The ifs Future Research Institute, operated by Itochu Fashion System, has launched the "WORK WORK WOMAN" project to support women in finding exciting ways of working.

On July 1st of this year, the ifs Future Research Institute opened the "Miraiken Salon," a limited-time information exchange salon at CI Plaza in Kita-Aoyama, Tokyo, providing a forum for the presentation of new products and creations, as well as a space for interaction. At the same time, the "WORK WORK SHOP," featuring participants from Kokuyo Furniture, Kokuyo S&T, Pola, and Lumine, also opened, where companies will present their new initiatives.
The newly launched WORK WORK WOMAN project is a "women-focused" version of the WORK WORK SHOP. It offers a variety of content and opportunities to support working women and mothers, including events on makeup and fashion and a symposium to discuss support systems for working mothers. The first event, "RED PARTY," hosted by Pola, a participant in the ifs Future Research Salon, was held on October 9th. A talk session titled "The Secret to Working Beautifully and Stress-Free" was held with the brand manager behind "RED B.A.", a classical concert themed around the color red and passion for women in various jobs and roles, and Yoko Kawashima, Director of ifs Future Research Institute.

At a press conference held at the work workshop on the 18th, Director Kawashima said, "For women to work with vitality, there are three perspectives: valuing both work time and personal time; various individual strengths that transcend age, generation, occupation, and role; and the desire to be useful to others. For multiple values to coexist, a forum for conversation, not debate, is necessary. This also applies to men, and I would like men to actively participate in our activities." Itochu Corporation Managing Executive Officer Fumihiko Kobayashi said, "We hope that the women working in this project will become more energized and able to play an even more active role."

After the press conference, the second event of the new project was held, jointly sponsored by Itochu Corporation and Nomura Holdings, with a seminar on the theme of "Key Points for Effective Networking" and a reception party to provide practical examples of networking.