GR Japan was pleased to co-host Akie Abe, Japan’s First Lady, for the International Policy Forum in July together with the Institute for New Era Strategy (INES).

Mrs Abe, who has been vocal on various social issues, is well known for her active involvement in supporting women in society. Being a business owner herself, Mrs Abe shared her views on the empowerment of women in Japan, which is one of the key elements of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s growth strategy.

Mrs Abe is a native of Tokyo and worked for Dentsu after she graduated from Sacred Heart Professional Training College. She entered the graduate school of Rikkyo University to study the social design and received her master’s degree in 2011.