Current trends of pro-gender norms in Japan’s foreign policy

Feminist perspectives have long been integral to the study of international relations and the practical shaping of foreign and security policy among nations. While traditional norms and values have historically guided governments through global challenges, recent years have seen a more deliberate focus on the inclusion of women and the promotion of specific moral and ethical principles.

In 2014, Sweden in particular spearheaded this shift by introducing a concrete set of feminist principles into its foreign policy strategy. This initiative has gained traction in other countries such as Canada, France, Germany, and Chile. At the 2023 G7 Summit in Hiroshima, the Women7 group, an official G7 engagement platform, successfully advocated for a foreign policy framework informed by feminist principles and received unanimous support from all member states, including Japan.

Japan, in particular, has demonstrated a growing commitment to incorporating pro-gender norms into its foreign and security policy since 2015. These efforts have culminated in the implementation of a National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. Under the leadership of Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, Japan’s diplomatic approach has undergone a significant restructuring, with the establishment of new institutions and guidelines that also pave the way for enhanced international cooperation.

This presentation aims to provide an insight into these contemporary trends and situate Japan’s new-found interest in the context of prevailing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Location: LMU Japan-Center, Oettingenstraße 67, Room L155