Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Faces Challenge of Sexism in Science
Sanae Takaichi has promised to restore Japan’s strength and prosperity, with her success largely depending on breaking down barriers for women in science. Japan continues to struggle with gender equity, ranking 118th out of 148 countries in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Index.
A Milestone Election
The election of Sanae Takaichi as Japan’s prime minister on 21 October marks a significant milestone. Yet, questions remain whether her leadership will help shift entrenched social attitudes toward gender.
Gender Equality in Japanese Academia
As both a woman and neuroscientist involved in surveys on gender equality in Japanese academia, I find the situation complex. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner, Japan Innovation Party (JIP), have agreed to:
- “Substantially expand” grants for scientific research
- “Establish a system granting legal effect to the use of maiden names”
Though promising, the real impact will depend on how these pledges are executed.
Changing Party Positions and Their Implications
Recent shifts in party policies could influence Japan’s science and innovation trajectory but raise concerns. The LDP’s former coalition partner, Komeito, has supported:
- Increasing stable base funding for universities
- Supporting women and early-career researchers
Meanwhile, the JIP places greater emphasis on market-driven innovation, administrative efficiency, and economic growth.
“Male-dominated campuses belong to the past”: the University of Tokyo tackles the gender gap
How these approaches balance each other will shape Japan’s future in science and gender equality.
Author’s summary: Sanae Takaichi’s historic rise as Japan’s first female prime minister highlights the nation’s struggle with gender equity, especially in science, where meaningful policy implementation is crucial for progress.