Japan's Basic Law for a Gender-equal Society went into effect in June 1999. In December 2005, the Japanese Cabinet revisited and endorsed a basic plan to promote gender equality.

The plan aims, for example, to raise the ratio of women in decision-making positions in the government to 30% by fiscal 2020. Other goals include introducing part-time working hours for government officials to assist with care for children or other family members, and companies will be urged to hire mothers back into the workforce.

At a Committee on Cabinet, held on 24th February 2006, Yoko Komiyama, MP, Democratic Party of Japan, and shadow minister, asked Kuniko Inoguchi, Minister, State on Gender Equality, what the word 'gender' defined in the revised plan.

Inoguchi replied that government wanted to make it clear that traditional values would not be sacrificed, and that the plan aimed to promote better understanding of gender equality. The law was not very explicit as prefectures were expected to make their own bye-laws, and the government felt that strict policy would alienate people.

In June 2005, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) conducted a survey on gender equality and sexuality education in Japan and posted the results on its website. The survey team was headed by Shinzo Abe, who has now become Chief Cabinet Secretary. The results of the survey appeared to be very one-sided, showing that sexuality education in Japan was inappropriate for certain age groups, or excessive, and that gender equality was undermining traditional Japanese values.

Komiyama asked Secretary Abe, the person responsible for the implementation of the Basic Law for a Gender-equal Society, if it was appropriate for him to do so given his history with the survey.

Abe replied that he would support Inoguchi in what she had said.

Rising tide

There is a rising tide of conservatism in Japan toward women's rights and sexuality education, and there is growing concern that Japan's conservatives may yet adversely influence ODA policy where reproductive health and rights, and gender equality are concerned.