Yoko Yamashita studied French at Osaka University of Foreign Studies and spent a year in Toulouse during her study. She started working in the wine industry as a beginner and joined Jeroboam in 2006. Yoko just loves being the bridge between those who make wine and those who enjoy wine.
What do you think Japanese companies and/or government needs to do to help women in Japan?
If we create a workplace that allows people to work and at the same time care for children and/or elderly family members, both men and women will be able to be engaged more and for longer.
What advice do you have for the next generation of women in Japan?
Sometimes, a new world can be opened up to you by meeting and engaging with people. Be curious and go out of your own world and get involved.
山下陽子は大阪外国語大学でフランス語を専攻し1年間トゥールーズに留学。帰国後、何の知識もないまま酒類業界に入りワインの楽しさに目覚め、2006年にジェロボームに入社。英語・フランス語を使い、造り手と飲み手を繋ぐ架け橋となるべく日々奮闘中。
日本の政府や企業に期待する、女性が活躍なるための支援はどのようなものがあるでしょうか？
子育てや介護をしながらも仕事を続けられる職場環境が整えば、女性のみならず男性にとっても、長く活躍できる社会になると思います。
次世代の若い女性たちへ何かアドバイスはありますか？
人との出会いが新しい世界の入り口になる事があります。何事にも好奇心を持って、まずは外に出てみてはどうでしょうか。