Japanese women are an enigma to the world. Demure and exotic they are often portrayed as
sufferers in the chauvinistic culture - for example married women on average spend as twice as
long time on chores compared to their partners. Designated to a second-class citizen status in
the working world they are ultra-minority in the decision-making positions (e.g. half of
public companies have all-male boards). It is lamentable when more than thirty years have
passed since the Equal Employment Act was enacted in 1987. And where are the women? asks a
perplexed Belgian CEO who freshly assumed his role at a blue-chip Japanese company Mitsubishi
Chemical Holdings. This book tries to answer this question through firsthand interviews with
successful senior Japanese women who have embarked on a career around 1987 thus approaching
retirement. They range from corporate entrepreneurs to academic. They are a minority compared
to their male peers in the cohort but they present a wide spectrum of how a minority can carve
out a long and rewarding career. Diversity of their colorful lives tells a reality of Japanese
women not relegated to a monolithic victimized position in the society. Often their careers
take an unexpected turn making them more thrilling rides than straightforward paths of men. The
mentors play an important role. The role models are often amiss but not missed by these
trailblazers. It is also about riding the wave - if the employer is routing for women to ascend
why feel ashamed about seizing the opportunity? They are tales of individual struggles and
triumphs. The women are funny and forthcoming. Much has changed throughout their career but
there is still a long way to go. Having been there done that they share their observations for
what needs to be done. Prefacing these stories will be the societal context within which the
readers should associate each chronicle. Fresh Tracks offers lessons on individual survival and
provides a recipe for further societal changes to pave the way for next generation. Each
chapter will include a list of recommendations which the public and private sectors can make so
Japan can further facilitate the rise of women in the working world. Key takeaways: * How to
craft successful careers from an underdog position * What advantages and disadvantages Japanese
society offer working women * How to make the working world more gender-equitable
