Odgers Japan Partners with British Government to Launch Global Mentorship for Women in Leadership

Odgers (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Japan Representative: Johan Uittenbogaard) is proud to join the UK Government’s “MUSUBI Initiative” as a Pioneer Partner.

At a reception held on Friday, September 19, in the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Odgers was formally welcomed as a new member of the initiative. It was announced that, starting in October 2025, Odgers will launch an international mentorship program designed to develop the next generation of female leaders.

This program is designed to foster leadership and build cross-border, cross-industry networks through mentoring by senior executives from both Japan and the UK. By facilitating dialogue across industries, countries, and generations, the program offers participants new perspectives to navigate the diverse challenges they face in both business and life.

What is the MUSUBI Initiative?

MUSUBI is a public-private partnership led by the British Government, aimed at deepening UK-Japan ties and nurturing global talent. It supports collaboration in areas such as sports, science, cultural exchange, and women’s empowerment. Odgers Japan is proud to lead the design and operation of the Mentorship Programme for Female Leaders under this initiative.

This international mentorship programme will connect aspiring female leaders with senior executives from both Japan and the UK. Through one-on-one mentoring, participants will gain fresh perspectives on leadership challenges, business strategy, and personal growth across industries, cultures, and generations.

Programme Overview

Start Date

• October 2025 (held twice annually: April and October)

Eligibility

A person with strong ties to Japan or the United Kingdom, a keen interest in strengthening Japan–UK relations, and the ability to communicate smoothly in English. Open to participants from all countries and regions.

Mentors

• Senior executives or board members (regardless of gender) committed to advancing women’s empowerment.

Mentees

• Aspiring female leaders targeting executive or board-level roles.

Programme Format

• One-on-one mentoring sessions (online or in person).
• Annual networking reception hosted at the British Ambassador’s Residence in June.
  
  

Programme Highlights

Each mentor-mentee pair will be matched across different cultural backgrounds to encourage diverse perspectives and broaden global leadership outlooks. Participants will benefit from cross-industry, cross-cultural, and cross-generational exchange, gaining insights into the challenges and opportunities of leadership in today’s global landscape.

For enquiries or more information about the programme, please contact: MUSUBI Secretariat | jpmusubi@odgers.com

For more information, please visit the UK Government’s official announcement:　The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh Launch New UK-Japan Programmes - GOV.UK