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Towards Change, led by Rika Holden, has been featured by ELLE Japon and Forbes for its unique civic approach to addressing harmful and contentious advertising.
ELLE Japon (August 2024 issue) highlighted how Towards Change reimagines problematic ads through inclusivity and public dialogue, empowering participants to question stereotypes and challenge social norms.
Forbes (Jan. 2026 issue) also featured our work, recognising the project as a pioneering effort to turn advertising controversies into opportunities for social learning and systemic change.
We work across countries to maximise the impact of our work.
Our Japanese arm, Ad-Lamp, is reshaping advertising practices and organisational culture in the country. Learn more about our work by heading to our Japanese website.
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Renge Jibu
Associate Professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology, Institute for Liberal Arts
Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the University of Michigan (2006-07). As a member of the Council on Gender Equality, she has been involved in policy making process at the Cabinet Office and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Chairperson of the Gender Studies Division of the Japan Media Association, and a member of the Broadcast Program Council of Nippon Television Network Corporation.
Naohiro Togawa
Creative Director, The Breakthrough Company GO
Naohiro Togawa is a creative director at The Breakthrough Comapany GO, a creative based business consulting company who is committed to creating breakthrough by leading and providing full support for new challenges of clients. At GO, he specializes in use of creativity and strategic PR for building and expanding businesses both established companies and ambitious startups.
In addition, Naohiro is an active leader in various social projects who believes in the power of creativity, where he applies his creative skills to help those who are in need. His expertise in SDGs and sustainability has led him to lead various brand to evolve their position for its next phase of growth.
Cannes Lions, Spikes Asia, PR Award Grand Prix, and Creator of the Year Medalist.
Mika Kobayashi
Expert of Gender Representation in Advertising
Mika Kobayashi is a dynamic educator who has organized a range of photography and gender representation events, including lectures, workshops and exhibitions both internationally. She served as a visiting researcher at the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo. She also teaches part-time at Tokyo Zokei University and Kyushu University. Currently, she is preparing a Japanese edition of Maia Kobabe's 'Gender Queer' for publication in summer 2024.
Toko Shirakawa
Professor of Graduate School of Social Entrepreneurship, Sagami Women's University/Journalist/Author
Momoko is an MBA holder with a distinguished academic career, serving as a professor and researcher at various universities. After working at Lehman Brothers, she transitioned to writing, authoring 'Kekkonkatsu' Jidai, a book that catalyzed Japan's marriage activity movement. She is also involved in national policy as a member of the Council for Gender Equality and the Council for the Realization of Workplace Reform. Her work focuses on workplace reform, women's initiatives, and diversity management. Shirakawa has authored several books, including titles on harassment and workforce development.
Fuemi
Feminst/Advertising Expert
The Japanese active feminist, working for Advertising agency. Her ativist action got Twitter Trend Award 2020.
Yume Iijima
Advertising Creator(Young Cannes 2022 Japan Representative)
A creative professional who challenges societal difficulties, starting from personal discomforts. After earning a degree in Philosophy from Sophia University, she entered the advertising industry. With a background in client sales, she transitioned to focus on creative strategy. She excels in communication planning, using language as the foundational element. Notably, they represented Japan in the 2022 Young Lions, winning Gold in the print category.
Yoshiko Itashiki
Representative of Women's Voices Project
Yoshiko Itashiki, a Japanese activist, sheds light on women's narratives. While pursuing her MA in Education and Social Justice at Lancaster University, she founded the Women's Social Institute, engaging in dialogue to illuminate Japanese women's lives. Currently, she empowers women through the Women's Voices Project. Her work, "Towards Emancipatory Dialogues on Girls' Social Positioning in Schools" utilizing visual semiotics, was published by Palgrave Macmillan in March 2024. She is a member of the Japanese Association for Semiotics Studies.
Uchimi
Copy Writer/Planner
Uchimi is a distinguished creative professional recognized with multiple accolades in the advertising field. Her awards include the Maki Quasi-Prize at the 57th Senden Kaigi Award, the Grand Prize at the '#Creative Ad' advertising competition, and honors at the 2023 Wakukoe Shimbun Awards.
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