Expert Views
A message for the younger generation…
First Published in Japanese in November 2023 [4 parts]
Ms. Tomoko Ohta of Pepperl+Fuchs, Ms. Maki Mizowaki of Nakatani Denki, Ms. Toshie Takeuchi of Mitsubishi Electric, Ms. Naomi Nakamura of Mitsubishi Electric
This special edition of our Business Column features a round-table discussion between four female
managers representing Mitsubishi Electric, its distributors, and partners.
Ms. Maki Mizowaki, president of Mitsubishi Electric’s distributor Nakatani Denki Co. Ltd.,
Ms. Tomoko Ohta, president of the Japanese subsidiary of partner company Pepperl+Fuchs Ltd., and Ms.
Toshie Takeuchi, Mitsubishi Electric Executive Officer and Factory Automation Systems Group President,
engage in conversation with Ms. Naomi Nakamura, Head of Mitsubishi Electric’s FA Digital Marketing Center,
exploring topics such as the experience of being a woman in the traditionally male-dominated manufacturing industry,
the aspects of their work they find most fulfilling,
and the opportunities available to younger female employees.
Summary
According to the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s Global Gender Gap Report for 2023 – an assessment of gender equality based on data for each country – Japan’s gender gap index ranked 125th out of 146 countries, its worst result since the report was first published in 2006. It is no exaggeration to say that Japan’s manufacturing industry is still a man’s world, even though recently there is an increased focus on women in science and engineering (WISE). In this article, four women who have climbed to the top in this sector talk about their journey to success and their hopes to help inspire and motivate other women working in this industry.
“A message for the younger generation…”
In a discussion led by Naomi Nakamura, Head of Mitsubishi Electric’s FA Digital Marketing Center, these inspirational executives send a powerful message to women in the factory automation (FA) sector, and the male colleagues around them.
Tomoko OHTA
President and Representative Director of Pepperl+Fuchs Japan. Worked at Mitsubishi Electric’s Advertising Division from 1982 to 1984. Joined German precision equipment manufacturer Heidenhain Japan Ltd. (now Heidenhain Ltd.) in 1985. She is a founding member of Pepperl+Fuchs Japan, the Japanese subsidiary of German electronic control equipment manufacturer Pepperl+Fuchs and has worked for the company since April 1989.
https://www.pepperl-fuchs.com/japan/ja/index.htmMaki MIZOWAKI
President and Representative Director of Nakatani Denki Co. Ltd. The company was founded in Osaka in 1971 and has been a Mitsubishi Electric distributor since 1984. Her mother Sumiko Nakatani became president in 1987. Maki Mizowaki (née Nakatani) has been company president since 2016. The company’s motto is “A vibrant company providing satisfaction for our suppliers and our customers.”
https://www.nakatani-denki.co.jp/Toshie TAKEUCHI
Mitsubishi Electric Executive Officer and Factory Automation Systems Group President. She holds a PhD in Engineering. Joined Mitsubishi Electric in April 1988, working at the Central Research Institute (now the Advanced Technology R&D Center). In April 2010 she was appointed Head of Electrical Systems Technology Division. In April 2012 she was promoted to Head of Fukuyama Works Circuit Breaker Manufacturing Division. In April 2019 she became Deputy Manager of Energy Systems Center. In April 2021, she assumed the role of Senior General Manager of Fukuyama Works, and then advanced to the position of Executive Officer and Factory Automation Systems Group President in April 2023. Her motto is “Always smile and stay positive.”
Naomi NAKAMURA
Head of FA Digital Marketing Center, Industry & Mobility Business Area at Mitsubishi Electric. Joined Mitsubishi Electric in 1990 and was assigned to the Tokyo FA Technical Center. Has worked in PLC and HMI marketing as well as on e-F@ctory projects at the company’s headquarters and Nagoya Works factory. After serving as Global Director of the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA), she has been working as the Head of the FA Digital Marketing Center since 2021.