Title: Progress and Challenges for Women in Japan’s Workplace
In 1987, Masako Owada entered Japan’s elite diplomatic corps as one of only three female recruits. Fast forward three decades, and the landscape for women in the workplace has shifted significantly in Japan. With nearly half of each entering class of diplomats being women since 2020, the Foreign Ministry is leading the way in promoting gender equality in professional jobs.
Despite these advances, challenges remain for women in Japan’s workforce. Long working hours, compounded by domestic responsibilities, continue to be a burden for many women. The expectation of overtime work and after-work drinking sessions can make it difficult for women to balance their careers with family obligations.
While some progress has been made in encouraging men to take on more household duties, the burden still falls heavily on women. Married working women with children in Japan take on more than three-quarters of household chores, adding to the challenges of balancing work and family life.
Employers like Sony and Itochu are taking steps to support working mothers, offering courses for prospective fathers and setting limits on after-work outings. However, the culture of long working hours and after-work socializing persists, making it challenging for women to advance in their careers while also fulfilling domestic responsibilities.
As Japan grapples with labor shortages and a declining birthrate, the need to support women in the workforce is more crucial than ever. Encouraging women to pursue leadership roles and providing support for working mothers can help boost the economy and create a more equitable workplace for all.
