Source: https://world.time.com/2013/08/09/handbags-and-champagne-japans-young-forex-divas-make-their-mark/
Why Japanese Women Are Flocking to Foreign-Exchange Trading
Handbags and Champagne: Japan’s Young Forex Divas Make Their Mark
By Anjani Trivedi
Summary
The article explores the resurgence of Japan’s retail forex traders known as “Mrs. Watanabe.” Originally referring to housewives trading foreign exchange in the 1990s to supplement household income, the term now describes a younger, tech savvy generation of women who trade more aggressively and share their successes online. Women make up about 25 % of Japan’s retail forex market, far higher than in Western countries. Many use profits for lifestyle purchases and social media driven self expression, indirectly supporting Japan’s economy through consumer spending. Economic reforms, a weaker yen, and greater financial awareness have expanded opportunities for these traders, many of whom balance trading with flexible or contract work. Experts caution that forex remains risky and should be treated as a supplemental income source. Meanwhile, Japan’s labor shortages are prompting companies to recruit more skilled young women, creating a contrast between traditional career paths and the independent appeal of forex trading.
Watanabe is a common surname, the equivalent of Garcia, Jones or Wang). And now they have returned, only this
time they’re younger and more aggressive. Perhaps Ms. Watanabe would be a more accurate title now.