Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) – Milestone in mentoring future STEM leaders: NEA celebrates 10th Joshikai in Tokyo
NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV welcomes participants of the 10th NEA International Mentoring Workshop in Japan.
The NEA held its10th International Mentoring Workshop in Japan, known as “Joshikai”, marking a major milestone in the nearly decade-long initiative to encourage young women to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Organised in co-operation with the Japan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) and hosted by the Tokyo City University in Shibuya, Tokyo from 24 to 27 July 2026, the anniversary edition brought together 42 female high school students from Japan, Romania and the United States for four days of mentoring offered by accomplished female scientists, engineers, researchers and regulators from Japan and abroad.
Opening remarks by Mitsuru Uesaka, Chairperson of the Japan Atomic Energy Commission, and Tomonari Yashiro, President of Tokyo City University
The opening ceremony featured congratulatory messages from Kimi Onoda, Japan’s Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, and Aiko Shimajiri, former Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy.
“Today, the world is facing major challenges, including climate change and energy security,” said Minister Onoda. “Science, technology, and innovation are essential to address these challenges, and nuclear energy has an important role to play. At the same time, the progress of the nuclear field depends on the participation of diverse and talented people.”
Former Minister Shimajiri recalled the discussions that led to the creation of Joshikai, reflecting on a meeting with NEA Director-General Magwood in 2015 when the idea was first proposed. “At that time, as a female Minister responsible for science and technology, I believed that encouraging diverse talent, including women, to enter these fields would stimulate innovation and contribute to social and economic development.”
Welcome remarks were delivered by William D. Magwood, IV, Director-General of the NEA, Mitsuru Uesaka, Chairperson of the Japan Atomic Energy Commission, and Tomonari Yashiro, President of Tokyo City University.
Co-chairs of the 10th Joshikai: Yeonhee Hah, Senior Capacity Building Officer, International Nuclear Safety School (INSS) of the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS); and Yukiko Okada, Visiting Professor, Tokyo City University
Throughout the workshop, mentees engaged in small-group discussions with their mentors, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue on future studies and career aspirations. The programme was complemented by guest lectures on artificial intelligence, space missions and uranium exploration, as well as a poster session featuring female researchers and testimonials from workshop alumni reflecting on the role Joshikai had played in shaping their educational choices. By interacting with professionals from diverse backgrounds, participants broadened their understanding of the many career opportunities available in STEM, from nuclear science and regulation to research and emerging technologies.
Participants of the 10th Joshikai at Tokyo City University in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
During student presentations, mentees shared their reflections on the workshop, highlighting greater confidence in their abilities and a deeper understanding of the diverse career opportunities available in STEM fields.
The workshop concluded with a visit to the Institute of Science Tokyo, where participants learned about robotics, mechatronics and energy research.
The 10th edition was organised with the support of Hitachi, Constellation, Nuclearelectrica, Chiyoda Technol, Toshiba, Mitsubishi and Zetta Joule.
During the visit to the Institute of Science Tokyo, participants learnt about the applications of robotics in the nuclear field, medicine and agriculture
The NEA International Mentoring Workshops initiative was first launched by the NEA in Japan in 2017. Organised in partnership with governments, research institutions, universities, regulators and international organisations, the programme has evolved from a national mentoring workshop into an international initiative encouraging the participation of young women in STEM and nuclear-related fields. Over nearly a decade, the programme has delivered 29 mentoring workshops across 11 countries and 4 continents, inspiring more than 800 students and young professionals to explore opportunities in science, technology and engineering.
Moments from the 10th Joshikai in Tokyo, Japan
