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.

In this SawaTalks episode, Helen Iwata, Women's Success, Leadership, and Communication Coach, shares her journey from corporate Japan to empowering women to lead with clarity, confidence, and ease. She reflects on the hidden cost of constant perseverance and how learning to slow down can unlock greater impact and wellbeing.

Drawing from Japanese wisdom on perseverance and appreciation, Helen redefines resilience as alignment rather than endurance. Together with host Samia Jamai, she explores how women can listen to their bodies, choose their thoughts, and build success that feels sustainable — leading with less effort and more meaning.

References and Inspirations Mentioned in This Episode
Quote: “Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they’re yours.” Richard Bach

Sasuga Communications: https://sasugacommunications.com

The Sasuga! Podcast by Helen Iwata: Spotify Apple Podcast

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 prologue, your host Samia Jamai, introduces the core concepts that shape the Season 1 of SawaTalks Podcast. Inspired by Japanese wisdom, each episode explores philosophies that foster growth, resilience, and leadership.

Which concept will resonate with your journey the most? Listen to find out!

Her story. Her insight. Our growth.

👉 Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us build this journey together.

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.

Assalamu alaikum, mina-san, konnichiwa and welcome to the very first episode of SawaTalks!

In this prologue, your host, Samia Jamai, shares the story behind the podcast. This episode is your invitation to join the SawaTalks community, a global sisterhood and a space for real conversations, where women can break barriers, share corporate stories, and learn from one another across borders. Real change happens when we grow together.

Her story. Her insight. Our growth.

👉 Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us build this journey together.

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.

Get ready ! SawaTalks launches on September 30th! In this short trailer, host Samia Jamai shares why and where the podcast was born, and the reason behind releasing a new episode every two weeks.

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.