As Japan has yet to fully tap the potential of women to boost economic growth, raising awareness of unconscious gender bias is gaining importance, according to the head of an international trade body.
Arancha Gonzalez, executive director of the International Trade Center, said Japan's business culture that cherishes long work hours poses a challenge to women who have "unpaid" work — like taking care of children and parents — under their "disproportionate" household responsibilities.
"Japan has huge potential in women, potential especially in the area of the economy that Japan is not using fully," Gonzalez said in a recent interview.