NEA workshop encourages future STEM leaders in Japan

The message: William Magwood, NEA director general, highlighted the importance of the initiative during opening remarks. “As we think about the future, one thing that has become clear is that we need to see more young people moving to science and technology fields,” he said. “This workshop gives you a chance to think about your aspirations and careers in STEM. Some of you might make scientific breakthroughs; there might even be the future Nobel Prize winner among you.”

Mitsuru Uesaka, JAEC chair, added, “The percentage of female engineers in the Japanese nuclear sector is very low. We need more female engineers, researchers, and officers in the nuclear field. Joshikai workshops encourage the young generation and provide a chance for female high school students to expand their network. They can continue the discussions upon their return to high schools and maintain connections with the peers and mentors met during Joshikai.” [Joshikai is a Japanese term that refers to social gathering exclusively for women.]

STEM push: According to the NEA, research shows that despite high performance in science and mathematics, girls do not pursue STEM studies due to lack of confidence and interest. The NEA’s International Mentoring Workshops target these challenges with an immersive, multiday format designed to boost confidence and inspire young women to pursue STEM careers. In the spirit of Joshikai, these workshops provide an opportunity to hear and learn from accomplished female STEM leaders who serve as mentors.

Led by Yukiko Okada, former commissioner of the JAEC and visiting professor at the Atomic Energy Research Institute at Tokyo City University, and Rumina Velshi, former president and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, the 2025 Joshikai mentors from Japan, Korea, and the NEA shared tales of their academic and professional journeys, the challenges they encountered, and the benefits of choosing careers in STEM. Multiple group sessions and discussions allowed the students to ask questions and share their doubts and concerns in an environment of trust and support.

According to Velshi, participation of international mentors and speakers helps show that some of the challenges encountered by female high school students are universal. “One of the key aspects of being a mentor is to serve as a role model to the girls, to let them understand, ‘If I can see her, I can be her’. Mentoring workshops give them an opportunity explore different options and perspectives from all around the world,” said Velshi.

On stage: The wide-ranging program also included guest presentations from Hitoshi Mizuta, chief nuclear officer at Kansai Electric Power Company; Hiroshi Sakuramoto, WERC president; Yukie Yoshii, CEO of LinqMed; and Sachiko Yoshihashi, JAEC commissioner. During the poster session, junior researchers shared their research results with the high school students and shed light on pursuing advanced academic degrees.

Fukui Prefecture plays an important role as a center for nuclear research and development in Japan, with seven nuclear reactors currently operating and supplying electricity to the prefecture and to the Kansai region and beyond, supporting daily life, industry, transportation, and other infrastructures. Against this background, workshop participants also had an opportunity to tour the Ohi nuclear power plant’s training center as part of the event program.

Sponsored: The 2025 Joshikai was supported by the KEPCO, Hitachi, Chiyoda Technol Corporation, Kurihalant Co., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Nihon Kensetsu Kogyo Co., Seika Corporation, and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation.

With 27 international mentoring workshops held all around the world since the launch of the initiative in 2017, the NEA continues to assist its member countries in ensuring a robust and diverse STEM pipeline for the future nuclear energy sector. Plans are underway for the 10th anniversary of Joshikai workshop in Japan in 2026.