcoming different types of people such as younger workers, foreigners, and women, and took on exciting new challenges, then employees would feel more engaged and motivated to work.

Currently, though, it seems like there are many dispirited workers in Japan—they are all tired, merely do what they are told, and put up with being dissatisfied. I believe that diversification is a meaningful way of improving this situation. In the past, high value was placed on status, prestige, and money, but I think current younger generations are instead more attracted to places that are stimulating, rewarding, and give them the opportunity to make the most of their abilities.

It's so easy to close yourself off—this is something I think everyone, myself included, has done—but there have been many times when looking beyond myself and putting myself in contact with different values has made me happier and given me new ideas and excitement. It is important to be aware of the ideas and opinions of outsiders and to keep yourself open. Appearing on television was a form of innovation for myself, and what I learned and felt from being shown this completely different world is still with me today. I believe that seeing different worlds and meeting people from different industries can be very enriching.

I hear that you have had numerous opportunities to lecture on "Lifestyles and Work Hacks of Working Women". What are the challenges in particular for Japan, which has been ranked second worst among major nations for women in the workforce?

To begin with, the percentage of women in leadership positions is extremely low, which means women can't participate in the decision-making process and have little freedom. Being part of decision-making and participating in management should be rewarding, but it feels like what women are able to do is constantly limited by the paradigm of "women should act like this". Things are of course better now than in the past, but the stereotypes persist. It is very unfortunate to have company environments where women shut down their own ideas or end up not exercising their full potential.

Partly, I think, this is due not to discrimination by men but rather to women holding themselves back. If we don't tell women to stop being so concerned and just instead try to fulfill their own potential, then nothing will change. When it comes to balancing family life, women still cling to the deep-rooted belief that they should be the ones to take care of the household. But raising children is not easy, so it is important to ask for outside help and work together as a couple. I think the reason women acquiesce is because they are accustomed to what they have been taught from childhood and to being judged by others. It is sometimes the case that when a woman is promoted, her superiors question her readiness, and this causes her lack of confidence to take over and makes her feel pressured and discouraged. It is important to communicate well and be supportive. If there were more organizations that were able to support the communication of genuine feelings, then it would revitalize Japan.

Like Prime Minister Kishida's statement that "from now until we enter the 2030s—when Japan's population of young people will shrink rapidly—will be our last chance to see if we can reverse the course of this trend towards having fewer and fewer children", I really do feel that now is our last chance. Since boards of directors in Japan mostly consist of men in their 50s and 60s, they are out of touch with the mindset and needs of younger generations. There should not be biases on gender, age, and field of expertise. Bringing various fields together will lead to innovation and excitement. But if we don't change things now, it will be too late.

The theme for next year's World Intellectual Property Day will be "SDGs". For a Japan where ESG investment has been rapidly increasing since 2015, could you offer some guidance from the standpoint of someone who has given many lectures on "Corporate Legal Affairs and Governance Under an ESG Business Model"?

Investment in intellectual property was only just written into the Corporate Governance Code in 2021, and this landmark development has bolstered an area previously considered unimportant in many Japanese companies. The intention is to raise the interest in and understanding of intellectual property among management, so I feel there will need to be changes in this area going forward. I would definitely like to emphasize that placing focus on intellectual property will energize companies and increase their value. In the US, for example, companies are able to find value in intangibles, whereas Japan far underestimates their value.

From your own experience of establishing an independent business at a young age, do you have any advice for younger workers?

Whenever I was worried about work, I would turn to books. I read books about starting your own business, and the advice that "it is better to fail while you are still young" really resonated with me. So, at the age of 32, I acted on the desire to take a step forward without being afraid of failing and started my own business. Sure there are risks in starting your own business, but I recommend doing it, because there are many things you won't know until you try, and each and every new experience will help you grow. If your current working environment is one in which you have agency over significant tasks, then that is ideal—it's just as good as if you were running your own business, so I think it would be good to continue staying in that role. However, if you are in a place where you are frustrated because you don't feel like you can do the things you want to do, then I want you to know there are many different worlds waiting once you take that leap.

I am glad I started my own business. Since I have the control to do the things I want to do, every job I go to feels like setting out on an adventure and every day is full of discoveries. It would be great if young people could have more options like that.