According to an article by Anadolu Agency, in a significant milestone for gender representation in politics, a record 341 women have filed their candidacy for the upcoming general elections in Japan, set for October 27. This figure surpasses the previous record of 229 female candidates in the 2009 elections, marking a notable shift in the political landscape of the nation. The increase in female candidates can be attributed to heightened support from major political parties, notably the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP). According to Kyodo News Agency, both parties have made concerted efforts to encourage and promote female candidates, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of gender diversity in governance. Despite this progress, the backdrop of Japan’s gender equality landscape remains challenging. A recent report from the World Economic Forum highlighted Japan’s ranking at 118th among 146 countries in its gender gap rankings for 2024, the lowest among the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations. This statistic underscores the continued struggle for women in achieving equal representation and rights within the country. Among the 341 women candidates, a notable 136 are individuals with political lineage, either inheriting their candidacy from family members or coming from families with a history in parliament. This trend of hereditary politics is evident in both major parties. Within the LDP, 97 candidates, or 28.4% of its total candidates, come from political families, including prominent figures such as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. In contrast, the CDP, which traditionally discourages hereditary succession, has nominated 27 such candidates, representing 11.4% of its total. Innovations in Election Management In addition to the rise in female candidates, the upcoming elections have also seen innovative approaches to election management. In a pioneering move, the town of Nambu in the western province of Tottori has introduced an online poll observer system to assist with early voting. This initiative addresses a significant challenge posed by a shortage of staff to monitor polling stations, a situation exacerbated by the aging population in the area. This development comes as local governments strive to maintain the number of polling stations amidst dwindling resources. Such measures are essential to ensure that the electoral process remains accessible and efficient, particularly in rural areas facing demographic challenges. Community Concerns Amidst Natural Disasters As Japan prepares for the elections, some voters are expressing concerns about the timing of the polls in light of recent natural disasters. The Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa province experienced a strong earthquake on New Year’s Day, followed by record heavy rainfall last month. Many residents argue that “now is not the time for elections,” emphasizing the urgent need for government support for swift reconstruction efforts in affected areas. Conclusion The upcoming general elections in Japan present a critical juncture for both female representation and electoral processes. While the record number of women candidates signals progress toward greater gender equality in politics, the challenges highlighted by the recent gender gap rankings and community concerns remind us that significant work remains to be done. As Japan moves forward, the intersection of gender politics and community needs will be essential to shaping a more inclusive and responsive political landscape. To read stories about our influential women, click here.
Record Number of Women Candidates Vying for Parliament Seats in Japan
From Mom’s Kitchen to Modern Cravings: A Case Study on Strategic Brand Management
Introduction to Strategic Brand Management In the dynamic world of fast food, where audacious flavors and innovative presentations are the norm, the quest for a simpler and more refined dining experience is capturing the imagination of millennials. MOM Burger, under the visionary leadership of Mr. Fadi Slaiby, recognized this shift and embarked on a strategic rebranding journey. In December 2022, Mr. Slaiby partnered with Mrs. Suzanne Stephan EK, a seasoned Business Development and Marketing Consultant and founder of SSK Consultancy, to elevate the brand to new strategic heights with an eye towards franchising. The Minimalist Spirit in Brand Transformation The evolution from MOM Burgers to simply “MOM” represents a significant shift towards minimalism—an aesthetic and philosophy that appeals strongly to millennial consumers. Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, are known for their technological savvy, a preference for experiences over material goods, and a strong consciousness of sustainability and social issues. This new branding eschews complexity in favor of a clean, modern look and feel that is both inviting and memorable. The name “MOM” itself is versatile and open- ended, potentially standing for “Modern Original Menu” encapsulating the essence of the brand’s new direction. While “Modern Original Menu” could be an objective translation of MOM, the name fundamentally resonates with the universal symbol of comfort, akin to mom’s kitchen—a place known for simple, yet delicious and enjoyable food. Beyond appealing to individual diners, MOM positions itself as the destination for families and a prime choice for business meal orders, catering to a broader audience seeking quality and simplicity in their dining experiences. Enhanced Brand Differentiation and Identity Previously, the inclusion of “Burger” in the name might have conjured images of a generic burger joint, blending into the sea of similar offerings. As noted by marketing experts Laura Ries and Al Ries in “Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind” effective branding pivots on clear differentiation—MOM has embraced wholeheartedly with its rebranding efforts. The shift to simply “MOM” marks a clear identity change, shedding the commonality and embracing a minimalist, yet potent, branding strategy. This rebranding aims to resonate deeply with a younger demographic by tapping into the growing trend for high-quality, fresh ingredients, as underscored by a National Restaurant Association report. Visual Rebranding and Atmosphere Enhancement The minimalist philosophy extends beyond the name change to encompass the entire aesthetic of the restaurant. A sleek new logo, clean lines, and a contemporary interior design reflect MOM’s minimalist ethos. This visual overhaul not only complements the name change but also enhances the overall brand identity, creating a more upscale and inviting atmosphere. This strategic focus on “restaurant atmosphere branding” as highlighted by industry experts, is crucial in attracting a sophisticated clientele who values both quality food and a premium dining experience. Latest Trends in Burger Bars: The Future of Casual Dining The burger bar industry is embracing several forward-looking trends that are reshaping casual dining in 2024. Key trends include the rise of gourmet burgers featuring high-quality ingredients and unique, plant-based alternatives, such as beetroot and mushroom patties. The adoption of AI and mobile ordering technologies is streamlining customer experiences, making food service both faster and more personalized. Additionally, there’s a strong movement towards eco-friendly practices, with an emphasis on sustainable packaging and sourcing local ingredients. Nostalgic yet modern decor in burger bars is also becoming popular, enhancing the dining atmosphere and making these spaces highly photogenic for social media sharing. Strategic Way Forward: Integrating ESG into Branding for Restaurant Success In an era where sustainability and ethical practices significantly influence consumer preferences, integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into branding strategies is crucial for success in the food and beverage sector. Mrs. Suzanne Stephan EK, as marketing expert, aims to leverage these strategies at MOM, transforming it into a gourmet burger place favorable for franchising. This forward-thinking approach is poised to shape the future landscape of the food and beverage industry. Strategic Partnerships and Entrepreneurial Vision in the F&B Industry The collaboration between Mr. Slaiby and Mrs. Suzanne Stephan EK combines entrepreneurial spirit with strategic marketing expertise, crucial for repositioning MOM Burger towards broader market appeal while maintaining its core values. This partnership exemplifies how effective leadership and expert consultancy can drive brand transformation. MOM’s success story, characterized by its minimalist branding and focus on sustainability, serves as a powerful model for others in the food and beverage industry aiming to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and market conditions. Author: Suzanne Stephan El Khoury, DBA | Business Development & Marketing Consultant, Specializing in marketing strategies for NGOs and SMEs, Experienced Capacity Building Trainer, Founder of SSK Consultancy. References: https://www.instagram.com/executivewomen_ https://www.facebook.com/ExecutiveWomen
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