Japanese Labour Markets: Can we Expect Significant Change?

I examine recent changes in labour markets and employment practices in Japan. I find little evidence that Japan is converging towards an Anglo-American type labour market. Mobility rates continue to be low, and there is little indication that this will change greatly in the future. Large firms will continue to be reluctant to hire women into line management positions, and women will continue to dominate the continent workforce in Japan. There is likely to be a change in the nature of assessment and rewards leading to greater dispersion in pay, especially for managers.