Tokiko Shimizu, a 55-year-old career central banker, became the first woman to fill one of the Bank of Japan's six executive director posts in government appointments announced on Monday.

Her appointment to the BoJ's top bureaucrat post is likely part of the central bank's efforts to diversify its management.

Just one woman serves in the BoJ's nine-member board that makes key policy decisions. Takako Masai is a former commercial banker.

Only 13% of senior BoJ managerial posts are filled by women.

While 47% of all BoJ staff are women, the ratio drops to 20% for career and expert positions, according to BoJ data.

Copyright Reuters, 2020