All tagged Women Entrepreneurs

Making "Work-from-Home" Work for You as a Woman

Women have been disproportionately impacted by the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the fact that women typically shoulder the bulk of childcare and domestic responsibilities, those displaced due to closures and layoffs have found themselves looking for work, or trying to juggle working from home with taking care of kids and being at-home teachers. Fortunately, there are alternatives that can help you get your life and your career back on track.

Diversity and Inclusion From the Buddhist Perspective by Julie Taeko

At its essence, Nichiren Buddhism is a philosophy that places the utmost importance on respecting the dignity and worthiness of each individual. Nichiren Buddhism’s core teachings are to respect each individual’s inherent humanity. Moreover, just as each individual has a unique character, a unique experience of life, a unique culture, etc., it can be understood as a manifestation of cosmic creativity and wisdom.

When we fundamentally believe that each individual is worthy of respect and possesses infinite potential, we can celebrate the creativity and diversity that each individual brings to the table, as well as celebrate the unique expressions of life that lead to such a wealth of human diversity.

Women Entrepreneurs and Empowerment in Japan — Presentation at National Taiwan University (NTU) by Julie Taeko

In late November 2018, I had the great fortune to participate in a cross-cultural exchange with students from National Taiwan University (NTU) — the best university in Taiwan. During an entire Sunday morning and afternoon, we had around 12 Kyoto University students present about their various research topics, as well as around 6 NTU students present about their own research and points of interest. And of course, I presented on my favorite topic of all time — women entrepreneurs and empowerment in Japan.

3 Reasons Why You Should Read The Confidence Code

By far, The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance — What Women Should Know by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman[1], is the best empowerment book that I have ever read. Katty Kay is an anchor for BBC world News America, and Claire Shipman is a correspondent for ABC News and Good Morning America.

One of my favorite quotes is: “When confidence emanates from our core, we are at our most powerful.” In my opinion, this is the core essence of the book — how to obtain a fundamental state of confidence and vibrant, positive energy.

A Home Away From Home — Guest House Hachi In Kyoto

When I visited back in June of this year prior to their official launch in August 2017, I was fortunate enough to receive a sneak preview from one of the owners — Takuji — an extremely warm, friendly, and open-minded owner. With his business partners — Onur and Amelia, the trio collaborated and designed an immaculate guesthouse called Guest House Hachi with spectacular decor.

Pouring their hearts and souls into establishing the business, the trio often worked long hours and often into the middle of the night to launch this guest house in time for its grand opening this year. Not only did I witness the result of their combined efforts to transform a traditional town house (or 町家 / まちや)into an impeccably-designed guest house in Kyoto, but I also received such a warm welcome that I couldn’t wait to publish an Instagram story about it.