Japan’s struggle with women’s equality is increasingly concerning, as recent developments reveal a troubling trend. The country ranked 118th out of 148 nations in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI), maintaining its status as the lowest performer among G7 countries. One significant factor contributing to this low ranking is the limited political participation of women.
In October 2024, Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru formed a new cabinet, appointing only two women out of a total of 20 members. This decrease from five women in the previous cabinet has drawn widespread criticism, being perceived as a setback for female political representation in the nation. Critics argue that this decision demonstrates a lack of commitment to gender-equality policies.
Japan’s gender equality challenges deepened further in January 2025 when the government announced it would suspend funding for the UN’s Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (Cedaw). This decision followed Cedaw’s recommendation for Japan to revise its male-only imperial succession law, which has long been a barrier to gender equality in the line of succession to the throne. The funding halt faced backlash from rights advocates who viewed it as evidence of Japan’s reluctance to confront structural discrimination against women.
The imperial succession debate has been ongoing for decades. Since the implementation of the Imperial Household Law in 1947, only male heirs from the patrilineal line have been allowed to ascend the Chrysanthemum throne. This limitation has raised concerns about the future of the imperial family, particularly as Emperor Naruhito turned 65 on February 23 and has only three male heirs: his uncle Prince Hitachi, aged 89, his younger brother Crown Prince Fumihito, aged 59, and his nephew Prince Hisahito, who is 18.
A survey conducted by Kyodo News in April 2024 revealed that 90% of respondents support allowing female emperors. Despite this overwhelming public sentiment, successive governments have resisted change, often citing the concept of an “unbroken imperial lineage” (bansei ikkei).
Prime Minister Ishiba has expressed support for allowing female succession, yet his administration’s decision to cut funding to Cedaw raises questions about the government’s true priorities. This response reflects a broader discomfort with external scrutiny over Japan’s gender policies, which have been deprioritized under the current administration. Cedaw’s recommendation regarding the imperial succession system is not legally binding, but the government’s reaction underscores a troubling trend in Japan’s commitment to gender equality overall.
Japan’s relationship with international organizations addressing gender issues has historically been fraught. Reports from Cedaw have repeatedly highlighted Japan’s inadequate legal definitions of discrimination against women, the limited access to justice for women, and the persistence of deep-rooted gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes.
This year is significant for the United Nations, marking the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, which produced the Beijing Declaration, a widely endorsed global agenda for women’s rights. It also commemorates the 25th anniversary of the UN’s adoption of Resolution 1325, which established the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda—now recognized as a crucial pillar of international peace and security.
Japan’s decision to halt funding for Cedaw poses risks not only to its international standing but also to its relationships with allies prioritizing gender equality in their diplomatic efforts. By distancing itself from global norms, Japan may not only fall behind but also alienate itself from its G7 peers.
In summary, Japan’s declining commitment to gender equality, illustrated through both political representation and international engagement, raises significant concerns. The government’s recent actions indicate a troubling trajectory that threatens to undermine the progress made in women’s rights and equality on both domestic and global fronts. The path forward will require a reevaluation of priorities and a commitment to fostering an inclusive society.
