In this episode of SawaTalks, we sit down with Samantha Lassaux, founder of the podcast Femin Tokyo, where she amplifies the voices of women and minorities in Japan. With over a decade of experience in Japan’s corporate world, Samantha reflects on the realities of navigating between Western efficiency and Japanese harmony balancing expectations, belonging, and the quiet pressure to endure.

Together, we unpack what happens when resilience turns into over-conformity, and how cultural and gender dynamics shape the way people show up at work. Samantha speaks candidly about the emotional cost of endurance, the invisible labor of being a bridge between worlds, and the power of allyship among women in male-dominated spaces.

🎧 A thoughtful conversation on rethinking resilience moving from endurance to empathy, from silence to voice, and from individual strength to collective growth.

References and Inspirations Mentioned in This Episode

• Books:

  • The Culture Map by Erin Meyer

  • Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

  • Women and Leadership by Julia Gillard & Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

• Femin Tokyo Podcast by Samantha Lassaux

Credits

Concept creation: SAWA Journey

Host: Samia Jamai

Production: ZERO TO ONE Productions

Studio: J-Wave Tokyo Studio

Digital partner: Maxima Group

Theme music (licensed via Slipstream Music):

• Happening Now by Zaphod and the Hearts of Gold

• Givers and Takers by Lt FitzGibbons Men

  
  

✨ For behind-the-scenes insights and guest profiles, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of SawaTalks, host Samia Jamai speaks with Angie Teng, a product manager based in Tokyo.

Through her journey across cultures and male-dominated spaces, Angie shares what it truly means to speak up anyway: to keep raising your voice even when it’s not heard the first time.

Together, they explore how redefining the Japanese concept of Gambaru goes beyond endurance, becoming the courage to say “I’m here, listen to me.” Angie also reflects on the subtle ways women minimize themselves at work, the importance of asking for recognition, and why respect and trust are the real foundations of inclusion.

A thoughtful conversation on courage, belonging, and being “politely difficult” for every woman finding her voice in global workplaces.

References and Inspirations Mentioned in This Episode

• How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith – https://sallyhelgesen.com/books/how-women-rise/

• Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez – https://carolinecriadoperez.com/book/invisible-women

Credits

Concept creation: SAWA Journey

Host: Samia Jamai

Production: ZERO TO ONE Productions

Studio: J-Wave Tokyo Studio

Digital partner: Maxima Group

Theme music (licensed via Slipstream Music):

• Happening Now by Zaphod and the Hearts of Gold

• Givers and Takers by Lt FitzGibbons Men

  
  

✨ For behind-the-scenes insights and guest profiles, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this heartfelt episode, Aya Yamanouchi, People and Culture Senior Manager in the luxury industry, shares her journey of rediscovering purpose through change and self-reflection. From growing up in her family’s fashion business to leading people and inclusion initiatives across global maisons, Aya’s story reveals how transformation often begins when we allow ourselves to embrace imperfection.

Guided by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, she speaks about the courage to ask for help, the importance of self-awareness, and the art of leading with authenticity. Her journey is a reminder that leadership is not about perfection but about presence, listening, and creating space for others to grow.

🎧 A conversation about purpose, reflection, and becoming through change.

References and Inspirations Mentioned in This Episode

• Thích Nhất Hạnh , the philosphy of interbeing: https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/thich-nhat-hanh
  

Credits

Concept creation: SAWA Journey

Host: Samia Jamai

Production: ZERO TO ONE Productions

Studio: J-Wave Tokyo Studio

Digital partner: Maxima Group

Theme music (licensed via Slipstream Music):

• Happening Now by Zaphod and the Hearts of Gold

• Givers and Takers by Lt FitzGibbons Men

  
  

✨ For behind-the-scenes insights and guest profiles, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.