There are only 13 women chief executive officers across the approximately 1,600 top-listed companies in Japan, according to a survey published by Kyodo News last year.

The government wants firms to raise the proportion of female executives to 30 per cent or more by 2030.

In fiscal 2023, the figure was 16.2 per cent, compared with rates of 30-40 per cent in North America and Europe, Kyodo said.

“Takeda is a unique company, and I am deeply honoured to have been chosen to lead it,” Kim was quoted as saying in the statement.

Her appointment will be voted on by shareholders in June 2026.

AFP