Regional Economies Changing with Women’s Participation—Correcting the Gender Wage Gap and Promoting Further Participation by Women (Ms. Wakako Yata, Former Special Advisor to the Prime Minister (Wages and Employment)/Director)

Although women play an important role in supporting regional economies and society, the gender wage gap in Japan remains large compared to other countries, and numerous issues exist when it comes to continuing employment and career development for women. In particular, with the low level of wages and limited employment opportunities available in regional areas, there is a strong trend of younger women moving to metropolitan areas, directly leading to regional economies having severe labor shortages and issues with sustainability.

Ms. Wakako Yata, a former Special Advisor to the Prime Minister and the first to hold that position to advise on wages and employment, worked towards raising wages (including at SMEs) and encouraging shifting irregular workers to regular employment. The FPCJ has invited her to discuss how regional economies are changing with the increased role of women in society, how to correct the gender wage gap, and how to promote further participation by women, while going over the factors behind why women’s wages continue to lag behind those of men. She will also speak about how, with the growing momentum for wage increases, increased wages for women would affect sustainability and hiring practices in regional economies, and what concrete actions the national government, local governments, and businesses should take in order to correct the gender wage gap and increase women’s participation in society.


Please note that you cannot physically attend this briefing, as it will be a Zoom webinar.

Embassy representatives and FPCJ supporting members may also participate in the briefing as observers (admission free).

As in our standard press briefings, there will be a Q&A session at the end.
*In principle, questions will only be accepted from members of the foreign press.

Please send any questions for the briefer or topics you are interested in to cp@fpcjpn.or.jp by 12:00 on Monday, April 6.
As there will only be a limited amount of time to ask questions during the briefing, we will collect questions and provide them to the briefer in advance.

■How to Apply: Please refer to the email we sent.
*We will not be accepting applications by email.