Challenges and Possibilities in Achieving Gender Equality in Japan

Despite its successful economic development, Japan ranks low in gender equality, and the country is regarded as one of the examples that has failed to translate economic prosperity into gender equality. Gender gap in Japan maybe most notable in the lack of women’s representation in policy decision making at various levels and their somewhat disadvantaged positions in the labour market. However, contrary to widespread assumption, when it comes to the (public) institutional structure, Japan has extensive structures of (promoting) gender equality; since the enactment of the Basic Act for Gender-Equal Society in 1999, ordinances on promoting gender equality have also been enacted in all but one prefectures and all government designated cities; gender equality plans have been proposed and agreed in all prefectures, government designated cities, smaller cities, towns and villages; the Gender Equality Bureau was established in 1994, which now sits within the Cabinet Office; and the number of women’s centres (gender machineries) has dramatically increased at the local level since the 1990s. In addition, despite a strong nationalist and conservative socio-political climate (which challenges the promotion of gender equality), reasonably active women’s and feminist movements that demand for social changes have always existed in Japan. Given such a commitment of the government and (feminist) civil society to advance gender equality, why, then huge gender inequalities still exist in Japan? Through qualitative analysis drawing on public documents and interviews, as well as some comparative analysis of gender equality policies in other East Asian and European countries, the paper questions why Japan has not been successful in fully implementing gender equality policies. It also explores how feminists in Japan have been trying to mobilise the state and different levels and types of governance, as well as feminist networks and civil society to achieve gender equality.