Doubts are growing over whether Prime Minister Shinzo Abe can advance policy proposals to promote foreigners and women, given the realities of this highly conservative nation.
In his revamped economic growth strategy finalized Tuesday, Abe's government pledged to increase the number of foreign and female employees amid fears that the shrinking population will lead to a smaller workforce and stifle economic growth.
But analysts say that many people in Japan still have conservative attitudes toward both groups, which could frustrate Abe's efforts to get them into jobs with fair conditions and higher status.