One of the big issues facing Japan is how to improve economic conditions. The situation in which Japanese women find themselves should not be forgotten. Generally women's pay is lower than men's for similar jobs.
Many women with high academic credentials often cannot find decent jobs. In addition, women bear the burden of child rearing and taking care of elderly family members far more often than men. The government must find ways to ensure that women's voices are reflected at all levels of Japanese society.
One way to achieve that would be by increasing the number of female decision makers. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe originally thought of appointing five women in the 18-member Cabinet. He ended up appointing only two women. By contrast, the first Cabinet formed under Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in 2001 included five women. Succeeding Cabinets have not matched this number.