Breaking Barriers, Building Dreams: A Woman's Journey Through Japanese Finance - Goldman Sachs Alumna Mao Hotta on Why Now Is the Best Time for Women in Japan's Workforce -

The narrative around young people in Japan often skews pessimistic—articles say young people are depressed, hopeless. Mao Hotta sees it differently.

"I think it's the opposite, actually. Young people are really motivated to work, and women are more empowered ever than before. Now is a huge chance for us to shine."

We spoke with Mao about her experience in Japanese finance and why she's optimistic about the future.

---What was the gender balance like at Goldman Sachs Japan?

Mao: My cohort was 50-50, men and women, including back office people. The policy changed while I was working there, and things have shifted since then with the global DEI trend. But during my time, the ratio was balanced.

---How has the Japanese work environment changed for women?

Mao: It's changed a lot, in a good way. We can work remotely now. We can have two different jobs at the same time. We can use maternity leave. It's more flexible than it used to be.

You don't have to follow the old script anymore—"I need to marry at this age, I have to buy a house, I have to work at this company for the next 40 years." Those things are outdated. It's your choice how you want to work.

---How do you view the recent global pushback on DEI initiatives?

Mao: I try to use every opportunity in a good way, not as a threat or something to fear. Yes, they turned down DEI—it's a global trend, unfortunately.

But I personally took DEI in a good way because I got the position. People say something really bad, but—you got the position. And it's your job to work hard in that environment anyway.

Use every opportunity in a good way and keep shining.

---What was the hardest part of working in investment banking?

Mao: The pressure and the pace. Some of them were harsh—not good people. But that experience made me strong. I learned how to deal with different types of people in a work environment with so much pressure.

"Nothing is more hard than working as an analyst at Goldman, I would say. So I'm not afraid of any jobs or works or assignments that I'll probably get in a few years."

---What would you say to women considering finance in Japan?

Mao: Now is a huge chance for women in Japan. Women are more empowered ever than before, and we have more opportunities and options to choose from. It's a great environment to work hard and shine.

Let's hang in there together.

Final Thoughts

Mao's perspective challenges the pessimistic narrative around young Japanese workers. After 2.5 years at Goldman Sachs, she's seen firsthand how the landscape is changing—more flexibility, more options, more opportunities for women to define success on their own terms.

"You don't have to follow the old script anymore. Those things are outdated. It's your choice how you want to work."

For women considering finance in Japan, Mao's message is one of optimism: the environment is better than ever. Use every opportunity, work hard, and keep shining.

This is Article 2 in a 3-part series featuring Mao Hotta's journey from Goldman Sachs to hospitality entrepreneurship.

(Editor: Jelper Club Operations Team)