What Is the 'Diagonal Relationship' That Can Save Careers in the AI Era? Female Career Startup nanameism Hosts Free Online Seminar on August 6 with Former Yomiuri Shimbun Editor, Matsuya PR Director, and Morioka Station Building Store Manager

nanameism Inc. (headquartered in Meguro-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yoshiko Kosaka), a startup dedicated to supporting women's career development, will host a free online seminar on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 2:00 PM, targeting women in their 30s and 40s and corporate HR development personnel.

With the enforcement of the revised Act on Promotion of Women's Participation and Advancement in the Workplace in April 2026, companies with 101 or more employees are now required to publicly disclose the ratio of female managers and gender-based wage gaps, raising questions about talent development strategies. At this seminar, Kosaka Yoshiko, CEO of nanameism, will join forces with Naoko Yabuki, PR Director at Matsuya, and Saori Watanabe, Store Manager at Morioka Terminal Building, to discuss the significance of 'diagonal relationships'—a key to women's career advancement—and practical communication techniques.

An Effective Approach Toward the Legal Requirement of '30% Female Managers'

Despite the Act on Promotion of Women's Participation being in effect for 10 years, the percentage of female managers in companies remains far from the targeted 30%. Starting April 2026, companies with 101 to 300 employees will also be required to disclose their female management ratio and gender pay gaps. For companies unsure of where to begin, Kosaka, with 30 years of journalism experience, launched the mentorship-style career support program 'NanamenterⓇ for Flexible Women' in May 2025.

What Is 'NanamenterⓇ for Flexible Women'—Igniting Self-Growth Through 'Diagonal Relationships'?

'Nanamenter' is a coined term combining 'diagonal relationship' and 'mentor'. Women in their 30s and 40s from various companies and regions gather beyond organizational boundaries, spending over 20 hours across approximately one year to cultivate 'diagonal relationships'—connections with third parties who are neither superiors, subordinates, nor peers, and thus free from conflicting interests. Through leadership training and group discussions, participants build networks, improve communication skills, and enhance self-efficacy. From the first cohort in 2025, many graduates have expanded their roles as internal role models.

Yoshiko Kosaka, CEO of nanameism

Seminar Content and Featured Speakers

The free one-hour online seminar on Thursday, August 6, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, will reveal the secrets behind building 'diagonal relationships' as practiced in the program.

● First Half: Building Relationships That Foster Personal Growth—Insights from a PR Expert

Speaker: Naoko Yabuki (PR Director, Matsuya Co., Ltd.)

A trusted PR professional not only within department stores but also among competitors, contributing to the value enhancement of the Ginza district. We will explore her secrets to relationship-building based on exceptional communication skills.

● Second Half: A Real-Life Success Story—Promoted from Deputy to Store Manager Within Six Months of Program Participation

Speaker: Saori Watanabe (Store Manager, Morioka Terminal Building Co., Ltd., Fesuan)

A first-generation participant in 'NanamenterⓇ for Flexible Women'. She will share her firsthand experience of being promoted to store manager just six months after joining the program, along with practical tips on cultivating diagonal relationships.

Naoko Yabuki

PR Director, Matsuya

Saori Watanabe

Store Manager, Morioka Terminal Building

Register for the online seminar starting at 2:00 PM on August 6 via the registration form. Deadline for applications is August 3 (Monday). The viewing URL will be sent by email the day before the event. You can also register via the same form to access the on-demand replay.

Additionally, free individual consultations (limited spots) are available for companies and individuals who attend the online seminar.

nanameism Seminar Registration

Speaker Biographies

Yoshiko Kosaka (Kosaka Yoshiko), CEO of nanameism Inc.

Born in Tokyo in 1970. Graduated from the Faculty of Political Science and Economics at Meiji University, and completed studies at the Graduate School of Business Design. Joined the Yomiuri Shimbun in 1993. Served in Akita and Tachikawa bureaus, then from 2000 worked in the Lifestyle Information Department (now Lifestyle Department), handling the family section. Held positions including Akita Bureau Chief, Editor-in-Chief of Oomotesando Town, and Lifestyle Department Chief. Founded nanameism in 2025. Also serves as a part-time lecturer at Hokkaido University and frequently gives lectures at universities and in the media industry. Appointed as Tourism Ambassador for Akita City.

Naoko Yabuki (Yabuki Naoko), PR Director, Matsuya Co., Ltd.

Joined Matsuya in 1985. After working in the Kimono, Jewelry, and Children’s Department, transferred to the General Affairs PR Division in 1997. Appointed PR Division Chief in 2014, and currently holds her present position since 2024. Strengthened media exposure through economic documentaries and news/information programs, contributing to corporate image enhancement. Now actively contributes beyond corporate boundaries to elevate the overall value of the Ginza district.

Saori Watanabe (Watanabe Saori), Store Manager, Morioka Terminal Building Co., Ltd., Fesuan

Born in Miyagi Prefecture in 1978. Joined Morioka Terminal Building in 1997. Held positions including manager of the company-operated Socks Shop, Sales Department Section Chief, Deputy Sales Manager (Deputy Store Manager of Fesuan), and Sales Department Manager (same). Assumed current role in July 2026.

Workshop from the 'NanamenterⓇ for Flexible Women' program focused on practical training in listening and communication skills. First cohort of 'NanamenterⓇ for Flexible Women' program participants exchanging opinions.

Company Overview: nanameism Inc. (Nanameism)

Founded: May 2025, Head Office: Meguro-ku, Tokyo

Business Activities: Operation of the 'NanamenterⓇ for Flexible Women' program, planning and management of human resource development training

Website: https://nanameism.com/

Contact: nanameism Inc. ([email protected])