Share of Women Hits Record in Japan Govt Noncareer Exam

Yomiuri Shimbun file photo
The Kasumigaseki area of Tokyo, lined with buildings of Japan’s central government. (photo taken from a Yomiuri Shimbun helicopter in August 2021)

Tokyo (Jiji Press)—The share of women who passed the Japanese government’s hiring examination for noncareer positions hit a record high of 43 pct in fiscal 2024, up from 40.3 pct in the previous year, the National Personnel Authority said Tuesday.

The rise came as a result of the government’s efforts to make the workplace environment supportive for people who work and raise children at the same time, agency officials said.

In fiscal 2024, 3,250 women passed the exam, down from 3,336 in the previous year.

The total number of exam passers fell 8.6 pct to 7,557. There were 24,240 applicants. The applicant-to-passer ratio was 3.2 times, unchanged from fiscal 2023.