東北大学経済学研究科 高齢経済社会研究センター

The Research Center for Aged Economy and Society  

Research Note

        No.81, August, 2025

Our research report entitled the “NewsLetter” has changed its name "Research Note” in August, 2025.  

Contents

Japanese Women Immigrants: The Quiet Revolution in a Globalised World

Prof.Dr.Meltem INCE YENILMEZ

Izmir, Türkiye – 08.08.2025

 (Visiting Professor, Tohoku University)

The Research Center for Aged Economy and Society, Tohoku University.

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Telephone and facsimile number: +81-22-795-4789        

E-mail: rcaes_info@grp.tohoku.ac.jp

東北大学経済学研究科 高齢経済社会研究センター           

〒980-8576,宮城県仙台市青葉区川内27-1東北大学経済学研究科内

電話・FAX番号：022-795-4789,  E-mail: rcaes_info@grp.tohoku.ac.jp

Japanese Women Immigrants: The Quiet Revolution in a Globalised World

Prof.Dr.Meltem INCE YENILMEZ

Izmir, Türkiye – 08.08.2025

 (Visiting Professor, Tohoku University)

For many years, a male-centric corporate culture has shaped the perception of Japan's workforce, with women frequently restricted to traditional jobs. However, a subtle but significant demographic change is taking place. Japanese women are increasingly preferring to leave their country of origin to start new lives and careers overseas, not only to travel or study. The difficulties people encounter at home and this emigration profoundly express the opportunities they discover abroad. Their experiences reveal a complicated push-pull dynamic, propelled by a resilience that is redefining their identities on a global scale and a longing for both professional and emotional liberty.

Japan's enduring gender inequality is one of the main "push" causes behind this trend. Even though Japan is a major economic force in the world, its gender equality record is noticeably subpar. Japan is near the bottom of the G7 countries, ranking 118th out of 146 in the World Economic Forum's 2024 Global Gender Gap Report. Concrete facts on the female pay gap and professional advancement support this low rating. Table 1 illustrates how the salary disparity in Japan is much greater than in many Western nations, making it challenging for women to become financially independent.

In addition, the percentage of women in management positions is still obstinately low, resulting in a "glass ceiling" that is much more inflexible than in nations like the US or the EU. Because of these systemic obstacles, leaving is frequently the best course of action for aspirational women looking for a career based on merit.

Table 1: Gender Wage Gap and Women in Management, 2024

In more equal societies, there are attractive opportunities that serve as "pull" influences. In their new countries, Japanese women are discovering that their abilities and work ethic—which are sometimes overlooked in Japan's conventional corporate setting—are highly regarded. Their success in industries ranging from technology and finance to the creative industries is a direct result of their strong sense of responsibility and thorough attention to detail. A 2023 study conducted by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) found that the number of Japanese women professionals employed overseas in high-growth industries, especially IT, design, and cross-cultural consulting, has significantly increased. They are directly assisting in closing the cultural and commercial divide between Japan and their host nations, in addition to furthering their careers in these capacities.  Additionally, this is generating novel and inventive positions that are not yet filled in the Japanese labour market.

But there are some serious obstacles in the way of this endeavour. These women frequently struggle with the weight of preconceptions and the demands of cultural integration in addition to the evident linguistic and cultural hurdles. Their drive for independence and self-advocacy may be in stark contrast to the pressure to be the "Yamato Nadeshiko," the ideal Japanese woman. Their propensity for indirect, harmony-focused discussion is sometimes misinterpreted in more direct cultures, such as the U.S. and portions of Europe, making this struggle especially apparent in communication styles.

But negotiating two different cultures is exactly what enables them to create a distinctive "third culture," fusing the directness and independence of their new homes with the Japanese virtues of gaman (resilience) and sonkei (respect). As global citizens and cultural mediators, they are therefore extremely valuable.

In summary, Japanese women's growing emigration is a reflection of a generation's desire for a more just and satisfying future rather than merely a statistical trend. To break through structural obstacles and forge new routes for themselves and others who follow, they are utilising their special fusion of professional expertise and cultural values.

Even though the Japanese government is still struggling with gender inequity at home, these women are actively showcasing the enormous potential that arises when talent is allowed to thrive. In today's globalised world, their experiences serve as a potent reminder that a nation's greatest export might not be its goods but rather the bravery and inventiveness of its citizens.