International Women’s Day 2025 is here! This year we spoke with four of our female employees to learn about their career journeys, challenges, and thriving in what is often seen as a male-dominated industry. Their stories highlight the positive changes that come from embracing diversity in the workplace and offer valuable insights for the next generation. 

First Female on the Team: Building an Inclusive Workplace

I joined Mitsubishi Fuso after graduating from high school, starting my career as a production worker in the Powertrain Manufacturing Department. When I first joined, I had little knowledge of trucks or their components. On top of that, I was the first female employee in the Powertrain Manufacturing Department at the time, which made the experience even more daunting. However, thanks to the warm support of my colleagues, I gradually got used to the work. Having a female in the team was a learning experience for everyone, and we tackled each challenge together, figuring things out step by step.

One of the things I appreciate most about working at Mitsubishi Fuso is having dedicated time to learn about my tasks. This has allowed me to gain valuable knowledge through my work and has further fueled my motivation to grow.

A few years after joining the company, I became pregnant and wasn’t sure if I could continue working in such a physically demanding environment. After consulting with my supervisor, I was reassigned to tasks that could be done while seated, such as inspections and improvement reports.

Additionally, the support from my colleagues and advice from employees who had previously returned from maternity leave helped me feel reassured. Today, I’m still working in the same team, handling tool repairs and manufacturing mechanical components. With the support of my family, I’m balancing both my career and life as a working mother.

Rokka Ichikawa
Tooling Operations

Building a Career as a Woman in the Commercial Vehicle Industry 

Being in the commercial vehicle industry for over a decade has been an incredible experience. Of course, there were moments when I wondered if certain comments or feedback were influenced by my gender, but I’ve learned that speaking up is important. I brought up my concerns with male executives twice, and I was happy to see they were open to feedback and actually made changes.

Balancing work and family has also been a journey—I took different lengths of maternity leave with my three kids, and each time I came back, I was given a role at the same management level, which really showed the company’s support for working moms. 

A lot of people still think this industry is just for men, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Women are thriving in all kinds of roles, from engineering and R&D to production, logistics, and leadership. It’s exciting to see more women breaking barriers and stepping into key decision-making positions. Just look at Daimler Truck’s current CEO and CFO—proof that women are making big moves and shaping the future of this industry!

Nora Sar 
FUSO Academy, Head of Training Planning and Management  

A Challenging Yet Rewarding Job That Drives Growth

Since joining as a new grad three years ago, I’ve had the chance to take on a lot of challenges! One of the most memorable experiences was planning and organizing a 300-person internal event from scratch. It was tough, but I learned so much and gained a lot of confidence. I also got to work on creating a novelty item for the new Super Great model. It was exciting to be part of a project that left something tangible behind.

At first, I thought it would be a male-dominated industry, but there are actually a lot of women here, and it’s a great work environment. More than half of my team is female, and the company has a very global and open culture. Everyone is supportive, and we all get along really well, which makes work very enjoyable!

Riina Moritake
Marketing & Network Japan, Sales & Customer Services Japan

Efforts to Support Women’s Careers and Create an Inclusive Workplace 

Being part of the ESG Strategy department has been a great opportunity for growth. My role involves helping stakeholders understand sustainability, take action, and drive meaningful change. One of the biggest challenges—and rewards—is turning complex topics into clear, actionable steps while fostering engagement and support. Working in this dynamic environment has strengthened my skills in communication, influence, and strategic thinking.

I’ve also had the privilege of working with supportive colleagues and inspiring female role models at FUSO, reinforcing the need to create an inclusive workplace for all women. Initiatives like Women@FUSO are helping drive important conversations about inclusivity, ensuring all women here feel just as supported and encouraged in their careers. 

Building a more inclusive industry isn’t just about workplace culture—it’s also about rethinking job design. Some roles may seem less accessible to women, not because they aren’t suited for them, but due to traditional job structures. By improving tools, workflow planning, and policies, we can open more opportunities for everyone.

As the industry evolves through sustainability and technology, we have a chance to drive meaningful change. To attract more diverse talent, we need to showcase not just the exciting work, but also the inclusive culture and strong support systems that make this a great place to grow a career. 

Nitikitpaiboon Panyapat 
ESG Strategy Department 

The stories shared by our female employees reflect our ongoing journey toward creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace for everyone. At Mitsubishi Fuso, we embrace diversity and an international work environment, and we are always looking for new talent—whether you’re a recent graduate, an experienced professional, or seeking an internship. Check out our careers page to explore current opportunities.