Japan has been dealing with a decreasing fertility rate for decades. This has had a direct effect on Japan’s labor force, as they now face shortages. Another reason for the lack of labor force...Show moreJapan has been dealing with a decreasing fertility rate for decades. This has had a direct effect on Japan’s labor force, as they now face shortages. Another reason for the lack of labor force participation is due to the low female labor force participation in the Japanese labor market. The Japanese government has been actively implementing policies to attract more female labor force by either eradicating workspace sexism or by investing more into childcare. Some of these major policies are the Equal Employment Opportunity Law (EEOL), Child Care Leave Act and Child Care and Family Leave Law, Angel Plan and New Angel Plan. While some policies have helped alleviate some of the burdens Japanese women carry, the female workforce participation is still low, as is the fertility rate. Furthermore, although the Japanese government actively seeks to resolve these issues, the motive behind it is ambiguous, as the issue of gender equality and sexism are often used as false incentives, especially during elections. The male-dominated corporate culture present in Japan also further fuels this. Thus, solutions become harder to reach while the issues still remain prevalent.Show less
