BBA2026 Official Nominees | Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Among 54 shortlisted applications to the British Business Awards 2026 - The Nineteenth Evening, the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan is delighted to announce the seven (7) candidates for this year's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award.
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion category embodies the evolving spirit of the UK–Japan business community - one that values understanding, accessibility, and opportunity for all. It acknowledges those who are shaping environments where difference is respected, collaboration is strengthened, and every voice carries weight.
We are delighted to introduce each nominee's executive summary (reason for applying), in alphabetical order below.
To learn more about the British Business Awards 2026, visit our navigation page here.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
BRITISH BUSINESS AWARDS 2026 OFFICIAL NOMINEES
EY Japan | EY株式会社
EY Japan has built one of Japan's strongest DE&I initiatives including gender, LGBTQ+, disability, multiculturalism, and caregiving. Ranked among the top three in the Nikkei Women Ranking for the last consecutive years including 2026. These efforts are creating lasting organisational change while helping foster more diverse/equitable workplaces in Japan.
HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS KRAMER | ハーバート・スミス・フリーヒルズ・クレイマー
In the past year, HSF Kramer strengthened its commitment to inclusion in Japan by expanding DE&I engagement, advancing LGBTQ+ and gender equity initiatives, and creating platforms for open dialogue with employees, clients and the wider legal community. These efforts have fostered greater belonging, awareness and inclusive leadership across our Tokyo office.
HSBC | HSBCジャパン
In 2026, HSBC has embedded inclusion into how they hire, support colleagues and build belonging—backed by structured hiring principles, mandatory manager training and active employee networks. These actions have strengthened fairness, wellbeing and engagement, helping colleagues thrive and bringing more diverse thinking into decisions.
NEO Search Partners | NEO Search Partners株式会社
NEO Search Partners have achieved 52% female placements over the past year, compared with a 16.3% female representation benchmark in the market, while 28% of their candidates were non-native Japanese. By challenging traditional hiring preferences, NEO have broadened access to talent and helped clients consider qualified candidates beyond conventional profiles.
Odgers | オジャーズ
Odgers strive to foster diversity within their business and advance inclusive leadership in society. They launched the MUSUBI Mentorship Programme for Female Leaders to connect aspiring female leaders with senior executives in Japan and the UK to strengthen leadership capability and help women advance into senior leadership roles.
Sasuga Communications K. K. | 株式会社さすがコミュニケーションズ
Japan needs women leaders, yet many hold back in global meetings. Sasuga Communications asked why—a culture of humility, a second language, and male-dominated rooms—and created Clear Message, Confident Voice, helping women speak up and be heard in 6 weeks. This year, 350+ professionals, including 180+ women, joined Sasuga's workshops, talks, and coaching.
The British School in Tokyo | ブリティッシュ·スクール·イン東京
BST provides an inclusive, holistic British education for Tokyo’s international community, nurturing each student's unique potential. In the last 18 months, our focus on building an inclusive community has introduced new learning pathways, expanded student opportunities, advanced staff training, and enhanced our curriculum - all underpinned by The BST Way.
In great thanks to our BBA Partners
This year's British Business Awards has been cherished and elevated by the below Partners. We are delighted to have their support for The Nineteenth Evening.
