March 8 is International Women's Day, a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women around the world, to reflect on what we need to work on to build an equitable and inclusive society, and to put those ideas into action. The Sony Group's Purpose is to "Fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology," and employees with diverse backgrounds are driving a wide range of businesses. This diversity of our business and people is the foundation for bringing value to society, a strength of Sony, and an essential element for creating a better future.
To mark this day, we published a message from Sony Group Corporation Chairman and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida.

In addition, the Sony Group holds an event for employees every March to commemorate International Women's Day. The theme for 2025 was "Accelerate Action," and the event included a lecture entitled "The Key to Overcoming Bias! - A Lecture by Professor Hoshika of the University of Tokyo and the Essence of Dialogue by Ms. Shinoda, a Communication Professional" as well as a networking event for female managers within the Sony Group.

On March 13, to commemorate International Women's Day, a lecture was held online for Sony Group employees in Japan.
Prior to the lecture, Yasuhiro Ito, Senior Vice President in charge of Human Resources and General Affairs at Sony Group Corporation, sent a message to participants. Drawing on the experience of diverse individuals bringing different ideas together to create new value, he expressed that gender diversity, which is the foundation of Sony's businesses and people diversity, is an important issue, and he hoped that International Women's Day and this lecture would be an opportunity to think about the realization of inclusive organizations.

First, Ryoji Hoshika, Professor of the University of Tokyo Graduate School gave a lecture on the topic of "What is the problem with gender bias?" Hoshika explained that there is both conscious bias and unconscious bias, and that unconscious bias is unavoidable. Furthermore, he explained that biases are corrected, maintained, and amplified during the communication process, but that biases held by the majority tend to remain. He said that the key point is to focus on and consider how to rectify the negative effects of bias held by the majority in various relationships, including gender.

Next, Makiko Shinoda, Director of Yell Co., Ltd., gave a lecture titled "The Ability to Listen to and Utilize Diverse Opinions." Shinoda explained that in order to receive and make use of diverse opinions, what is needed is the time to listen carefully and an attitude of trying to get to know the other person without bringing in one's own ideas (listening without judgment), which leads to the recognition of ideas and feelings that one is not aware of. She also stated that it is important to have a dialogue that is based on the premise that values differ, and that if one thinks of dialogue as listening to one another, it may be possible to have communication that transforms diversity into an organizational strength.

Next, a discussion was held between Hoshika and Shinoda on the topic of "What is the Key to Overcoming Bias?" First, Hoshika raised the issue, saying, "In communication, we often think that we should respond to positive comments, but doesn't the reaction itself send a message about whether or not we understood their meaning?" Shinoda replied, "When listening without judgment, empathy makes communication difficult. It is important to accept the speaker's thoughts and feelings as they are." Shinoda also asked, "How should we respond to voices saying, 'We want you to correct your unconscious bias?'" Hoshika said, "Conscious bias can be changed because we are aware of it. Gender bias is filled with conscious bias, so we should start from there." He added, "The key is to make each conscious bias visible and think about whether it is constraining someone's way of life."

Speakers
Ryoji Hoshika, Professor of the University of Tokyo, Director of Organization Transformation by Diversity
Makiko Shinoda, Executive Director of Yell Company, Limited

A graphic recording of the lecture and discussion between Hoshika and Shinoda

Next, an event was held with Ms. Kayo Fujiwara from the University of Tokyo as facilitator. Each participant reflected on their careers and introduced themselves, listening a lecture on inclusive leadership, shared their own strengths and weaknesses, actions they will put into practice and advice. During the group discussions, one male and one female general manager sat at each table to support the exchange of opinions, creating an opportunity for wider networking.
During the breaks, participants actively exchanged business cards and engaged in conversation, making this an event where valuable connections could be built that went beyond business boundaries.

Facilitator
Ms. Kayo Fujiwara, Project Researcher, Center for Barrier-Free Education, the University of Tokyo

• *1 Abbreviation for International Women's Day