What It’s Like to Be a Working Woman in Japan

Introduction

I am a 40-year-old mother of two sons and a contract employee. For the past six years, I have been working full-time in a fully remote position. While remote work has become more common in Japan, my journey as a working mother has not always been easy. Looking back at how things were a decade ago and comparing them to today, I can see how much has changed—yet how many challenges remain for women in Japan’s workforce.

The Past: The Struggles of Working Women

Ten years ago, the idea of a married woman continuing to work full-time was uncommon. It was expected that women would transition from being full-time employees to becoming full-time housewives or, at best, working part-time in shortened-hour positions. In my residential neighborhood, a newly developed area with over 50 households, I was one of only two mothers who continued working after having children.Back then, a working mother was often seen as someone whose husband didn’t earn enough. This perception carried a negative stigma, and in my case, it was even more pronounced because my house was slightly smaller than others in the neighborhood. It seemed as though people assumed I had to work out of financial necessity rather than choice, which led to subtle but undeniable social pressure.

The Present: A Changing Landscape

Fast forward to today, and the situation has shifted dramatically. Now, it is far more common for mothers to work than to stay at home. In my neighborhood, there are perhaps only five stay-at-home mothers remaining. The reasons behind this shift are clear: financial necessity. Rising living costs, children’s education expenses, and concerns about future financial stability have pushed more mothers into the workforce.However, the reality of employment options for these women remains challenging. Many of them work in low-paying service jobs, earning less than 2 million yen per year. Office jobs are still highly competitive, often dominated by experienced professionals, leaving little opportunity for those without prior experience. The lack of readily available skills means that many mothers have no choice but to take service industry jobs, even when they aspire to work in more stable and higher-paying fields.

My Experience: A Different Path

Compared to many, I consider myself fortunate. Over the past decade, I have built a strong foundation in administrative skills and gained experience working remotely. Additionally, my familiarity with English has opened doors to domestic and international job opportunities. Because of this, I have never faced a shortage of work.Meanwhile, many of the mothers I know are actively seeking remote work or higher-paying opportunities, but their lack of skills and work history in other fields makes transitioning to a new career incredibly difficult. The jobs they initially took out of necessity—mostly in the service industry—now serve as obstacles when trying to move into office work or other flexible employment options.

The Future: Challenges and Opportunities

The increasing presence of women in Japan’s workforce is a sign of progress, but there are still significant barriers. Without accessible skill-building opportunities, many women remain stuck in low-income jobs. Additionally, Japan’s corporate culture still struggles to fully embrace flexible work arrangements for parents.For working mothers, the path forward involves not only securing employment but also building sustainable careers that allow for financial stability and personal growth. More companies are beginning to recognize the value of diverse work environments, and with the right policies in place, the future for working women in Japan could continue to improve.

Conclusion

Japan’s work culture is evolving, but challenges remain for women seeking stable and fulfilling careers. The shift toward working mothers becoming the norm is undeniable, yet many are still struggling to find jobs that provide financial security and flexibility. As someone who has navigated these challenges firsthand, I hope that more women will have the chance to forge their own paths—without being held back by outdated expectations.

What is the working culture like for women in your country? Do you face similar challenges? I’d love to hear your thoughts!