Mitsuko Tottori, the first female president and chief executive of Japan Airlines (JAL), acknowledges that Japan still has a long way to go in promoting women to senior leadership positions. With nearly 40 years of experience at the airline, starting as a flight attendant in 1985, Tottori’s rise to the top is a rare achievement in a country where women face significant obstacles to advancement. She hopes that Japan will soon normalize the idea of women holding top executive roles and encourages more women to aspire to leadership positions in the future.
Tottori’s background is unique among her predecessors, who typically had backgrounds in fields such as aviation maintenance or piloting. Her promotion to a senior position was based on her extensive experience in safe flight operations and service, particularly during the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. As she took on the role of president, JAL was dealing with the aftermath of a tragic collision at Haneda airport involving one of their flights, emphasizing the importance of safety in aviation operations.
The emphasis on safety is a top priority for Tottori, who witnessed the Haneda airport accident and commended the crew and passengers for their swift and coordinated response. Having experienced a major crash early in her career with JAL, she understands the vital role safety protocols play in the industry. Shukor Yusof, of Endau Analytics, believes that Tottori’s background as a former flight attendant will contribute to enhancing safety protocols at JAL, which has faced previous aviation accidents.
Tottori’s appointment as the first female CEO of JAL comes amid Japan’s broader efforts to address gender inequality and increase diversity in corporate leadership. Japan currently lags behind in gender parity rankings, with only 12.9% of senior leadership roles held by women as of 2023. The government aims to have women occupy 30% of senior management positions at major listed companies by 2030, but progress has been slow. Dr. Seijiro Takeshita, a professor at the University of Shizuoka, notes that while traditions and cultural barriers remain, Tottori’s appointment signifies a positive step towards greater diversity in Japan’s corporate landscape.
Despite Japan Inc’s struggles with gender inequality, JAL has experienced a successful rebound after the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The company has capitalized on increased tourist interest in Japan, although competition from domestic rival All Nippon Airways (ANA) remains strong. Tottori’s appointment as CEO, coming from a non-elite background and advancing through the company ranks, is viewed positively by stakeholders and the public alike. Her promotion symbolizes a shift towards more inclusive leadership practices and a recognition of the value brought by individuals from diverse backgrounds in executive positions.
