The femtech market is experiencing steady growth in Japan, yet in terms of gender equality, the country ranks at the bottom of the pile compared to other G7 nations. What’s contributing to femtech’s growth in the country? And how will it evolve within a society considered traditionally conservative?
Mitsuhiko Okada is the head of the secretariat at the Medical Femtech Consortium, an organisation founded in Japan by obstetricians, gynaecologists, and femtech companies. Their work includes making policy recommendations to parliamentarians and government agencies, creating a forum for government and companies in which the two entities can consult, and advising companies on government rules.
Lia Camargo is the global business manager at fermata inc. Founded in 2019, the Singapore and Tokyo-based company has been credited for playing a pioneering role in advancing the growth of femtech and femtech products in Japan. Alongside its e-commerce platform, stores, and wholesale business, it also hosts workshops, community events, and a major exhibition.
Tomoko Minagawa is the founder and representative director at Femtech Community Japan. The Tokyo-based organisation runs networking events and industry knowledge-sharing sessions that aim to accelerate the femtech business in Japan. It currently has a network of over 300 member players including enterprise companies, start-ups, investors, medical, legal experts, and government agencies.
Gouri Sharma is an internationally renowned independent journalist from London living in Berlin writing for international media sites including Al Jazeera English and Deutsche Welle. Amid a career spanning nearly two decades, including five years on the production desk for Al Jazeera's flagship media critique show The Listening Post, Gouri now writes on issues such as race, culture, migration, history, and sexual health and wellness. With each report, she aims to draw out the individual story amid the wider political or historical context; centring the human story is a priority, in particular amplifying the voices of those from marginalised communities whose stories are not as visible.