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December 24, 2025
The "Bold Woman Award 2025" delivers the real voices of female entrepreneurs.
Veuve Clicquot | Bold Woman Awards
The "Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Awards 2025," hosted by the champagne house Veuve Clicquot, was held on November 27th. This year's theme, marking the fifth iteration in Japan, was "Real Voice"—the stories behind the challenges. At the awards ceremony, Masayo Takahashi, CEO of Vision Care, received the Bold Woman Award (BWA), and Chihiro Kano, CEO of ASTRA FOOD PLAN, received the Bold Future Award (BFA). Both shared the journeys and motivations behind their respective endeavors.
Text by Kosaku Waseda
Shining a Light on Challenges Beyond Numbers
According to the latest data from the World Economic Forum, the global gender gap has progressed to 68.8%. However, Japan ranks 118th, the lowest among G7 nations. Amidst a slowdown in the post-pandemic startup boom and a stagnant gender gap in entrepreneurship since 2021, Veuve Clicquot focused on the realities—decision-making processes, motivations for challenges, and unconscious biases—that are often obscured by "numbers" alone.
The maison's international survey, "Bold International Barometer," quantifies the structural barriers faced by female entrepreneurs, such as difficulties in fundraising, a lack of role models, and societal norms and prejudices, through the voices of approximately 49,000 individuals across 25 countries. This year's awards served as a platform for awardees, judges, and past recipients to discuss the realities behind their challenges, informed by this data, and to share their experiences and insights.
In 1972, marking its 200th anniversary, Veuve Clicquot established the "Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award," honoring the spirit of Madame Clicquot, the enterprising woman who transformed the maison into a global brand. This initiative, which recognizes and supports women leaders worldwide for their boldness, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and diversity, has since evolved into "Bold by Veuve Clicquot." To date, it has celebrated over 450 women leaders in 27 countries.
A survey conducted at a forum in France in 2019 revealed that while 91% of aspiring female entrepreneurs in France felt inspired by women entrepreneurs, only 12% could name a successful female entrepreneur. To address this, the "Business Women Award" was renamed and evolved into the "Bold Woman Award" in 2020, with the maison globally strengthening its support as a comprehensive program for women, looking towards a sustainable future.
The awards ceremony commenced with a video message from Thomas Mûhlès, the new President of Veuve Clicquot. He emphasized that the award is not merely a prize but a movement that supports the challenges of female entrepreneurs and creates a lasting societal impact. "Women with power drive change, and inspire the younger generation to believe, 'I can do it too,'" he stated.
Kano, recipient of the Bold Future Award, commented, "I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award. I hope this recognition serves as a role model for future female entrepreneurs." She shared her journey of building upon her father's experiences of both success and failure, leveraging her expertise in the food industry to embark on a new business venture.
Takahashi, recipient of the Bold Woman Award, reflected, "The decision to move from a university hospital to RIKEN, driven by the conviction to 'create the treatment myself,' was the greatest adventure of my life." She revealed that her pursuit in regenerative medicine was ignited by encountering a new concept during her studies abroad and fueled by a profound desire to help patients in need.
Following the awards ceremony, a panel discussion titled "Real Voice—An Evening with Women Entrepreneurs" explored the driving forces behind their challenges, the hurdles of balancing work and life, and the power of connection. Special guest, TV personality RIKACO, also shared a message based on her own experiences.
The Veuve Clicquot International Barometer survey indicates that while men are often motivated by financial success to start businesses, women tend to be driven by their values, beliefs, and inspiring experiences. The journeys of this year's awardees align with this trend, highlighting that the impetus for female entrepreneurship stems not only from the pursuit of financial success but also from adherence to personal values and convictions.
Guests and Judges
The judging committee, composed of experts in entrepreneurship, management, finance, and creative fields, along with past award recipients, conducted the evaluation based on the criteria of "Boldness," "Insight," "Perseverance," and "Social Impact," prioritizing fairness and transparency. In 2025, the initiative expanded beyond an "award" to foster a "community," creating a space where entrepreneurs could share their authentic voices beyond their titles—through their entrepreneurial journeys, unique Japanese leadership styles, and the significance of connections—and deliver powerful messages to the next generation.
Similar initiatives are underway globally, with dialogue-driven events such as "Bold Woman Dinners" and "Bold Conversations" providing platforms for women leaders to share their experiences. These inspiring sessions, embodying courage and creativity, unfold in various locations, accompanied by Veuve Clicquot champagne.
By sharing real-life experiences of challenges, this session inspired participants and served as a catalyst for shaping the future. Conveying the "real voices" behind challenges that transcend mere numbers offers a guiding light for the next generation of female entrepreneurs.
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