September 19, 2026

The World Economic Forum (WEF) on September 16 released the 2026 edition of its “Gender Gap Index,” which measures gender equality in countries around the world. Japan ranked 117th out of the 145 countries surveyed, and 121st in the political category.

The newly-inaugurated, reshuffled cabinet led by Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae included only two female cabinet members, both of whom retained their posts. This once again highlights the lack of progress in achieving gender equality in Japan.

The two ministers are Katayama Satsuki, Minister of Finance and Financial Services, and Onoda Kimi, Minister in Charge of Economic Security and of Issues related to Foreign Nationals. Like PM Takaichi, both ministers are reluctant to advance gender equality and adhere to a political stance favoring constitutional revision and military expansion.

Both ministers participate in the Dietmembers’ caucus affiliated with the “Shinto Association of Spiritual Leadership” which opposes a selective separate surname system for married couples. Katayama is also a member of the parliamentary league of the “Nippon Kaigi,” a right-wing group advocating for constitutional revision.

In a 2022 Mainichi Shimbun survey, Katayama stated that she is opposed to both same-sex marriage and the option of separate surnames for married couples. Onoda did not respond to either question. They expressed support for constitutional revision, nuclear sharing, the acquisition of enemy base attack capabilities, and the “relocation” of the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station to Henoko.

Onoda stated her support for the development of dual-use technology as an important challenge (House of Councillors Cabinet Committee, June 2). On August 15 of this year, she visited the war-glorifying Yasukuni Shrine.