Record 73 women elected to Japan's Lower House

A historic 73 women were elected to Japan's Lower House during the recent general election, comprising approximately 16% of the total membership.

This figure, while a record, remains significantly below the global average of 27%.

In total, 314 women contested in the election, representing around 23% of all candidates.

Although this is the highest number recorded, it still falls short of the government’s target of achieving 35% female candidates in Lower House elections by 2025.

The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) emerged as the leading party, successfully electing 30 women to the Lower House. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) followed with 19 female lawmakers.

Additionally, the Democratic Party for the People saw six women secure seats, three from single-member districts and another three through proportional representation.

Notably, the CDP had the highest number of female candidates elected in single-member districts, totalling 19.

The LDP’s junior coalition partner, Komeito, along with opposition parties Reiwa Shinsengumi and Nippon Ishin no Kai, each had four women elected via proportional representation.

In contrast, Nippon Ishin dominated all 19 single-seat districts in Osaka, yet did not elect any women.

The previous record for female lawmakers in the Lower House was 54, set during the 2009 general election. Japan ranks 163rd globally in terms of female representation in politics, with only 10.8% of lawmakers being women, comparable to Liberia and Naulu. By contrast, the U.S. has 29% and China 26.5%.

Despite improvements in female political participation, the low number of female ministers in Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Cabinet remains concerning. Hanako Ohmura, a professor at Kyoto University, stated that it is essential to consider the age and number of female legislators in forming the next Cabinet.

Earlier this year, the World Economic Forum placed Japan 118th out of 146 countries in gender equality, reflecting a slight improvement from 2023. The recent election has not substantially altered the gender dynamics within the Cabinet, which now includes only two female ministers.

The LDP has pledged to increase the percentage of female lawmakers to 30% within the next decade. Following the latest election, female representation in the LDP stands at 9.9%.

Hanako Ohmura noted that a shortage of elected female candidates in smaller parties suggests a disparity in resource allocation, with males receiving more support.

Some female legislators in conservative parties may adopt even more traditional views than their male counterparts to strengthen their positions, despite their individual policy goals.

Hanako Ohmura emphasised the importance of fostering an environment where women can express and promote their policy views freely. It is crucial that senior male lawmakers create pathways to ensure women’s perspectives are acknowledged and integrated into policymaking.

Japan’s ruling coalition loses majority

Japan’s ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, has lost its majority in the Lower House following snap elections, marking the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) weakest performance since 2009.

Ishiba, who called the election just days into his tenure on October 1, sought to solidify his position amid scandals and economic discontent.

Preliminary results from NHK and other Japanese media revealed that the LDP, in coalition with junior partner Komeito, fell short of the 233 seats required for a Lower House majority.

The election reflects public frustration over inflation and a recent scandal involving a party slush fund, factors that contributed to the resignation of Ishiba's predecessor, Fumio Kishida.