This series explores topics surrounding women who began their careers in Japan following the implementation of equal opportunities employment legislation in the mid-1980s. With many now reaching the age of retirement, it is hoped their stories can provide insight and lessons for women in Japan¡¯s working world today.
Masami Katakura, the first chairwoman of a ¡°big four¡± accounting firm in Japan, is the face of Ernst & Young (EY) ShinNihon ¡ª literally. Mere steps after entering EY¡¯s office in Hibiya Midtown, Tokyo, you are greeted by her radiant smile emanating from the covers of Accountant¡¯s Magazine, prominently stacked in rows on the office magazine rack.
¡°When the face of someone you know is pasted on the cover, it gets awkward tossing these copies in the recycling bin,¡± joked 53-year-old Katakura when I mention this, ¡°I¡¯m forever stuck on display.¡± Her unassuming laughter is infectious.
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