REFLECTIONS FROM THE GLOBAL WOMEN JAPAN STUDY TOUR 2026

Eighteen women. One extraordinary country. Countless moments of discovery, laughter, reflection and connection.

We arrived in Japan as Global Women members, leaders from different industries, backgrounds and corners of Aotearoa. We returned as true Renegades, united by shared experiences, new perspectives and friendships that will endure long after the suitcases are unpacked.
Japan challenged our thinking in unexpected ways. A country where ancient traditions sit alongside extraordinary innovation, where respect shapes everyday interactions, and where collective harmony is woven into the fabric of society.

For Tracey Cross, Japan demonstrated a society where “respect is the operating system.” From omotenashi, the philosophy of wholehearted hospitality, to ichigo ichie, treating every encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, we witnessed extraordinary care and consideration. Tracey drew parallels with our own manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, challenging us to consider how these values might be practised more consistently across Aotearoa.

For Karleen Everitt ONZM, hosting our ANZ lunch in Tokyo brought Japanese traditions and Māori manaakitanga beautifully together. Welcoming guests in Japanese, Māori and English, she honoured her Tokyo colleagues and the inspiring journeys shared by Mitsuru Claire Chino-san and Kaori Sasaki-san. Guided by the words of her mother, nannies and aunties, she reminded us that wherever we are, and whoever we meet, we can choose to “host them with honour.”

Trish Oakley found another powerful theme: intentionality. Whether through quiet contemplation, beautifully prepared meals or deliberate consensus-building, Japan reminded us that “being busy and being purposeful aren’t necessarily the same thing.”

A meditation session in Kyoto reinforced this beautifully. As Nadine Tereora reflected, simply appreciating the moment, the place and the feelings we experience can be transformative. Her reminder to “fill your own cup so you can fill the cups of others” resonated deeply with a group of women accustomed to giving so much.
Yet Japan is also confronting profound challenges.

Juliet Tainui-Hernandez reflected on how demographic pressures, productivity challenges and a shrinking workforce are accelerating innovation. At NEC, we explored AI agents operating across entire teams, challenging traditional assumptions about leadership, accountability and organisational design. Her observation was compelling: “What is technically possible, economically attractive and socially acceptable are three different questions.”

Women’s economic participation was equally thought-provoking. While Japan has made progress, significant structural and cultural barriers remain.

Kristy Redfern found inspiration in an unexpected place: Kyoto’s Geiko traditions. Within these centuries-old female-led structures, she discovered powerful examples of financial independence, mentorship and cultural leadership. A reminder that “empowerment takes many forms”, and that women have long created their own pathways to influence.

Then there was Naoshima.

For Kirsty Reynolds, the island demonstrated art’s extraordinary capacity to regenerate communities and restore wellbeing. Standing before Monet’s water lilies at the Chichu Art Museum moved her to tears. She returned imagining what similar ambition might achieve in Aotearoa’s Far North, bringing Māori and international artists together with local communities.

And, of course, there was the joy of the journey itself.

Kirsty Campbell celebrated Japan’s magnificent trains, Mika’s expert shepherding and the wonderfully eclectic conversations aboard the Shinkansen. From prisons to retirement policy, shopping to Asian snacks, the conversations were as colourful as Annah’s shirts. Her only complaint? The trains were too fast and the journeys too short!

For seven of us, led by Ana-Marie Lockyer, the adventure began early in Hakone. Our traditional ryokan, futons, kaiseki dining, spectacular art and a memorable communal onsen created the perfect environment for friendships to blossom. Seven women, one pool, and absolutely nowhere to hide! The Hakone 7 discovered that sometimes the greatest adventures are about the people beside you.

Rachel Walsh arrived apprehensive about travelling with a group of women she barely knew, but found that connection grew through the smallest, thoughtful interactions. From navigating Hakone trains to listening through interpreters, and from the messages conveyed through art to conversations on buses, she discovered the value of listening beyond words. The group chat that once felt overwhelming became a welcome reminder of friendship, and she returned determined to make fewer assumptions and take more time to understand.

Mel Hewitson reflected on the enduring relationships between Japan and New Zealand, many beginning through student exchanges decades earlier. Her challenge was simple: how do we nurture more connections that bridge cultures and create opportunities? As the Japanese proverb reminds us, “Seeds that are not sown will not sprout.”

Perhaps that is the most powerful legacy of our journey.

As Nadine observed, we were all different, yet willing to push through vulnerability to connect. We moved beyond professional titles to discover the women beneath them, sharing ambitions, challenges, laughter and occasionally tears.

Leadership can be lonely. But we now have an extraordinary network of wāhine toa to call upon, challenge, support and inspire one another.

We came to Japan to learn about a country. We returned having learned just as much about ourselves and each other.

The challenge now is to turn inspiration into action, connections into collaboration, and shared experiences into lasting impact.

Arigatō, Katie-san, Theresa-san, Bianca-san, Mika-san, and all of our wonderful Renegades. What an unforgettable journey.

Here’s to the seeds we’ve planted, and everything still to grow.