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unveiled Tuesday includes two Japanese — Naomi Watanabe, a comedian known for challenging gender and beauty norms in Japan’s male-dominated comedy scene, and Yumi Suzuki, a disability rights advocate.

The annually released list recognizes inspiring and influential individuals who have made a significant global impact. The theme this year was resilience, celebrating women driving change in the face of adversity and who “are pushing for change and improving lives at community or global level.”

Watanabe, a prominent Japanese influencer now based in New York, was commended for her transformative role in comedy, creating her own hit shows and holding her own in a predominately male-centric space, as well as her efforts to challenge societal beauty standards.

The BBC highlighted her pioneering success in launching a plus-size fashion brand and championing the pochakawaii (chubby and cute) movement, which encourages body positivity.

When asked how she stays resilient in the face of adversity, Watanabe responded “I always think, ‘You don’t like me, that’s OK. Please give me a year, and maybe I’ll change your mind.’ This is the mindset I always have.”

Yumi Suzuki, who was born with cerebral palsy, endured systemic discrimination and a forced hysterectomy at age 12 under Japan’s now-defunct eugenic protection law. | Jiji

Suzuki, who was born with cerebral palsy, endured systemic discrimination and a forced hysterectomy at age 12 under Japan’s now-defunct eugenic protection law. The law, in effect from 1948 to 1996, allowed individuals with disabilities to be sterilized without their consent to prevent the birth of what were deemed “inferior” offspring.

According to the health ministry, about 25,000 sterilizations are believed to have been carried out under the law.

Suzuki became a plaintiff in a landmark lawsuit challenging the law, and in July, Japan’s Supreme Court ruled the practice unconstitutional, ordering compensation for victims.

Other honorees on this year’s list include 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad, an advocate for Yazidi survivors of sexual violence, American actor Sharon Stone for her philanthropic efforts, and American astronaut Sunita Williams, whose recent mission to the International Space Station was extended due to technical challenges.