The Japanese sports reporting industry is witnessing a wave of change with an increasing number of female sports commentators making their mark. A break from traditional practices, this fresh wave of women journalists has entered a domain mainly dominated by men, fostering diversity and inclusivity in the industry. The shift was observed in both traditional and digital sports broadcasting channels, marking a significant change.

The traditionally conservative Japanese society values gender roles. However, in recent years, there is an increasing push towards gender equality – in line with global movements. This is seen as a significant societal change as it challenges and shifts the confining gender norms that previously limited women's involvement in some sectors, such as sports journalism.

In the US and EU, gender representation in sports journalism has been an ongoing issue, but there has been a significant increase in female sports reporters and commentators over the years. The trend in Japan mirrors this shift, potentially indicating a global trend towards more gender-diverse and inclusive media environments.