Tue Nov 12 04:36:53 UTC 2024: ## Japan Makes Strides in Female Representation, but Challenges Remain
**Tokyo, Japan –** Despite a record number of women elected to Japan’s parliament in the recent general election, a new lawmaker, Saria Hino, faced a familiar question during her campaign: “Who’s looking after your children?”
Hino, a mother of four, is one of 73 women elected to the 465-seat house of representatives, a record number but still only 16% of the total seats. Her experience highlights the ongoing challenges faced by women in Japanese politics.
While celebrating this increase in female representation, veteran lawmakers like Seiko Noda and Seiko Hashimoto have pointed out the difficulties of balancing motherhood with parliamentary duties, where debates frequently extend past midnight.
The election itself saw just 25% of candidates being women, indicating a wider cultural issue. Sexist remarks during campaigns remain common, with former Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso this year referring to then-Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa as an “aunty” despite praising her as a “rising star.”
A 2021 Cabinet office survey found that one in four female electoral candidates reported facing sexual harassment during their campaigns.
Hino, who represents the Opposition Democratic Party for the People, hopes to “deliver a message from the front lines” of those raising children and caring for the elderly. She believes the responsibility for children’s well-being shouldn’t solely rest on parents.
This latest election, while showing positive steps towards gender equality, serves as a reminder that Japan still has a long way to go in addressing the systemic barriers that continue to hinder women’s progress in political and other spheres.
First Piper 