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Women's Rights in Japan: Progress and Challenges
Historical Context and Current Situation
Since the enactment of the Equal Employment Opportunity Law (男女雇用機会均等法) 40 years ago, Japan has made efforts to bridge the gender gap. However, according to the World Economic Forum's annual Gender Gap Index, Japan still ranks among the lowest globally. The country faces persistent challenges in increasing women's participation in the workforce and leadership roles.
To explore solutions, we spoke with two gender studies experts: Natsuko Hagiwara, President of the National Women's Education Center (68), and Mari Osawa, Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo (71). Both emphasized the importance of creating a society where both men and women can work comfortably together.
Gender Gap in Employment and Career Advancement
Hagiwara graduated from university in 1979, before the Equal Employment Opportunity Law was enacted. At that time, few companies offered job opportunities for women, and those that did often listed requirements such as "good appearance" rather than professional qualifications. She initially joined an advertising agency but was dissatisfied with wage discrimination and job roles, leading her to return to university for further studies.
Despite specializing in sociology, she was told that women could not secure teaching positions in the field, so she shifted to home economics. The ability to attend graduate school and academic conferences depended on having access to kindergartens that provided childcare until the evening and a network of childcare support groups.
She worked in various organizations as a part-time employee before securing a full-time lecturer position at age 38. "My career was fragmented, which reflects how women of my generation had to navigate their careers. For men, doors open automatically, but for us, we had to struggle to push them open," she remarked.
After earning her doctorate, she was invited by then-Miyagi Prefecture Governor Shiro Asano to work in the prefectural government, where she was the only female director-level official. She worked to change the workplace culture, and upon leaving, a female employee told her, "You taught us that we do not have to be a model female manager, but rather work in a way that suits us."
"When women are a minority in leadership, they are often judged based on their gender rather than their individual capabilities. Women are now starting to 'enter' various industries, but the next challenge is how they can actively 'participate' and lead change," Hagiwara explained. She encourages looking toward the future, with both men and women working together to reshape society.
Legal Reforms and the Path Forward
Professor Osawa, who graduated from university in 1976, recalls that out of approximately 350 students in the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Economics, only 5–6 were women. When she entered graduate school, only three women pursued academia, and she was the only one who continued. Finding research positions was extremely difficult.
Osawa acknowledges that the Equal Employment Opportunity Law was significant in establishing a standard that prohibits employment discrimination based on gender. She also highlights the importance of the 1997 amendment that made preventing workplace sexual harassment the employer's responsibility.
In 1999, the Basic Act for Gender-Equal Society was enacted, promoting shared responsibilities between men and women in work, household chores, and community activities. Osawa was involved in drafting this law. However, she stresses that despite the legal and institutional framework being in place, the results have yet to follow. "Awareness and cultural change are still necessary," she asserts.
Some companies have begun eliminating distinctions between regular and non-regular employees, but she urges businesses and organizations to continue transforming workplace structures to foster gender equality.
Japan’s Global Standing in Gender Equality
According to The Economist’s 2024 ranking of 29 developed countries based on workplace gender equality, Japan ranked 27th, the same as the previous year, making it the third-lowest. South Korea ranked 28th, and Turkey was last. The top-ranking countries were Sweden, Iceland, Finland, and Norway, reflecting the strong policies in Nordic countries that support gender equality and dual-income households.
New Zealand saw the most significant improvement, rising from 13th place to 5th, alongside France. Among major economies, the United Kingdom and Canada ranked 14th, Italy 16th, and the United States 19th.
Corporate board diversity has improved, with female board members increasing from 21% in 2016 to 33% in 2024. In countries such as the United Kingdom and France, gender representation on boards is nearly equal. However, wage disparities persist, with women earning 11.4% less than men on average, and the gender pay gap is widening in Japan and Australia.
The percentage of female politicians has also surpassed 34%, and in the UK, following the last general election, it rose from 35% to 41%.
Moving Toward an Inclusive Society
For Japan to bridge its gender gap, further changes are needed in workplace policies, legal frameworks, and societal attitudes. It is crucial for companies and policymakers to actively implement measures that promote gender balance in leadership and economic participation. By fostering an environment where both men and women can equally contribute to society, Japan can move closer to achieving true gender equality.
Source: Japanese government website
Our Efforts to Support Women Travelers in Japan
Recognizing these challenges, we are committed to supporting women’s empowerment through various initiatives. One such effort is FRIEN, our female-only friend rental service for travelers in Japan. FRIEN provides a safe and comfortable community and experience for women, addressing concerns about security and privacy. This service not only enhances travel experiences for female visitors but also promotes greater independence and mobility for women exploring Japan.
In addition to FRIEN, we advocate for gender equality through our global platform, which has millions of visitors interested in Japan. By raising awareness, sharing resources, and supporting initiatives that promote women’s rights, we strive to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.
Japan has made significant strides in increasing women’s participation in the workforce, but there is still much work to be done. Structural barriers, cultural expectations, and regional disparities continue to hinder true gender equality. Through initiatives like FRIEN and our advocacy efforts, we hope to create a society where women can fully participate in all aspects of life—whether in the workplace or while traveling. By addressing these challenges and fostering a supportive environment, we can move towards a future where women in Japan enjoy greater freedom, security, and opportunities.
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