TOKYO, JAPAN — Executive coach, facilitator, and artist Jennifer Shinkai has been named an official nominee for SME / Entrepreneur of the Year at the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan’s (BCCJ) 2026 British Business Awards (BBA). The recognition marks a defining milestone as Shinkai celebrates 10 years of entrepreneurship in Japan.
This marks Jennifer’s fourth nomination at the British Business Awards, reflecting a sustained track record of leadership, community engagement, and social impact across the UK-Japan business corridor:
2026 – SME / Entrepreneur of the Year Nominee: Recognizing 10 years of business growth, cross-border coaching, the launch of Atelier Shinkai, and leadership in sustainable creative communities in Tokyo.
2023 – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Champion of the Year Nominee: Nominated by peer BBA winners for pioneering approaches to intentional inclusion, psychological safety, and helping diverse teams embrace authentic belonging in corporate Japan.
2021 – British Business Awards Nominee: Showcased for creating transformative coaching frameworks and agile pandemic response initiatives aligned with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
2020 – Responsible Business Award Nominee: Recognized for founding Make March Matter, a free community initiative providing mutual accountability, resilience, and business support for independent founders and leaders during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Decade of Purpose, Inclusion, and Innovation
Since founding her practice in 2016, Shinkai has become a cornerstone of Tokyo’s executive coaching and team coaching landscape. Integrating systemic team coaching, ikigai, and psychological safety, she guides multinational leaders, corporate teams, and entrepreneurs to align high performance with meaningful purpose.
Marking 10 years in business in 2026, Shinkai has expanded her reach across multiple fronts:
Atelier Shinkai (Launched 2024): Bringing an artistic lens to executive development, blending visual modalities, wellbeing, and reflective inquiry directly into team facilitation.
Sustainable Community Impact: Active leadership and co-creation within Sumida’s sustainable art collectives (including the Sumida Mukojima Expo 7 Collective), fostering cross-cultural dialogue and creative expression.
Cross-Border Thought Leadership: Reaching global audiences through the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast, keynote facilitation, and bilingual co-coaching partnerships supporting organizations across APAC.
“Reaching 10 years in business while being shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year is an immense honor,” said Jennifer Shinkai. “From founding Make March Matter during uncertain times to championing DEI and launching Atelier Shinkai, each chapter has been grounded in building community, resilience, and genuine connection. Being recognized alongside such dynamic entrepreneurs across the UK-Japan community is a wonderful way to celebrate this decade milestone.”
Winners of the 2026 British Business Awards will be announced at the BCCJ Gala on November 13 at the Fairmont Tokyo.
Media & Contact:
Jennifer Shinkai Coaching & Facilitation / Atelier Shinkai
Website: jennifershinkai.com
Tokyo, Japan
