Julietaeko@juliegramlich.org

Julie Taeko

Exploring women's entrepreneurship and empowerment in Japan through interviews, articles, and academic research. My latest article examines how equal inheritance shapes women’s entrepreneurial opportunities in Japan. How Equal Inheritance Shapes Women’s Entrepreneurship in Japan

1. Research at Kyoto University

   Julie Taeko pursued a Master's Degree in Economics at Kyoto University as a recipient of the Japanese Education Ministry's MEXT scholarship. Her research focused on strategies to expand and empower women entrepreneurs in Japan, drawing on interviews with 19 women founders across the country.

2. Interviews with Japanese Female Founders

   Through in-depth conversations, Julie profiled entrepreneurs including Kanoko Oishi of Mediva, Kay Deguchi of Ochanomizu Orthopaedic Clinic, Yuka Fujii of Famarry, Mariko Fukui of Aalto International, Akiko Naka of Wantedly, and several others. Each interview explored the founder's journey, challenges, and vision.

3. Presentation at National Taiwan University

   In late November 2018, Julie presented her research on women entrepreneurs and empowerment in Japan at National Taiwan University as part of a cross-cultural exchange with NTU students.

4. Wisdom from Women 2.0

   In October 2016, Julie interviewed Shaherose Charania, founder of Women 2.0, at the Galvanize co-working space in San Francisco's SOMA district. Their conversation covered networking, failure as a badge of honor, role models, balanced household partnerships, and entrepreneurship education.

5. Articles on Expat Life

   Beyond entrepreneurship, Julie wrote about studying in Japan, unspoken cultural rules, night bus travel, and highlights from San Francisco. Her articles blend personal experience with practical insight for those navigating life abroad.

6. Stay Connected

   Julie maintained a presence across Twitter (@JulieTaeko), LinkedIn, Medium, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. She also published a "Growing Up Mixed-Race" eBook and maintained an external research website.

Julie Taeko's research sits at the intersection of economics and gender studies, examining how cultural norms, institutional structures, and social networks shape the entrepreneurial landscape for women in Japan. Her academic work at Kyoto University draws on both quantitative economic frameworks and qualitative interview methods, allowing her to capture not only measurable outcomes but also the lived experiences of women building businesses in a society where traditional expectations around family and career continue to evolve. This dual approach offers a nuanced portrait of what empowerment truly means in the Japanese context.

Through her interviews with women founders across Japan, Julie has documented a remarkable diversity of entrepreneurial journeys. Some of these women launched ventures rooted in technology and innovation, while others built service-oriented businesses reflecting deeply personal missions. What unites them is a shared willingness to challenge convention, redefine professional identity, and carve out space for themselves in a business culture historically dominated by men. Her conversations explore the practical realities of fundraising, hiring, and scaling, alongside the emotional dimensions of resilience, community, and purpose that sustain founders through difficult periods.

Beyond her academic research, Julie is committed to making these stories visible to a broader audience. Her writing introduces readers to the personalities, visions, and day-to-day realities of Japanese female entrepreneurs, offering a counter-narrative to the often one-dimensional portrayal of women in Japan's corporate world. Each profile emphasizes not just the business itself but the human being behind it, capturing warmth, determination, and the unique perspectives these women bring to solving problems. This storytelling serves as both documentation and inspiration, showing what is possible when talent meets opportunity.

Julie's own path has been shaped by international experience, having lived and worked in places like San Francisco and Tokyo before pursuing graduate study in Kyoto. This global perspective informs her analysis, helping her identify both the distinctive challenges facing Japanese women entrepreneurs and the universal patterns that connect founders across cultures. Her vision is one of practical impact, aiming to equip policymakers, educators, and aspiring entrepreneurs with insights that can translate into meaningful change. Through her research, writing, and ongoing engagement with the entrepreneurial community, she continues to contribute to a more inclusive economic future in Japan.