Season 1: FROM TOKYO TO THE WORLD
where women’s stories of purpose and resilience come to life.
Season 1 of SawaTalks, hosted by Samia Jamai, explores how Japanese philosophies inspire women’s leadership in a changing world.
From Ikigai to Kintsugi, each conversation bridges East and West to reveal lessons in purpose, resilience, and growth.
Recorded in Tokyo, these dialogues celebrate how Japanese concepts helps women break barriers and lead with authenticity, courage, and balance.
Seven Japanese concepts That Inspire Leadership and Resilience
| # | Concept | Definition | Core Themes | Potential Discussion Questions |
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| 1 | Ikigai ⽣きがい |
A philosophy meaning "a reason for being," finding joy and purpose in daily life rather than big achievements. |
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| 2 | Ganbaru 頑張る |
A mindset of continuous effort, resilience, and growth, overcoming challenges with adaptability. |
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| 3 | Kaizen 改善 |
A philosophy of gradual improvement through consistent, small changes leading to significant progress. |
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| 4 | Kintsugi ⾦継ぎ |
The Japanese art of repairing pottery with gold, revealing beauty in imperfections and their unique story.0 |
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| 5 | Wabi-Sabi 侘寂 |
A philosophy that celebrates the authentic aspect of life, valuing simplicity and imperfection. |
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| 6 | Hanami 花⾒ |
An ancient tradition of celebrating cherry blossoms, symbolizing the beauty in life’s fleeting moments |
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| 7 | Bonsai 盆栽 |
The art of cultivating miniature trees in containers, symbolizing patience and mindful growth within limits. |
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The ideas behind these seven philosophies come to life through the voices of women who embody them every day.
Browse all Season 1 episodes to hear how purpose, perseverance, and creativity shape real leadership stories across cultures.
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SawaTalks partners with maxima group as its digital ally, using technology and design to amplify women’s voices and leadership. This collaboration reflects Maxima Group’s CSR commitment to empowering women across cultures and advancing gender equality (SDG 5) in alignment with the UAE Gender Balance Council’s vision under UAE Vision 2031.
