On 10th May the IJCC co-hosted EmpowerHer: A Celebration of Women’s Inclusion with the South African Chamber of Commerce in Japan (SACCJ), British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCCJ).

The event was held at the beautiful grounds of the South African Ambassador's Residence in Tokyo. Our sincerest thanks to H.E. Mr. Lulama Smuts Ngonyama for his warm welcome remarks and to Mrs. Nokwazi Nokwazelela Ngonyama for her moving opening speech. Thank you for inviting us into your wonderful home for this special occasion.

Our delightful event MC Noriko Ishida directed the event proceedings throughout the evening. Moderator Sandrine Monette from the CCI France Japon expertly guided the panel discussion, which covered diverse stories of challenges and triumphs from our panellists as leaders in their fields. Thank you to Junko Kubokawa, Annamarie Sasagawa, Brietta O'Leary, and Dr. Yanyin Zi for your honesty and vulnerability. Guests were deeply engaged from start to finish, with many nods of empathy and agreement and moments of laughter to the panellists' relatable human experiences.

Following the Q&A, guests feasted on a buffet of food and drink, including a variety of lovely South African wines. Embassy of Canada Counsellor Erin Davidge led a kampai and congratulated all on a fantastic event. The room waited in excitement as we moved to the prize raffle, with lucky winners being called out by number to claim their prizes. Thank you to IJCC Platinum Sponsor The BUSKER Irish Whiskey for the generous donations in support of the event!

A million thanks to Samukelisiwe Mthembu, the South African Chamber of Commerce in Japan (SACCJ) and the South African Embassy for all of their kind organisation and hospitality on this brilliant event celebrating women and inclusivity.

Photography provided by the talented Yasuhiro Iijima.