About Us
Who are we?
Black Women in Japan (BWIJ) is an online community formed in 2014. BWIJ’s online community has over 4,500 women of the African Diaspora: Europe, the U.K., the Americas, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia living in Japan.
Founded to address a gap in support, connection, and visibility for Black women in Japan, BWIJ has grown into a major network for this community.
The BWIJ group:
- provides activities to enhance the lifestyle of our members
- provides resources on life in Japan
- provides networking opportunities
- provides professional and personal development
- promotes inter-cultural understanding among Diaspora and local Japanese communities.
Since our inception, BWIJ has created and shared events led by and for Black women across Japan. Our flagship event is our Black Women in Japan Convention, which brings our nationwide community together to connect, grow, and celebrate.
We aim to create a space for fellowship, networking, professional development, and the joyful celebration of our diverse sisterhood and the Japanese culture we share. After a hiatus, we are gearing up to hold this year’s Convention in Nagoya.
Award recognition
Nominated in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion category at the British Business Awards (BBA),
hosted by the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) — 2022
Who are our members?
BWIJ members are Black women from across the African diaspora who have built their lives, careers, and communities in Japan — educators, researchers, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, artists, homemakers, and more, connected by shared experience and mutual support.
Social Connection
Regional meetups, cultural events, hanami picnics, temple visits, and informal gatherings that build sound friendships across Japan.
Professional Development
Workshops, seminars, keynote speakers, mentorship via the Big/Lil Sister program, and networking for career growth in Japan and beyond.
Community Service
Members can participate in community service activities in their region throughout the year. Some notable ones have been beach cleanups, suicide prevention walks, and community outreach nationwide.
Academic/Cultural Exchange
Our members bring experiences from Africa, Europe, across the Americas, the Caribbean, and Asia. Through seminars, webinars, and community discussions we explore diaspora life, Japanese culture, and the world we share.
A nationwide community
BWIJ has over 4,500 members living and working across every region of Japan. Regionally, we host activities, meet-ups, and participate in community service. Once a year, this nationwide sisterhood comes together in one place to connect, celebrate, and grow. In 2026, the Black Women in Japan Convention makes a return after a long hiatus. Join us in Nagoya!
HOKKAIDO - 北海
Sapporo, Asahikawa & surrounds
CHUBU - 中部
Nagoya, Hamamatsu & Surrounds
SHIKOKU - 四国
Matsuyama, Takamatsu & surrounds
TOHOKU - 東北
Sendai, Morioka & Surrounds
KANSAI - 関西
Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto & surrounds
KYUSHU - 九州
Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Miyazaki & surrounds
KANTO - 関東
Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama & surrounds
CHUGOKU - 中国
Hiroshima, Okayama & surrounds
OKINAWA - 沖縄
Naha & the Ryukyu Islands
A nationwide community
BWIJ members live and work across every region of Japan. The annual convention brings this nationwide sisterhood together in one place — a uniquely high-reach event for sponsors seeking visibility across the country. This year, in 2026, we will be hosting the Black Women in Japan Convention after a hiatus!
HOKKAIDO - 北海
Tokyo, Kanagawa & surrounds
CHUBU - 中部
Hiroshima & western Honshu
SHIKOKU - 四国
Naha & the Ryukyu Islands
TOHOKU - 東北
Tokyo, Kanagawa & surrounds
KANSAI - 関西
Hiroshima & western Honshu
KYUSHU - 九州
Naha & the Ryukyu Islands
KANTO - 関東
Tokyo, Kanagawa & surrounds
CHUGOKU - 中国
Hiroshima & western Honshu
OKINAWA - 沖縄
Naha & the Ryukyu Islands
Who are our members?
BWIJ members are Black women from across the African diaspora who have built their lives, careers, and communities in Japan — educators, researchers, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, artists, and more, connected by shared experience and mutual support.
Social Connection
Regional meetups, cultural events, hanami picnics, temple visits, and informal gatherings that build real friendships across Japan.
Professional development
Workshops, seminars, keynote speakers, mentorship via the Big/Lil Sister program, and networking for career growth in Japan and beyond.
Community service
Members participate in beach cleanups, suicide prevention walks, NGO collaborations, and intercultural community outreach nationwide.
Academic/Cultural exchange
Research presentations, panel discussions, and cross-cultural programming that contributes to understanding of diaspora life in Japan.
Our planning committee and co-founders
Avril Haye Matsui
Co-founder & Planning Committee
Bridgette Wright Kulaksız
Planning Committee
Kina Jackson
Planning Committee
Biankah Bailey
Planning Committee
Our board members
Board member name
Board member name
Board member name
Board member name
Support us!
Black Women in Japan is a non-profit organization that thrives on community support. If you believe in what we do and are interested in supporting us or becoming a volunteer, click one of the links below for more information on how to get involved.