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Gender Equality Bureau, Cabinet Office
6-1, Nagata-cho 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-8914 Japan

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The Basic Law for a Gender-equal Society (Law No. 78 of 1999)
(Tentative Translation in English)

Contents

The Preamble
Chapter 1 General Provisions (Articles 1-12)
Chapter 2 Basic Policies Related to Promotion of Formation of a Gender-equal Society (Articles 13-20)
Chapter 3 The Council for Gender Equality (Articles 21-26)
Supplementary Provisions

Considering respect for individuals and equality under the law expressly stipulated under the Constitution, steady progress has been made in Japan through a number of efforts toward the realization of genuine equality between women and men together with efforts taken by the international community. However, even greater effort is required.

At the same time, to respond to the rapid changes occurring in Japan's socioeconomic situation, such as the trend toward fewer children, the aging of the population, and the maturation of domestic economic activities, it has become a matter of urgent importance to realize a Gender-equal Society in which men and women respect the other's human rights and share their responsibilities, and every citizen is able to fully exercise their individuality and abilities regardless of gender.

In light of this situation, it is vital to position the realization of a Gender-equal Society as a top-priority task in determining the framework of 21st-century Japan, and implement policies related to promotion of formation of a Gender-equal Society in all fields.

This law is hereby established in order to clarify the basic principles with regard to formation of a Gender-equal Society, to set a course to this end, and to promote efforts by the State and local governments and citizens with regard to formation of a Gender-equal Society comprehensively and systematically.