More females in Japan starting work, but in part-time roles

More needs to be done to increase female participation in the workplace, which will allow Japan to significantly raise its growth potential by enhancing the working style and productivity of female workers relative to that of male workers.

What you will learn:

• Despite the nominal rise in the labour participation rate, many females in their 30s and above continue to work only on a part-time basis with short working hours. This has seriously constrained the ability of females to take higher-level roles.
• Insufficient social infrastructure, such as nurseries, and the limited role of males in raising children has prevented working mothers from working full-time by leaving them with the responsibility of raising children while pursuing a career.
• The female labour force participation rate in Japan has risen sharply in the past decade to reach one of the highest levels among advanced economies, but more needs to be done. The rise is notable for those in their late 20s and 30s, especially married females and those with children.