Is Japan’s plan for more women in the workplace failing?

Snack food maker Calbee is one of very few companies which is likely to hit the government’s original target of increasing the proportion of female managers to 30% by 2020. It is thanks to the company’s chairman Akira Matsumoto.

When he took the top job at the firm in June 2009, only 5.9% of managers were women. Within five years, it has more than tripled to nearly 20%.

“The key is the top management’s commitment. Some executives in Japanese companies are still reluctant because they feel comfortable being in a man’s world,” he said.

Tomoko Fukuyama is Calbee’s highest ranked female executive with 800 staff reporting to her.

When Mr Matsumoto appointed her, he told her that it was an order for her to leave work by 4pm so that she can go home to her daughters.