As Japan's boardrooms gray, Sanrio bucks trend with younger directors

Owner of Hello Kitty brand finds growth path with multigenerational board

20250219N Hello Kitty

With a change in leadership from founder to grandson, Sanrio has achieved significant growth in the high-margin licensing business overseas. (Photo by Mai Kitagawa)

KENTARO TSUTSUMI

TOKYO -- The boardrooms of publicly traded companies in Japan are becoming older, a trend that critics say poses risks in the digital age and has spurred calls for more age diversity in leadership roles.

Companies such as Sanrio, the owner of the Hello Kitty franchise, and Pan Pacific International Holdings, the operator of discount chain Don Quijote, have faced the challenge, achieving multigenerational boardrooms with an influx of younger directors.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.