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On December 13, 2017, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a ceremony to commend leading companies where women shine, at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to the recipients today of these awards to commend leading companies where women shine. Immediately after I became Prime Minister, my administration has raised the flag of active participation by women, positioned it as a core part of our Growth Strategy, and exerted every effort to create an environment in which it is easier for women to work, such as by increasing the capacity of childcare facilities.

However, society could not change if it was only the Government that was working frantically. I believe that if companies also recognize that the active participation of women is absolutely essential for future growth, and change their mindset and actions, then we can make even stronger strides towards the realization of a society in which all women shine.

Furthermore, it is above all important that the mindset of men, including myself, must change, as both Minister Noda and my wife often remind me. I would like to reemphasize this point here, as a reminder also to myself.

Although we are commending leading companies where women shine today, all but one of the company leaders gathered here today are men. Nevertheless, one could conversely view this as proof that the male mindset is really starting to change. I would like to interpret this in a positive light. 

In fact, at Takashimaya, the number of female executives among the top management has doubled over the past four years. In the past, I requested Keidanren members to appoint at least one female officer; Takashimaya now has six. I am sure this makes it a department store that understands the perspectives of women. Toho Bank has set the goal of having 100% of eligible male employees taking childcare leave. Thanks to the leadership of its management team it has already hit the 90% mark. Since the child-rearing generation, with their savings and home loans, are probably important customers, the experience of also playing an active part in raising children and sharing the joys and difficulties will surely be of value to male employees when they return to work. That, in turn, will surely lead to corporate growth.

This is the fourth year of these awards. The companies that received awards last year have had more opportunities to promote their companies in the media, and apparently achieved record net profits. In that sense, it can be said that these awards are truly auspicious for the companies that receive them.

Perhaps because of this good reputation, the number of companies recommended for the award has doubled compared to last year. It seems a positive trend is emerging of companies competing over efforts to promote the active participation of women.

In concluding my remarks, I would like the companies in attendance here today, as truly leading companies, to continue to proactively promote the active participation of women, and inspire other companies throughout Japan.

Congratulations once again.”