Participation of women scientists and engineers in Japan

Japan is making efforts to promote more women scientists and engineers because the Japanese society needs to utilize all available resources and possibilities for its vital growth when it faces the so-called "Shoshi-ka" (low birth-rate). Another reason for the promotion is that as more women study science and engineering now, hopefully they will work throughout their entire careers, unlike the previous generations. Therefore, it is important that the political, societal and academic systems support them. This change is not so easy because the Japanese society has had a long tradition that men and women serve different roles in the society. In this article, I will describe our efforts, and how I myself have worked through the systems.