Peace, Human Security and Dignity Week
Sabae, The Glasses City Where Women Shine: Women’s Empowerment for a Better World
Sabae City (Fukui Prefecture)
A three-part panel discussion. Panelists include the mayor of Sabae City, women who are active in Sabae, a city of manufacturing,the JK Division of Sabae City Hall, Friends of the United Nations, with which the municipality collaborates, and people who are leading the way in promoting SDGs from an international perspective. Starting with the history of women's success in the local industry, we will discuss current efforts and future developments to communicate to the world the importance of realizing gender equality, a key element in regional revitalization.
Discussion
- Promotion of women's participation and advancement
- Gender equality
- Diversity and inclusion
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese |
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Track Programme
- Time and
Date of
the event -
-
2025.08.03[Sun]
14:00 ～ 16:30
(Venue Open 13:30)
-
- Venue
- Pavilion
- Women’s Pavilion “WA” Space
©女性が輝く「めがねのまちさばえ」 パネルディスカッション
Programme details
A three-part panel discussion will be held to present the efforts of small local cities as one role model to the world, together with diverse panelists, including the SDGs after 2030.
In the first session, the mayor of Sabae and members of the Friends of the United Nations, with whom the city collaborates, will take the stage and have a discussion with guests. Based on the background in which "women's empowerment" has taken root in Sabae City, discussion points will include topics such as the cycle of the three pillars of sustainability, economy, society, and environment, local efforts to create synergistic effects, as well as future endeavours.
The second session will be a discussion surrounding "Women's Empowerment and Manufacturing”, a project that our city is currently working on. Women who have been involved in this project and those who are active on the front lines of manufacturing in Sabae will take to the stage for a discussion focusing on the parallels between women's empowerment and the local industries.
The third session will feature members of the Sabae City Hall JK Division who embody the idea that women's empowerment leads to community empowerment. Ten years have passed since the Sabae City Hall JK Section project started in 2014, and we will be communicating to the world what these girls are thinking through their activities, what they want to do in the future, and the importance of community building and leadership from the perspective of the young people responsible for the future.
Reports
【Reflection】
This event served as a valuable opportunity to engage in multifaceted discussions about the future of the region, centered around two key themes: “Beyond 2030 – Realizing a Happy Society” and “Creating Sabae.” Through the participation of young people and women, the event highlighted diverse perspectives on regional development. Speakers from various sectors—including actors, government officials, businesses, and NPOs—shared their experiences and insights, resulting in a program rich in empathy and awareness for the participants. In particular, the message that the voices of youth and women can drive societal change provided important implications for future regional policies and civic activities.
One of the key outcomes of the event was the rediscovery of regional appeal and the strengthening of the ability to communicate it. The “Sabae Fragrance Project” showcased a new form of regional branding that combined AI technology with citizen input, demonstrating how the creativity of young staff can expand the potential of the community.
Significant progress was also made in empowering young people and women. Through initiatives like the JK Division and the speech contest, young participants showed their willingness to engage with society in their own words, reaffirming the importance of creating environments that encourage such challenges. Moreover, the practical examples shared by female speakers offered concrete insights into promoting gender equality and diversity.
The event also delivered important messages about promoting citizen-led town development. Statements from the mayor and deputy mayor clearly conveyed the stance that every citizen is a key player in shaping the community, emphasizing the importance of civic participation in future policy-making.
On the other hand, a point of reflection was the need to ensure that the enthusiasm generated by the event does not fade away. Establishing mechanisms for sustained involvement of youth and women in the community remains a challenge. For young people, it is crucial to create projects that connect schools and local communities, as well as provide opportunities to stay engaged after graduation. For women, enhancing flexible participation systems that accommodate different life stages and increasing opportunities to be involved in decision-making can strengthen their influence in regional development.
By establishing such mechanisms for continuous engagement, the outcomes of the event can become embedded in the community’s strength, leading to sustainable town development.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
Currently, the city of Sabae is advancing a variety of initiatives to promote the participation of young people and women, while enhancing the region’s appeal.
First, the city has reaffirmed that the genuine thoughts and actions of young people have the power to drive regional change. To support this, Sabae is strengthening initiatives such as the “JK Division” and projects led by young staff members. By establishing a system that actively embraces youth-led ideas and proposals, the city aims to bring new energy to the community. In addition, to promote the active participation of women, Sabae is deepening collaboration with female event speakers and creating opportunities for women in the region to connect and work together. These efforts are accelerating progress toward achieving gender equality.
Furthermore, the city is promoting citizen-led branding using the “Sabae Fragrance,” which was developed through AI technology. This fragrance is being utilized in events and product development, and is growing into a new regional brand that conveys the charm of Sabae through the five senses. To further promote regional understanding through scent, the city is working in collaboration with local industries to encourage broader use throughout the community.
To preserve and develop the “Creating Sabae” culture, the practice of sustainable manufacturing is essential. Sabae supports initiatives that incorporate SDGs perspectives, such as utilizing product waste and reevaluating local resources. In particular, the city encourages the creation of new value through the unique perspectives of women. To foster a diverse and inclusive community, Sabae is also promoting awareness of unconscious bias and working to create an environment where everyone feels safe to take on challenges. Efforts are also underway to incorporate global perspectives into the region through collaboration with migrants and foreign residents.
In terms of education and development, the city is expanding opportunities for junior high and high school students to participate in society. Insights gained from youth through activities such as speech contests are being reflected in policy-making. By working with educational institutions, Sabae is creating environments where young people can take on challenges, and is supporting inquiry-based and project-based learning focused on regional issues. These efforts aim to provide youth with practical opportunities to shape the future of their community.
Cast
Moderator
Yamamoto Maiko
In 2002, she joined Nippon TV, where she worked on numerous programs including Zoom In!! SUPER, Oha!4, Poshure Department Late-Night Store, and High School Quiz.
She became a freelance announcer in 2011, appearing on a variety of shows such as TBS’s Hanamaru Market, Fuji TV’s Peke×Pon, Nep League, and The Wall of 99. She also appeared on TV Asahi’s Q-sama!! and was active in news reporting on MX’s TOKYO MX NEWS.
At Nippon TV, she has been responsible for numerous infomercials across various information programs, including Sukkiri!.
Leveraging her nursing license, she has also served as a host and facilitator for health symposiums and medical conferences nationwide, including the Kanagawa Prefecture-sponsored Mibyo Summit 2021.
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Speakers
Aoi Yu
Profile
Place of Birth: Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
Date of Birth: August 17, 1985
Blood Type: A
Special Skills: Piano, Ballet (since age 2)
Filmography
Movies
2021 – Rurouni Kenshin: The Final
2022 – Dr. Coto's Clinic
2025 (June 27 release) – Go! Anpanman: Chapon's Hero!
TV Dramas
2023 (Second half) – NHK Morning Drama Boogie Woogie
2025 (January) – Asura no Gotoku (Netflix)
2026 (Scheduled release) – Gas Human (Netflix)
Commercials
From July 2023 – Ezaki Glico Café au Lait
From July 2024 – TEPCO Energy Partner Local Production for Local Consumption of Electricity
From January 2025 – SUUMO
Life’s Floor Plan
Buying or Renting with the Aoi Sisters
Narration
From 2023 – NHK Documentary Program Frontier
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Washizu Mio
Fukui Prefecture
After joining the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, she served in the Local Public Finance Bureau and the Local Tax Bureau, as well as holding key positions such as Director of the Finance Division in Kochi Prefecture and Director-General of the Finance Bureau in Saitama City.
In April 2022, she was appointed Director-General of the General Affairs Department of Fukui Prefecture.
In August 2023, she became Fukui Prefecture’s first female Vice Governor. As the leader of the “Women’s Empowerment Promotion Team” and the “Fukuiku Promotion Team,” she is at the forefront of creating an environment where women and families raising children in Fukui can take courageous steps forward with peace of mind.
She is currently stationed in Fukui with her elementary school-aged child.
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Kowaki Misato
Mothers Editorial Department
Since high school, Misato Kowaki has been active as a reader model, appearing in numerous magazines. After graduating from university, she was involved in launching an apparel brand, serving as both press and designer, helping it grow into a popular label.
She later became a fashion editor for CanCam, where she led many successful projects. After going freelance, she expanded her career to include work as an editor, designer of the wedding dress brand heureux de Misato Kowaki, stylist for popular artists, and director of photo books and advertisements for actors and actresses. She also published her own book, PERFECT WEDDING BOOK.
In 2015, she gave birth to her first child. Following childbirth, she became a certified organizing and storage advisor, curating storage items for the Seven & i Group. She was also appointed as an advisor for Sanrio’s adult women’s project, TOKYO OTONA KITTY, further broadening her scope of activities.
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Sasaki Katsuhisa
Sabae City
Originally from Yamanashi Prefecture, he joined Tokyo Electric Power Company in 1986 and left the company in 2002.
In 2003, he moved to Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, where his wife's family resides.
He was first elected to the Sabae City Council in 2007, serving as Vice Chair and later as Chair.
In October 2019, he became the 7th Mayor of Sabae City and is currently serving his second term.
He places great importance on dialogue with citizens, always striving to work together, think together, and make efforts side by side.
With a focus on sustainable municipal management, he is committed to revitalizing both the “community” and the “people” of Sabae by ensuring a healthy cycle of economy, education and welfare, and public finance.
His goal is to create a city where people feel glad to live and inspired to move.
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Ikeda Yukiko
W TOKYO Inc.
Born in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1986, she graduated from the Department of English Language and Literature at Sacred Heart University in 2009. After working at a foreign-affiliated cosmetics company, she joined F1 Media Inc. (now W TOKYO Inc.), and has held her current position since 2016.
She oversees the creative content of Tokyo Girls Collection, a media event that captivates and connects over one million people. Her responsibilities include leading the renewal project for the company’s media platform girlswalker, as well as planning promotions and producing events.
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Takashima Misato
Takashima Ribbon Co., Ltd.
Takashima Ribbon Co., Ltd. is a long-established ribbon manufacturer headquartered in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, with a history of over 90 years since its founding in 1932.
By handling everything in-house—from sourcing yarn to producing finished ribbons—the company ensures high-quality control and craftsmanship rooted in tradition.
Having grown up in the ribbon factory founded by her great-grandfather, she later worked as a buyer at a department store before joining Takashima Ribbon in 2014.
She has been involved in product planning and development, promoting sustainable manufacturing that delivers both eco-friendliness and happiness.
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Takebe Miki
L-Community NPO
After working at an IT startup in Tokyo, she began organizing the Sabae City Regional Revitalization Plan Contest in 2008.
In 2010, she returned to her hometown of Sabae and dedicated herself to nurturing local leaders and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.
Since 2015, she has operated Hana Dojo, a hub for IT and manufacturing, providing an environment where people of all ages—from children to seniors—can learn programming and hands-on creation.
Driven by the belief that “transformation begins in the regions,” she tackles local challenges head-on and aims to build a sustainable community centered on citizen participation.
In 2023, she was honored with the Kansai Business Community Seminar’s “Shining Women Award”, presented by the Kansai Economic Federation and the Japan Association of Corporate Executives.
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Kawaguchi Samantha
ka-sa LLC
Born in 1993 and originally from Canada, she moved to Tokyo after graduating from high school in Canada.
In 2013, she joined Friends of the United Nations Asia-Pacific, where she engaged in public relations activities related to the MDGs and later the SDGs through translation and interpretation.
In 2020, she relocated to Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, as a member of the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team, coinciding with the launch of the Sabae SDGs Promotion Center.
Based at the SDGs Center, she has been actively promoting the SDGs both domestically and internationally through a wide range of activities, including graphic design, media appearances, lectures, and project planning and management.
In 2024, she founded ka-sa LLC, a consulting company that supports all aspects of sustainability.
After completing her term with the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team, she continues to support local stakeholders through translation, inbound tourism strategies, and various other initiatives.
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Hattori Satomi
Sabae City
Originally from Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, she joined the Sabae City Hall in 1992.
After serving as Deputy Director of the Policy Management Department and Director of the Board of Education Office, she was appointed Deputy Mayor of Sabae City in 2024.
To strengthen initiatives such as child-rearing support and women's empowerment, the city introduced a two-deputy-mayor system, and she became the second deputy mayor under this system — also marking the first female deputy mayor in Sabae’s history.
Drawing on her extensive experience in educational administration, she focuses on policy areas that closely relate to people's lives, including citizen welfare, public health, and diversity promotion.
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More Information
Peace, Human Security and Dignity Week
Sabae, The Glasses City Where Women Shine: Women’s Empowerment for a Better World
A three-part panel discussion. Panelists include the mayor of Sabae City, women who are active in Sabae, a city of manufacturing,the JK Division of Sabae City Hall, Friends of the United Nations, with which the municipality collaborates, and people who are leading the way in promoting SDGs from an international perspective. Starting with the history of women's success in the local industry, we will discuss current efforts and future developments to communicate to the world the importance of realizing gender equality, a key element in regional revitalization.
-
2025.08.03[Sun]
14:00～16:30
(Venue Open 13:30)
- Pavilion
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
©女性が輝く「めがねのまちさばえ」 パネルディスカッション
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Peace, Human Security and Dignity Week
