More than 60% of people in Japan think gender equality — guaranteed by the Constitution — has remained elusive in the country, despite government efforts to reduce the underrepresentation of women in politics and business, a recent Kyodo News survey showed.

The figure goes up to 70% if only female respondents among the 64% of respondents who believe gender equality in Japan is insufficient are counted, compared with 57% of male respondents.

Over 80% of all respondents said men are given preferential treatment in the realm of politics and in connection with social norms, according to the survey.