Mitsuko Tottori Breaks The Barriers

Mitsuko Tottori: A Flight Attendant's Unconventional Rise to Japan Airlines' First Female President

The appointment of Mitsuko Tottori as the new head of Japan Airlines (JAL) caused a ripple effect throughout the nation's business world. Ms. Tottori not only broke the glass ceiling as the carrier's first female president but also defied expectations as someone who began her career in the cabin crew.

News outlets buzzed with reactions, labeling her ascension as everything from "groundbreaking" and "unprecedented" to "out of the ordinary". Some even questioned the move, with one website referring to her as a curious outsider due to her roots in the smaller Japan Air System (JAS), acquired by JAL two decades prior.

"I wasn't aware of the comments," Ms. Tottori admits with a chuckle during our Tokyo interview.

Ultimately, she wasn't drawn from the customary pool of elite businessmen typically appointed to lead JAL. Previous leaders often hailed from Japan's most renowned universities, while Ms. Tottori's educational background lies in a less prominent women's junior college.

Ms. Tottori's rise places JAL in the slim category of Japanese companies (less than 1%) with female leadership.

"My focus is on the work itself, not the labels of 'first woman' or 'former flight attendant'. Naturally, I didn't anticipate this level of attention," she notes. "However, I recognize that the public and our employees may perceive my role differently."

Her appointment arrived shortly after JAL's cabin crew garnered praise for their swift evacuation of passengers during a landing accident that involved a collision with a coastguard aircraft.

Plane Erupts in Flames During Runway Landing: Mitsuko Tottori Response as JAL's New Leader

The incident, resulting in the tragic loss of five coastguard crew members, left the Japan Airlines Flight 516 ablaze. Yet, the airline's stringent flight attendant training paid off – all 379 passengers were safely evacuated within minutes.

Having once been a flight attendant, Ms. Tottori understands the paramount importance of aviation safety. Early in her career, in 1985, she witnessed firsthand the devastation of Japan Airlines' involvement in the deadliest single-aircraft disaster in history, claiming 520 lives on Mount Osutaka.

"JAL prioritizes safety awareness," Ms. Tottori explains. "Every employee has the opportunity to climb Mount Osutaka and connect with those impacted by the tragedy. Additionally, our safety promotion center houses aircraft fragments, offering a tangible reminder rather than simply textbook knowledge."

Her elevation to president, though unexpected, aligns with the vast changes JAL experienced following its 2010 bankruptcy – the largest non-financial corporate collapse in Japan's history.

The airline survived thanks to a government bailout, after which a new executive team initiated a dramatic restructuring.

Key to this transformation was Kazuo Inamori, a then-77-year-old retiree and Buddhist monk, whose influence proved invaluable. If not for his leadership, it's doubtful JAL would have created a path for someone like Ms. Tottori.

In a 2012 interview, Mr. Inamori pulled no punches about JAL's past, describing it as an arrogant company with poor customer focus.

Mitsuko Tottori and JAL’s Evolution: A New Era for Japan Airlines

Under his direction, JAL shifted its promotions focus, prioritizing frontline personnel like pilots and engineers over those in administrative roles.

"The company felt entirely different from a typical private enterprise," Mr. Inamori, sadly now deceased, told me. "It seemed more like a landing spot for retired government officials."

JAL's journey since then is a testament to its evolution, making the significance of its first female president even more profound.

It aligns with the Japanese government's ongoing campaign, initiated a decade ago, to boost the number of women in leadership positions across the country.

Their target goal, initially set for 2020 but extended to 2030, is to see women fill one-third of leadership roles in major corporations.

"It's not just a matter of changing the executives' mentality," Ms. Tottori believes. "Women must also feel confident enough to pursue these leadership opportunities. I hope my own example will encourage others to step outside their comfort zones. "

Image Credit - CNN

Mitsuko Tottori Unusual Career Trajectory: From Flight Attendant to CEO

Ms. Tottori emphasizes that she never actively pursued the highest leadership role, initially content with her career as a flight attendant. Yet, the JAL-JAS merger unexpectedly altered the course of her professional life.

While mergers often generate friction and distrust, she believes JAL handled the integration remarkably well, thanks in part to her then-manager's strategy.

"My manager instructed both JAL and JAS employees to collaborate on developing our customer service manual. This focus on a shared goal for the customer quickly fostered unity between the two airlines."

From there, Ms. Tottori steadily progressed through the ranks of JAL, eventually heading the company's international cargo and passenger operations.

Despite this rise, the idea of leading the entire company was far from her mind - however, that possibility became more tangible in recent times.

"My promotion was very sudden, catching me by surprise. I'm still formulating my plans, but I'm committed to giving it my all.”

Navigating Japan Airlines' Current Challenges Under Mitsuko Tottori Leadership

The airline industry is currently in a state of flux, having weathered the crushing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on international travel.

Japan's famously strict border closures, in place for nearly two years, hit domestic carriers like JAL and All Nippon Airways (ANA) especially hard.

While borders have reopened and there's hope for a tourism boost, a full return to pre-pandemic travel volume depends heavily on China's full reopening as well.

JAL's finances are healthier than during its bankruptcy crisis, yet the airline continues to face difficulties with its domestic business's profitability.

Adding pressure is a recently-announced partnership between Japan's leading budget airlines, Peach and Jetstar Japan.

This move, which includes codesharing (selling seats on partner flights), expands the low-cost carriers' reach and poses a greater competitive threat to JAL and ANA.

What Lies Ahead for Mitsuko Tottori and Japan Airlines?

"I'm not looking to make radical changes, but we must remain open to challenges," Ms. Tottori explains.

"Generating profit within our domestic operations is a top priority. Furthermore, the industry landscape is transforming rapidly. JAL's success depends on our ability to adapt to these changes, and that's my key focus."

For a traditional Japanese corporation like JAL, change tends to be incremental and cautious. Yet, the presence of its first female president suggests the potential for a more agile approach.

Mitsuko Tottori: An Example of Progress in Japan's Corporate World

Ms. Tottori's story unfolds against the backdrop of Japan's ongoing struggle to increase female representation in corporate leadership. The country consistently ranks poorly in international comparisons of female empowerment within the business world.

While the Japanese government has made efforts, such projects tend to move slowly. One such initiative sought to have women occupy 30% of corporate leadership roles by 2020. Having missed that target, they have now extended the goal to 2030.

However, even with growing awareness and government targets, real-world change for Japanese women can feel painfully slow. Societal expectations and long-entrenched corporate structures remain major barriers.

"It's not only a matter of corporate attitudes shifting," Ms. Tottori observes. "Women themselves need to gain the confidence to strive for management positions. The weight of tradition can feel heavy."

Traditionally in Japan, women are expected to focus on home and family while men are considered the primary breadwinners. Even with more women entering the workforce, the pressure to prioritize household responsibilities often leads them to choose part-time or less demanding roles, hindering their advancement opportunities.

"My situation was somewhat unique," Ms. Tottori acknowledges. "As a flight attendant, our work schedules aren't traditional. It was easier to have my husband share the childcare burden since he worked a regular office job."

While a far cry from ideal, this underscores the challenge for Japanese women with more conventional career paths. The lack of adequate and affordable childcare remains a major obstacle, especially in major cities like Tokyo.

Mitsuko Tottori: A Symbol of Hope for the Future of Japanese Leadership

Despite the challenges, Ms. Tottori's visibility provides a valuable symbol. She's not just the first female head of JAL but also a working mother. Her success demonstrates the possibility of finding balance - albeit undoubtedly one requiring careful management.

Yet, she recognizes that one person's success doesn't change the system overnight. More widespread changes to company culture and government policy will be vital to creating a landscape where women can flourish in leadership on a broader scale.

"There's much more work to be done," Ms. Tottori acknowledges. "My focus is on leading JAL effectively, but I'm also aware of the attention I'm receiving. Hopefully, this attention translates to more women realizing these roles are within their reach if they desire them."

Japan's corporate world remains decidedly male-dominated. Yet, JAL's bankruptcy, while a dark chapter in their history, provided a unique opportunity for disruption. Perhaps the outsider spirit of its first female leader hints at ongoing evolution within this historically rigid company.

The Pros and Cons of an 'Outsider' CEO

Ms. Tottori's unconventional background sparks questions about whether her outsider status is an advantage or a disadvantage in her new role.

On the positive side, her experiences outside the traditional executive pipeline could bring a fresh perspective. Having risen from the frontlines of customer service, she undoubtedly possesses firsthand knowledge of the airline's operations and its customer experience strengths and weaknesses.

Additionally, as someone who benefited from the dramatic changes following JAL's bankruptcy, she might be more inclined to challenge the status quo. This could lead to more dynamic decision-making within the often slow-moving culture of long-established Japanese companies.

However, her outside status could also create challenges. Some executives educated at elite universities and entrenched in traditional corporate hierarchies might view her with a degree of skepticism, creating potential roadblocks towards implementing new strategies.

Furthermore, JAL's business model remains complex. Understanding financial structures, international regulations, and the nuances of aircraft acquisition, requires specialized knowledge. Ms. Tottori will need to quickly get up to speed on these aspects.

Image Credit - Aviation Week

Navigating Japan's Corporate Culture

It's important to remember that Japan's corporate culture is vastly different from many Western countries. Decision-making tends to be consensus-driven and can be a lengthy process.

Within this framework, fostering relationships and building trust are paramount. How Ms. Tottori navigates these dynamics will largely determine her success as president. Her ability to gain the support and cooperation of those long-entrenched in the system will be key to driving change.

It's also worth considering the 'invisible weight' of being the first woman in the role. Even in 2023, Japanese society carries lingering biases against women in leadership. Ms. Tottori will likely need to overperform simply to be perceived as equivalent to a male counterpart.

A Sign of Change?

Despite the inherent challenges, Ms. Tottori's rise to leadership could act as a catalyst for broader changes within Japanese corporate culture. If JAL thrives under her guidance, it may encourage other companies to consider candidates from outside the traditional mold.

Additionally, if high-profile companies like JAL create more supportive environments for working mothers, it could have ripple effects throughout the economy. This might push the government to implement stronger pro-family policies to further encourage women's continued   career advancement.

It's early to say whether Ms. Tottori's appointment represents a mere anomaly or a genuine turning point. The scrutiny upon her is intense. How she responds to challenges, builds relationships, and leverages her experience will offer valuable insights into the possibilities for future female leaders in Japan's business world.

The Future for JAL and Beyond

While the road ahead for Ms. Tottori and Japan Airlines is filled with both challenges and opportunities, the symbolism of her appointment carries significance beyond the world of business.

In a society often critiqued for gender inequality, Ms. Tottori serves as a powerful role model. Her story demonstrates that paths to leadership can diverge from the heavily-trodden ones, especially as merit and capability begin to outweigh tradition alone.

Conclusion

It's also a reminder that major crises, while causing immense suffering, can sometimes yield unintentional silver linings. JAL's bankruptcy, while deeply painful, laid the groundwork for dramatic shifts within the company, ultimately clearing a path for someone like Ms. Tottori.

"My goal is to ensure JAL remains a respected company," Ms. Tottori emphasizes. "Of course, as a Japanese airline, we have a responsibility to contribute to the broader Japanese economy and society as a whole."

One avenue for achieving this is by embracing greater diversity within JAL's own workforce. The company has taken initial steps, recently relaxing its strict appearance guidelines for female flight attendants. Small but notable, such changes signal an increased awareness of evolving societal expectations.

It's tempting to view Ms. Tottori's appointment as a watershed moment for Japanese women and assume that progress will quickly follow. However, reality tends to unfold less dramatically. Systemic change takes time, persistence, and the efforts of many individuals.

"I wouldn't call myself a pioneer," Ms. Tottori says modestly. "I'm lucky to be in this position, and I'm determined to do the best job I can. But it takes consistent effort, from government initiatives to shifts in mindset at every level of society, to see broader changes for women."

Time Will Tell

The real impact of Ms. Tottori's presidency will likely become more evident over the coming years. Will JAL achieve its financial goals under her direction? Will we see more women progress to senior roles within the organization? And importantly, will more major Japanese corporations follow suit, opening their leadership doors to a wider range of candidates?

The answers are yet to be written. But Ms. Tottori, as Japan Airlines' first female president, has undoubtedly added a new and intriguing chapter to the country's corporate history. Whether hers is a page left largely unturned or a starting point for greater inclusivity in Japan's business world, only the future will reveal.