Strengthening women’s careers
Ever freeze when someone in an interview asks, “What salary are you expecting” ? You’re not alone and that sudden knot in your stomach ?Totally normal.
In Japan, female full-time workers earn just 74.8% of what men earn, a gap that reflects the hesitation many feel about naming their worth, especially after a career break. Talking about money is simply making sure the offer on the table matches the value you bring.
Changing the narrative : you’re sharing value, not asking for a favor
Many women grow up with an unspoken rule : don’t talk too much about yourself. Modesty, politeness, and avoiding “showing off” are woven into daily life. These values shine in friendships or communities, but in interviews -especially around pay- they can make you shrink. Asking for what you deserve can feel selfish, even when it’s fair.
This isn’t just a Japanese issue. Globally, women negotiate less : Research finds only 34% of women negotiated their last job offer, versus 46% of men.
After a career break, the hesitation deepens. You worry about being seen as out-of-touch, difficult, or less committed. The “grateful-to-be-here” mindset creeps in: finally landing the interview, maybe you think you should accept the first offer. Add the fear of rejection, and it’s no wonder many settle for less than their worth.
Here’s the reframe : you’re not “asking for more.” You’re stating your market value. Like any product or service, your skills and experience have a price. Negotiating ensures your pay matches that value.
Negotiation is positioning, not pushing
Negotiation often gets mistaken for confrontation, but it’s really about positioning, not pushing. When you share your expected salary, you’re not starting a fight; you’re setting a clear marker for the value you bring. In fact, most employers expect you to have a number ready. It shows you’ve done your research, understand the market, and are confident in your abilities. Career professionals can help you figure out the job market and industry trends.
But one key is in the framing. A “demand” can sound rigid, but a fact-based statement comes across as professional and informed. For example: “Based on my skills, experience, and current market rates, I’m seeking X.”
One conversation won’t magically close Japan’s gender pay gap. But it can shift your personal trajectory. Each time you state your worth, you set a precedent for how you’ll be valued, not just in that role, but in the next.
Negotiation is no one-time event. It’s a habit and the more you practice claiming your value, the more natural-and less nerve-wracking-it becomes. Small steps change the bigger picture.
Confidence grows with each conversation
Confidence doesn’t appear overnight. It grows with every conversation.It’s in the small wins: sending your expected salary without softening it, or saying, “I’m aiming for X,” even when your pulse is racing. Each time you speak your number without apology, you strengthen the belief that you deserve it. And this posture will make the difference with recruiters.
From our own experience, we know how uncomfortable it can feel to talk about money and advocate for ourselves. What truly helped us was changing our mindset : seeing our skills and contributions as valuable, and understanding that claiming our worth has nothing to do with selfishness. It’s about owning your value and recognizing that your abilities deserve acknowledgment and fair compensation.
Key take-away
The pay gap in Japan is real ; but so is your ability to shape your own path. Talking about salary is about fairness, respect, and self-value. Every confident conversation signals that your skills, time, and experience matter. Every time you share your number with confidence, you’re telling the world that your skills, time, and experience matter. Start small, practice often, and let each conversation strengthen your voice.
If you’ve taken a career break, your perspective matters even more.
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Lemon_Boost is running a short survey to understand the real challenges women face when returning to work.
Whether it’s you or someone you know, your perspective matters. By sharing your experience, you’ll help us better understand the challenges and opportunities women face, so we can build a supportive online-community to support them in their career relaunch. Thank you for lending your voice to this important conversation, you’re helping create a stronger, more supportive community for women relaunching their careers.