Politics · Japan · 6 hrs ago
Japan weighs ending remaining limits on women's work in tunnels
Japan's labor ministry is considering removing the last legal limits on some jobs for women.
The rules still bar women from working in underground tunnels for road and railway projects, and restrict some work in mining.
The restrictions date to a 1947 law, though the ban on women working night shifts ended in 1999.
Workplace safety and health conditions have improved, prompting the ministry to consider a review.
Discussions are expected to begin soon, but no decision has been made.
Maternity protections would stay in place, and the provisions would be abolished entirely only if the change is approved.
Japan’s labor ministry is considering abolishing the remaining legal restrictions on women working in underground tunnels for road and railway projects.
Discussions on reviewing the provisions are expected to begin soon, according to a source close to the matter.
The restrictions have been in place for about 80 years, while provisions covering maternity protection would remain.
The ministry’s consideration comes amid improvements in workplace safety and health conditions.
Women are still largely prohibited from operating heavy machinery in mining activities, except through remote operation.
- Who
- Japan’s labor ministry is considering changing the rules.
- What
- It is weighing abolition of remaining restrictions on women’s work in underground tunnels. Maternity protection provisions would remain.
- When
- Discussions are expected to begin soon. The source was reported on November 10, 2026.
- Where
- Japan, including underground tunnels for road and railway projects.
- Why
- Workplace safety and health conditions have improved, according to a source close to the matter.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Japan enacted the Labor Standards Act, including restrictions on women’s night-shift and underground-tunnel work.
The law was amended to allow female doctors and nurses to enter tunnels.
The ban on women working night shifts was abolished.
Women were permitted to work as engineers in management and supervisory roles.
The International Labor Organization convention banning women from working in underground mines was abolished.
A source said the labor ministry was considering abolishing the remaining provisions.
- Law enacted
- 1947
- Night-work ban ended
- 1999
- Tunnel access for female doctors and nurses
- Allowed in 1985
- Management and supervisory engineering roles
- Opened to women in 2006
- International Labor Organization convention
- Underground-mine ban abolished in 2024
- Remaining restriction
- Underground tunnel work on road and railway projects