How Much Do Women Need to Earn to Be Considered High Earners? Ministry of Finance Releases Gender-Based Average Income Data – Instantly See How You Compare

Women in Japan are demonstrating a new landscape in economic independence and workplace influence. According to the latest Gender Statistics Annual Report released by the Ministry of Finance, in 2024, the average per capita income for men was JPY 754,172, while for women it was JPY 489,894. The gender income gap ratio has narrowed to 1.54 times, down from 1.58 times the previous year, marking the lowest level since the statistics began in 2016.

In which income category do women lead? Retirement income stands out as the only category where women outperform men.

Looking at average amounts across various income types in comprehensive income tax, men lead in most categories. For example, the gender gap in professional service income is as high as 1.83 times, with men averaging JPY 240,689 and women JPY 131,237. The wage income gap stands at 1.39 times, with men averaging JPY 839,609 and women JPY 604,101.

However, retirement income is the sole exception among all income categories. In 2024, retirement income continued the unique phenomenon of 'women exceeding men,' with women averaging JPY 682,035—significantly higher than men’s JPY 581,245. This marks the only income category where women’s average income surpasses that of men.

Who is more active in stock investment? The number of women receiving dividend income has surpassed 4.2 million.

In addition to strong performance in retirement income, women’s participation in investment and asset management has significantly increased. From dividend income data, in 2024, men’s average per capita dividend income was JPY 172,297, while women’s was JPY 101,238—about 1.7 times lower on average.

However, when examining the scale of investor participation, the total number of women receiving dividend income reached 4.226 million, surpassing men’s 3.609 million. This indicates that an increasing number of women are actively creating passive income by investing in stocks and receiving dividends.

Are there more female leaders in large corporations? The proportion of female representatives in companies with JPY 1 billion or more in capital has reached a record high.

Beyond individual financial performance, women’s influence in large corporate operations and decision-making roles is also expanding. According to the annual report, in 2025, there were 2,824 domestic for-profit enterprises with capital exceeding JPY 1 billion. While male representatives, representatives, or managers still dominate with 2,381 companies (about 84.3%), the number of companies with female representatives has reached 443, accounting for 15.7%—a record high since statistics began.

Regarding loan application trends, among the Youth Secure Homeownership Housing Preferential Loans handled by the eight major public financial institutions under the Ministry of Finance, in 2025, women accounted for 45.9% of approved disbursement cases, while men accounted for 54.1%, consistent with historical data. In youth entrepreneurship loans, women made up 30.8% of total approved borrowers, while men accounted for 69.2%.