Miho Imada was born in Akitsu village in Hiroshima. She spent 10 years in Tokyo but returned to her hometown and joined the family business, Imada Sake Brewery, where she is the CEO and chief sake brewmaster. Their award-winning brand is Fukucho.
What do you think Japanese companies and/or government needs to do to help women in Japan?
I wish we could create more opportunities for people in their 50s, 60s and even 70s to be engaged in some work if they so desired. They should at least have the chance to work.
What advice do you have for the next generation of women in Japan?
I now know that the advice to be financially independent , advice I have been given over and over, is really important. It might be difficult to do but this is imperative and something everyone should strive for.
今田美穂は広島県安芸津町生まれ。バブル期の東京で10年働いた後、実家である株式会社今田酒造本店に入社。現在代表取締役, 杜氏。
日本の政府や企業に期待する、女性が活躍しやすくなるための支援などのようなものがあるでしょうか？
50代60代70代になってもやる気があれば新しい仕事にチャレンジできるチャンスを増やすことが必要だと思います。
次世代の若い女性たちへ何かアドバイスはありますか？
私も言われ続けたことで大切だと今も思うのは、経済的に自立することです。難しくてもこれだけは決してあきらめないこと。