In addition to being a co-founder of Kay Group K.K in Japan, Karin Wellbrock is an executive coach and leadership consultant with over 30 years of global experience. A passionate advocate of human-centered, inclusive leadership, she creates exceptional results.
Explore the inspiring journey of Megumi Ishimoto, a passionate empowerment pioneer in Japan's nonprofit world and the founder of Women’s Eye. From corporate life to grassroots empowerment, discover how Megumi's strategic vision and dedication to gender equality are transforming rural communities. Her story offers valuable lessons in leadership, resilience, and the power of co-creation.
Welcome to another revealing installment in our exclusive series, “Exceptional Leaders: Women as Gems.” In this edition, we spotlight Megumi Ishimoto, a passionate empowerment pioneer in Japan's nonprofit world.
Megumi’s career is a powerful story of resilience, strategic shifts, and an unyielding commitment to gender equality in Japan. Born in Wakayama Prefecture, her journey takes us from the corporate corridors of GE Capital to the frontlines of empowering women in rural Japan. Megumi’s transformative leadership, especially following the 2011 Tohoku disaster, stands out for its focus on co-creation and deep community involvement. In this case study, drawn from a candid conversation with Karin Wellbrock, Partner at Kay Group, we explore Megumi’s life and the leadership lessons she offers. Her story is a source of inspiration and guidance for anyone navigating the challenges of societal change.
Chartering new waters: Transitioning from corporate life to advocacy
When Megumi entered the workforce in the early 2000s, she found herself in a position familiar to many young women, confined to supporting and assistant roles on temporary contracts. Despite working for iconic companies like GE Capital, her career prospects felt limited. But at the age of 30, Megumi made a life-changing decision to pursue higher education while continuing to work full-time.
This bold move led her to earn a BA from Waseda University, followed by a Master’s and eventually a PhD candidate at the University of Tokyo, her time at GE Capital played a crucial role in shaping her understanding of workplace dynamics and leadership. However, it was her volunteer work in Tohoku after the 2011 disaster that truly marked an inflection point in her career, igniting her passion for gender equality and community empowerment.
Megumi’s journey into gender equality advocacy initially stemmed from an academic interest rather than a personal mission. While pursuing her education, Megumi envisioned herself working with international NGOs in countries like India or Bangladesh, focusing on development and human security issues.
Her studies at the University of Tokyo opened her eyes to global gender disparities, but it wasn’t until she volunteered in Tohoku after the 2011 Triple Disaster that this abstract understanding transformed into a deeply personal commitment.
Witnessing firsthand the marginalization of women in these devastated communities profoundly impacted Megumi.
The stark reality of gender inequality in her own country, something she hadn’t fully grasped while living in urban Japan, led her to realize that the need for gender equality work was just as critical at home as it was abroad. This experience fueled her passion for addressing gender issues in rural Japan and ultimately inspired her to found Women’s Eye, focusing her efforts on empowering women in the very communities that had shown her the urgent need for change.
Building together: How co-creation drives women’s eye’s success
Women’s Eye, under Megumi’s leadership, has become a beacon of hope for women in rural areas. The organization’s approach is rooted in co-creation, involving the community at every step to ensure that initiatives are relevant, sustainable, and impactful. Rather than imposing external solutions, Megumi emphasizes the importance of working alongside local women to identify their needs and co-create solutions that empower them economically and socially.
Women’s Eye has evolved significantly since its early days, when it simply offered spaces and opportunities for women to gather and connect. Over time, these gatherings blossomed into various initiatives and support programs, addressing the needs of women in different ways.
The organization’s most recent key initiative is a digital training program designed to equip women with essential IT skills. Understanding the digital divide in rural areas, Megumi launched this program to provide women with the tools they need to participate in the digital economy.
The success of the program lies in its adaptability, which is tailored to meet the needs of women who are new to technology while also fostering a strong sense of community among participants.
Turning points: Strategic choices that shaped Megumi’s mission
Megumi’s journey has been marked by critical decisions and strategic pivots. One of the most significant challenges she faced was transitioning from a corporate environment to leading a grassroots movement. Unlike the structured and resource-rich environment of a corporation, the non-profit sector required Megumi to be resourceful, resilient, and adaptive.
She learned to navigate the complexities of rural Japan, where traditional gender roles are deeply entrenched, and where change is often met with resistance.
Her approach to these challenges has been one of collaboration over confrontation. Rather than directly challenging the patriarchal structures in rural communities, Megumi and her team focused on building trust and working within the system to effect change.
This strategy of coexistence has allowed Women’s Eye to gain a foothold in communities that might otherwise have been resistant to its initiatives.
Harnessing connections: The network that fuels women’s eye
Throughout her career, Megumi has recognized the importance of networks—both personal and professional, in driving change. Her ability to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations has been instrumental in the success of Women’s Eye. By leveraging these networks, Megumi has been able to amplify her impact, bringing in expertise, resources, and support that have been crucial to the organization’s growth.
However, Megumi also acknowledges the challenges of sustaining a small NGO with limited resources. She calls for greater support from subject matter experts, particularly in areas like marketing, policy advocacy, and digital transformation. By building stronger networks and partnerships, she believes Women’s Eye can continue to expand its reach and influence.
Redefining tomorrow: Megumi's vision for gender equality in Japan
Megumi’s vision for the future is one of systemic change. She believes that true gender equality in Japan cannot be achieved without addressing the underlying systems that perpetuate inequality.
This requires not only empowering women but also changing the decision-making structures that exclude them. For Megumi, this means advocating for more women in leadership roles, particularly in local government and community organizations.
She also emphasizes the importance of education and awareness in driving this change. By educating young women about the challenges they may face and equipping them with the tools to overcome these challenges, Megumi hopes to inspire the next generation of female leaders in Japan.
Empowerment and insight: Megumi's leadership lessons
These four categories of leadership, often linked to the corporate world, are just as crucial in the NGO space. Megumi Ishimoto's leadership lessons show how these principles can be embraced to create real and positive change in society.
Leading self
Empowerment begins with awareness: Recognizing societal inequalities is the first step toward empowerment and meaningful change.
Resilience in adversity: Facing challenges with determination can lead to personal growth and stronger leadership.
Adaptability and lifelong learning: Continuous learning and adaptability are essential for navigating new challenges and applying skills in different contexts.
Purposeful leadership: Leadership should be driven by a deep sense of purpose, guiding transitions from familiar roles to addressing critical societal issues.
Leading others
The importance of allies and mentors: Building and nurturing relationships with supportive allies and mentors is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Collaboration over confrontation: Effecting change often requires working within existing systems and building trust through collaboration.
Women’s role in shaping the future: Ensuring women’s participation in leadership roles is crucial for balanced and inclusive progress.
Leading for results
Strategic thinking for systemic change: Tackling deeply rooted societal issues like gender inequality requires strategic planning, data-driven insights, and a long-term vision.
Leading for change and transformation
The power of grassroots movements: Empowering individuals at the grassroots level can create a ripple effect of positive change in broader society.
The impact of personal experience on leadership: Personal experiences can profoundly shape leadership style, leading to more empathetic and authentic leadership.
Start small, dream big: Your potential to lead and transform
Megumi’s journey is a powerful reminder that no matter where you start or the challenges you face, you have the potential to drive meaningful change. Whether you come from a bustling city or a quiet rural town, your background does not define your ability to lead and create impact. Megumi’s story shows us that with resilience, strategic thinking, and a deep sense of purpose, you can overcome obstacles and build something truly transformative.
Her work with Women’s Eye stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in a society steeped in tradition and resistant to change, it is possible to empower others and lay the foundation for systemic shifts. For young women, Megumi’s journey is not just a tale of overcoming challenges; it’s a call to action. It’s proof that with determination and a willingness to learn and adapt, you too can start something impactful no matter how small it may seem at first.
Megumi’s story is also a source of inspiration, offering lessons in the power of awareness, collaboration, and strategic action. It teaches us that positivity and hope are essential ingredients in the pursuit of change, and that with these qualities, you can influence your community, your country, and beyond. Let Megumi's journey encourage you to take that first step, to believe in your potential, and to know that you have the ability to make a difference, no matter where you begin.
How you can support women’s eye
If you’re passionate about empowering women and want to be part of meaningful change, consider supporting Women’s Eye. By reaching out to Megumi Ishimoto or directly contacting Women’s Eye, you can contribute in several impactful ways:
Donations: Your financial support will help expand their initiatives, bringing vital resources to women in rural areas.
Connections: Help Megumi and the team build a stronger network by connecting them with individuals or organizations that can make a difference.
Subject matter expertise: Share your knowledge, skills, and time to help improve the NGO’s social media presence and content. Promote the NGO’s services, such as digital training, entrepreneurship support, and public leadership programs. Your expertise can help women gain the tools they need to succeed.
Women’s Eye is dedicated to getting more women into the political sphere, enhancing their skills to thrive in the digital world, and increasing their employment opportunities. They also aim to foster entrepreneurship and revitalize communities and rural economies. Your support can help turn these goals into reality, creating a brighter future for women across Japan.
Join them in making a lasting impact today!
A 2-minute introduction: The historical roots and contemporary implications of Japan’s patriarchal system
Megumi Ishimoto has experienced Japan’s societal structure firsthand, which led her to pursue PhD research at the University of Tokyo (Todai). Her work with Women’s Eye is driven by the desire to systematically address these deep-seated issues and level the playing field for women, aiming to enhance gender equality across the nation.
Japan’s patriarchal system is deeply rooted in its history, stretching back over 1,300 years to the Nara period (710-794). During this time, the influence of the Ritsuryō system and Buddhism, which came from the Chinese mainland, began to shape societal norms. The Ritsuryō system, based on Confucianism and Chinese Legalism, established a legal framework that emphasized hierarchical relationships and the subordination of women. This system became embedded in Japan’s legal and cultural fabric, setting the stage for centuries of male dominance.
The Edo period (1603-1868) further entrenched these patriarchal norms. The Tokugawa shogunate established a rigid social hierarchy with the “ie”, or family system, at its core. This system was structured around a patrilineal household, where the male head of the family held significant authority, and lineage was exclusively traced through the male line. Confucian ideals played a major role in shaping this system, emphasizing strict hierarchical relationships and the subordination of women. The “three obediences’” principle where women were expected to obey their fathers, husbands, and eventually their sons was a central part of this structure.
These norms persisted into the Meiji era (1868-1912) and were further reinforced by the Meiji Civil Code of 1898, which formalized the “ie” system and cemented male dominance in both family and societal structures, legally restricting women’s rights and roles.
Even today, remnants of this patriarchal system continue to influence Japanese society, especially in rural areas where traditional norms are often upheld with little change. Older men frequently dominate community decisions, making it difficult for women to step into leadership roles or challenge the status quo. This ongoing influence explains why progress toward gender equality in Japan has been slow, despite modern advancements and global movements advocating for gender parity.
Understanding the historical origins of Japan’s patriarchal system is key to grasping the current gender dynamics and the ongoing struggle for equality. It sheds light on the challenges faced by those like Megumi, who are working to disrupt these entrenched norms, and underscores the importance of strategic, culturally sensitive approaches to creating meaningful change.
Karin Wellbrock, Leadership Consultant and Coach
In addition to being a co-founder of Kay Group K.K in Japan, Karin Wellbrock is an executive coach and leadership consultant with over 30 years of global experience. A passionate advocate of human-centered, inclusive leadership, she creates exceptional results. To bring innovation to the workplace, she is conducting research in Japan and Europe to increase female representation in leadership roles. Her program "Leader-by-Design" demonstrates this. Dedicated to systemic change, Karin is a member of an all-women-led angel investment club in Asia Pacific, and mentors startup and NGO leaders and game changers in Asia and Europe. It is her mission to elevate 100 women to the C-suite.
References:
Sievers, Sharon L. "Flowers in Salt: The Beginnings of Feminist Consciousness in Modern Japan." Stanford University Press, 1983.
Wakita, Haruko. "Women in Medieval Japan: Motherhood, Household Management and Sexuality." Japan Review, no. 1, 1990.
Najita, Tetsuo. "Visions of Virtue in Tokugawa Japan: The Kaitokudo Merchant Academy of Osaka." University of Chicago Press, 1987.
