Astronaut Yamazaki Cheers Working Women ~ "ELLE WOMEN in SOCIETY 2016" Held

Now in its third year since its 2014 launch, this year's theme was "Sustainable Work," encouraging participants to consider ways of working that contribute to society, not just themselves. A diverse program was offered, including seminars and workshops featuring guest speakers such as successful businesswomen and women active in the art world.

Akiko Mori, publisher of the Japanese edition of ELLE, introduced last year's theme as "Working for Happiness," explaining the concept: "This year, we took it a step further, infusing the desire not only to find happiness for oneself, but also to bring happiness to those around us, our environment, and society."

Astronaut Naoko Yamazaki held a seminar titled "Connecting Space, People, and Dreams," sharing her journey to becoming Japan's second female astronaut. She recounted overcoming setbacks, including being medically unfit due to pregnancy, while persisting in her challenge.

She shared numerous fascinating anecdotes, such as needing official business travel approval for space missions, reaching outer space in just 8 minutes and 30 seconds after launch, and the mystical feeling of "nostalgia" she experienced the moment her body became weightless.

Touching on the importance of sustainable work, she stated, "Teamwork is indispensable in our lives. As we make our own decisions and walk our paths, it's necessary to involve and cooperate with those around us." She offered advice to busy working women: "When we rush through life every day, time passes in the blink of an eye. But if we just look up at the stars for a moment, we can feel that we are being given life on Earth."

Following a video message from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Constance Benke, CEO of ELLE France and ELLE International, took the stage. She discussed the position of women globally, including in France and Japan, stating stating, "Women make up half the world's population. Women must be on equal footing with men." She added, "ELLE is a medium connecting women and the world. Through this event, ELLE will become more closely connected to women's lives."

At the venue, seminars were held by H&M Japan Country Manager Christine Edman, Yoko Shibata, Representative Director and Brand Producer of Shibata Yoko Office, Melissa King, Executive Guest Chef at ELLE café Aoyama, model KOuKA, and author Kanako Nishi. The workshop booths set up on the same floor were also bustling with working women in their late 20s to 40s.