Women who have spent years away from the office raising children are enrolling in specialized job-training programs, hoping these can help them re-enter the workforce.

One such course, Kwansei Gakuin University's "Happy Career Program," has seen women with university degrees ranging in age from their 20s to 50s sign up.

Housewives account for some 60 percent of the students enrolled. Many quit their jobs after giving birth, but now wish to return to the work world.