Japan's dismal rank in world gender equality shows struggle in political, economic sphere

TOKYO -- Japan's low ranking in the Global Gender Gap Index announced by the World Economic Forum on March 31 has highlighted the nation's failure to close the gender gap in the political and economic spheres. 

Japan placed 120th out of 156 countries in the index, ranking behind other countries in East Asia including South Korea in 102nd place and China in 107th. It also trailed one place behind Angola, which saw a 38-year-long dictatorship by President Jose Eduardo dos Santos until 2017, with citizens' rights -- including those of women -- significantly restricted. Trailing behind Japan was Sierra Leone in West Africa.

"Japan has been left behind the global trends of gender equality due to the absence of political will," said Mari Miura, professor of political science at Sophia University.