As artificial intelligence and digital transformation reshape the workplace, lifelong learning has become increasingly important for maintaining career competitiveness. Japan’s latest gender equality report shows that women are more likely than men to believe in the value of continuous learning, yet many struggle to turn their motivation into action due to financial pressure, family responsibilities, and limited time.
TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – Japan’s Cabinet Office has released the 2026 White Paper on Gender Equality, highlighting the growing importance of “reskilling” and lifelong learning in an era of longer lifespans and rapid technological change. The report examines women’s career-related learning opportunities and men’s efforts to enrich their daily lives through continued education.
The report found that women generally have a stronger positive attitude toward lifelong learning than men. About 47.5% of women agreed that “people can continue improving their abilities regardless of age,” compared with 37.9% of men. In addition, 44.7% of women said that continuing to learn is necessary to adapt to social changes, exceeding the 40.3% of men who shared the same view.
However, strong motivation does not always lead to actual learning. The survey showed that 33.7% of women expressed interest in learning related to work and career development, but about 71.5% of them had not participated in such learning during the previous year. Among men, 39.7% expressed similar interest, while 62.3% had not taken action. The findings reveal a significant gap between the desire to learn and the ability to pursue further education.
The obstacles differ between men and women. Women most commonly cited financial limitations, concerns that learning would not lead to higher income, and uncertainty about what skills to acquire. Many women also face additional challenges from household responsibilities, childcare, and caregiving duties. Men, meanwhile, were more likely to identify lack of time due to busy work schedules as a major barrier.
The report also highlighted a gender gap in digital skills. Women aged 40 and above generally showed lower levels of ICT skills compared with men, suggesting that improving women’s digital capabilities will be increasingly important as AI and digital technologies become more integrated into daily life and employment.
Beyond career development, lifelong learning was also linked to personal well-being and social connections. The survey found that people who had participated in learning activities within the past year were more likely to feel they had a meaningful role and place in their daily lives. The report also noted that men were more likely than women to feel they lacked someone to rely on during difficult times or someone to discuss their worries with, suggesting that learning opportunities may also help strengthen social ties.
Tokyo-based IT employee Misaki Sato, 35, said she hopes to develop new skills in artificial intelligence and data analysis but finds it difficult to balance learning with childcare responsibilities. “I understand that learning is essential for the future, but finding personal time is challenging. More flexible online programs would make it easier for people like me to continue studying,” she said.
Meanwhile, Kenichi Tanaka, 52, an employee at a manufacturing company in Osaka, said digital transformation at his workplace encouraged him to pursue new skills. “Work keeps me busy, but I realize that continuing to learn is necessary to adapt. I now use online courses during my commute and gradually build my knowledge,” he said.
Japan’s Cabinet Office emphasized the need to create a more accessible lifelong learning environment by expanding online education, improving financial support, providing childcare assistance, and offering more flexible learning programs. The government aims to help people of all ages and backgrounds continue developing their abilities while supporting gender equality and economic growth.
