An overwhelming majority of Japanese firms think it would be difficult or impossible to fill at least 30% of executive positions with women by 2030, a Reuters poll shows.

The results underscore the challenge the world's third-largest economy faces to close its gender gap. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida set a target in June for women to hold at least 30% of executive positions at leading companies by 2030.

The latest initiative to raise female management participation was announced to boost female roles from 2.2% as of July 2022.