For companies
Board Director Search
Skills-based search that introduces board-ready, globally fluent, diverse directors to Japanese nomination committees — matched to the capabilities your board actually needs.
Explore board search →Corporate governance · Board diversity · Japan
Japan's boards are being rebuilt. We bring the talent that's changing them.
The Japan Board Diversity Network is the largest global network of board-ready women and diverse executives serving on — and joining — Japanese boards.
Founded by Tracy Gopal, CFA — former EY Managing Director & ISS strategic research lead.
Women in senior leadership at Japan's largest listed companies — and the boardroom target for 2030.
Actual to 2025 · target per TSE Prime rules & 30% Club Japan
50boards
represented across the JBDN network
11countries
where our members serve and lead
2021founded
the year the network began
30%by 2030
TSE Prime board-diversity target
Network figures · JBDN — Target · Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime market
Why now · 今
The 30% mandate is here. The talent pipeline isn't — yet.
Japan has set a clear bar: 30% women on Prime-market boards by 2030, with at least one woman on every board by 2025. It is the fastest board-diversity shift in the market's history.
Most companies are meeting it by appointing experienced outside directors — but board-ready, globally fluent talent is scarce and in high demand. That gap is the reason JBDN exists.
We find, prepare, and connect the leaders who change what a Japanese boardroom looks like.
What we do
One network, working both sides of the boardroom table.
For companies
Corporate Solutions
Governance advisory, board effectiveness reviews, and diversity strategy for listed companies building future-focused boards that drive long-term corporate value.
See corporate solutions → For leaders
Join JBDN
Membership, board-readiness programs, and a global peer network for women and diverse executives pursuing — and serving in — board seats in Japan.
Join the network →The Network
A global, inclusive network for Japan's boardrooms.
Japanese and non-Japanese leaders, united by one purpose: proving the value of diversity on Japan's boards. Members connect, learn, and step into board roles across the market.
Membership · 会員
Take your seat at Japan's boardroom table.
JBDN membership is the shortest path from board-ready to board-appointed — built for women and diverse executives set on serving Japanese boards.
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Personalized support
A personal consultation with the founder, interview prep, résumé & skills review, and warm introductions to partners and members.
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Board training & resources
Online director training, semi-annual in-person events in Tokyo, and a full library of past recordings and governance resources.
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Real board opportunities
Inclusion in the JBDN Board Candidate Database and alerts for board roles matched to your profile.
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An elite global community
600+ leaders across 50 boards and 11 countries — CEOs, chairs, directors, and rising stars.
Founder
“To amplify the opportunities and impact of diverse leadership — and help companies build future-focused boards that drive lasting corporate value.”
Programs & Events
Where Japan's board conversation happens.
- Oct 2025 – Apr 2026Series
Global Board Leadership Series
An exclusive series with Wendy Becker, Betsy Atkins, Miyuki Suzuki, and Maya Hari — 50 boards across 11 countries.
- May 2026 · TokyoWith KPMG
2026 Corporate Governance Code Revisions
Toward global competitiveness. Hosted with KPMG. Keynote by Hideki Ito, former FSA Commissioner.
- Aug 2026 · OnlineWith Glass Lewis
2026 AGM Season: New Norms for Board Composition & Diversity
Board structure, independence, skills in demand, and female leadership — with Glass Lewis.
- Mar 2026 · OnlineDeals & governance
TOBs & MBOs in Japan
Understanding the surge in deals and the role of the special committee — with Nishimura & Asahi and Sodali & Co.
- See all programs →
In the media
“From San Francisco — the American woman revolutionizing diversity in Japanese corporate boardrooms.”
“Finding overseas talent for Japan's boardrooms.”
Collaborators & event partners
- KPMG
- BlackRock
- Glass Lewis
- Goldman Sachs Asset Management
- Nishimura & Asahi
- Sodali & Co.
- MSCI
- CFA Society Japan
Building a board — or ready to serve on one?
For companies
Skills-based board director search and governance advisory for Japan's listed companies.
Talk to us about board search →For leaders
Membership, board-readiness, and a global peer network for diverse executives.
Join the JBDN network →