Women's Initiative for Sustainable Empowerment

Dear Supporters,

We are truly grateful for your continued support.

We are excited to announce that preparations for WISE in Obuse, taking place in May 2026, are well underway! We have also secured the support of the young mayor of Obuse, who is highly enthusiastic about our mission.

Celebrating its 11th anniversary, the WISE Program is proud to welcome distinguished mentors, including Mr. Tatsuya Matsui, artist and robot designer who contributed to the Japanese Pavilion at Expo 2025; Ms. Shuri Fukunaga, President of Persuade Incorporated and an expert in strategic public relations; and Mr. John Chesen, co-managing partner of Baird Brewing Company, who has built a successful craft beer business in Japan.

Over the past decade, WISE has empowered individuals to become catalysts for positive change, creating ripple effects throughout society. We are proud to share that the number of WISE Fellows will soon surpass 380—a remarkable milestone that reflects our shared dedication and collective efforts.

This year, we have participants from across the globe, including Kenya, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Indonesia, the United States, and Japan. We are excited to meet the next generation of WISE Fellows—and we still have a few spots available. If you are interested in joining us, please do not hesitate to register. We look forward to welcoming you to this unique and inspiring gathering.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore the charm of Obuse—one of Nagano’s hidden gems—as well as the magnificent final ceiling painting by Hokusai at Ganshoin Temple. Obuse is also known for its chestnuts and fruits, and offers a delightful variety of local sweets.

Despite its beauty, the region continues to face challenges related to economic displacement, particularly for local youth and women, who often encounter limited opportunities, unconscious bias, and traditional gender expectations. The tight-knit and conservative nature of the community can also present barriers.

At JSIE, we remain committed to creating opportunities for these individuals to realize their full potential. Your continued support makes this important work possible, and we are truly grateful.

We will continue to share updates on the 2026 WISE Obuse program. Please see the registration information here:
www.jsie.net/en/archives/12402/

We hope to welcome you to Obuse!
If you know someone who might be interested, we would greatly appreciate it if you could share this opportunity and encourage them to join WISE in Obuse this year.

Links:

• WISE in Obuse program