Japan's Economy
Womenomics
How Japan tried to raise women's participation in work, what changed, and why gaps in pay and leadership remain large.
Womenomics was a policy push, especially under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe from 2013, to bring more women into work.
The idea
With a shrinking workforce, bringing more women into jobs could boost growth. The term was popularised by Goldman Sachs analyst Kathy Matsui.
What changed
- Female employment rose significantly, with the participation rate of women aged 15 to 64 exceeding that of the US.
- Childcare places expanded.
- Parental leave policies improved.
What didn’t change enough
- Many women work in part-time or non-regular jobs.
- A large gender pay gap.
- Few women in management and politics.
- Long working hours culture makes balancing family and career hard.
Barriers
- Tax and pension rules that discourage spouses from earning above certain thresholds.
- Social expectations around childcare and housework.
The first female prime minister
In October 2025, Sanae Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister.
The part-time trap
A married woman in Japan keeps her part-time earnings just below a threshold to avoid losing her husband's tax benefits, limiting her career.
Thinking more women working means gender equality
Pay gaps, part-time work and few leaders remain.
Key takeaways
- Womenomics aimed to bring more women into work from 2013.
- Female employment rose sharply.
- Many women work part-time, and pay gaps remain large.
- Tax rules and social norms are barriers.
No recording for this one yet - EconReader can read it aloud for you.