Parity campaign to empower Japanese women in politics

The “Don’t abstain, women! We have the power to change tomorrow – 77th anniversary event of women’s suffrage” event was held on April 10. The event was organized by Japan’s Parité Campaign Executive Committee and Women’s Action Network (WAN). The certified non-profit organization, WAN, strives to promote gender equality by fostering women’s networks and empowering women through various projects.

Chizuko Ueno, Chairperson of WAN, opened powerfully, “The reason for Japan’s low gender equality ranking is the low participation of women in politics. While Japanese women have exercised their right to vote, they have not been as active in running for office … If the number of female politicians increases, politics will undoubtedly change.”

The event was divided into three main discussion sessions. All the speakers agreed to the declaration of parity at the end of the event.

Event program

Part 1: “How journalists view the unified local elections”
Guests:
-Yuko Ando (Caster/Journalist)
-Keiko Hamada (Journalist/Former Editor-in-Chief of Business Insider Japan and AERA Magazine)
-Shizuka Wada (Writer/Author of “Is it My Fault that the Hourly Wage is Always the Minimum Wage? I Asked Members of Parliament.”)
Moderator: Shioka Hosojima (Executive Committee Member of the Parité Campaign)

Part 2: “What’s Happening in Osaka – Double elections, LGBT/Gender Issues”
Guest:
-Kanako Otsuji (Representative Director of the LGBT Policy Information Center/Former Member of the House of Representatives)
Moderator: Yashiro Okano (WAN/Doshisha University Faculty)

Part 3: “What’s happening in Suginami, Tokyo – An attempt at participatory democracy”
Guests:
-Satoko Kishimoto (Mayor of Suginami Ward)
-Seiko Uchida (Co-Representative of the Asia-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW)/Member of Satoko Kishimoto’s Office)
Moderator: Mari Miura (Executive Committee Member of the Parité Campaign/Professor at Sophia University)

Journalism and political elections: Media angle of covering female politicians

In Part 1, the nation in the midst of the unified local elections, the guests were asked about problems they have observed within the event. From a journalism perspective, they were also asked how they think citizens’ interest can increase towards elections, so more people will participate in politics. Wada shared one of her worries that “local government, which should be familiar to citizens, is not always perceived as such. Lack of understanding and interest from citizens is noticeable in some areas.”

Ando addressed the fact TV news tends to focus on topics that are considered to be more attention-grabbing in order to attract a larger audience. Election coverage is often based on the premise that it won’t generate high viewership, and limited coverage is possible due to election regulations that require maintaining a balance.

She continued, “In this local unified election, I have concerns about categorizing ‘female candidates’ under a single framework. There seems to be little focus on who the candidates are as individuals, what policies they have, and what they stand for.” We need to remind ourselves gender equality is not just about increasing the number of female politicians.

Hamada suggested, “In terms of election coverage, the media should explore new methods, especially digitalization. A key to engaging younger demographics is to shift towards online media. This demographic is not easily reached through print media, and I have personally experienced significant responses by sharing information online. There are also TV stations and candidates who are effectively utilizing online platforms.” There seems to be a need for change in both awareness and systems regarding election coverage.

Ways to support candidates were also discussed. Even in small ways, we can contribute to increasing the number of female candidates, so it’s important to take action. There was also an opinion that sharing the stories of both elected and unsuccessful candidates could lead to more females running for office or support for them in the future.

Osaka elections and the lack of diversity

In Part 2, Otsuji shared the results and issues from the latest elections of the prefectural governor and the city mayor in Osaka. According to her, in the elections the day before, the Osaka Restoration Party achieved a resounding victory in the prefecture, which also had an impact on surrounding areas such as Kyoto.

The Osaka governor, Hirofumi Yoshimura, gained popularity and became the face of the Osaka Restoration Party during the stay-at-home period due to the coronavirus, as he had a considerable amount of media exposure. Otsuji revealed her insight that many likely voted for such a “party brand” without fully understanding its policies in depth. Therefore, Otsuji referred to Osaka Prefecture, which had been gerrymandered in favor of the party. She questioned, with the governor and mayor from the same political party (both male), if there would be enough checks and balances against a monopoly of power.

She stated this was a concern as it contradicts diversity and could hinder efforts towards gender equality, particularly in addressing local LGBT and women’s issues. It was argued that in order to create a political environment that respects the diversity of society, it is important to pay attention to individual policies when voting.

Suginami leads participatory democracy scene in Tokyo

In Part 3, as a first-time candidate who has been elected as the current mayor of Suginami Ward, Kishimoto shared her experiences and activities related to the ongoing local elections with the ward residents.

Kishimoto pointed out that, as she experienced during her election campaign, for political newcomers and independent candidates in general, it can be challenging for their voices to reach the voters. “I focus on creating channels to visualize the voices that often go unheard, such as the abilities and policies of these candidates. I feel that citizens are starting to take action in response to such activities.”

According to Kishimoto, in the ward, there has been an increase in people participating in election campaigns through street campaigning and social media outreach. Many individuals are engaging in solo street campaigning for the first time this election. As another example, residents of Suginami Ward have created a website called “Suginami Ward Council Election Draft Conference,” which serves as an electronic version of candidate profiles for the upcoming local election.

さあ！昨日の告示＆候補届出締切りを受け、ドラフト会議の候補者リストも整いました！23日の投票日に向けて期日前投票もスタート！盛り上がって行きましょう！おっと、出かける前にドラフト会議。街で見かける候補者さんのオピニオンが理解しやすくなって、選挙戦が俄然面白くなること間違いないです！ pic.twitter.com/AaRaiATCHM

— 杉並区議選ドラフト会議 (@suginami_d_vote) April 16, 2023

Since 60% of the population did not vote in the last election, Kishimoto emphasizes that she prioritizes encouraging the citizens to go to the polls and exercise their right to vote. Kishimoto has been conducting solo street campaigns in the ward every day after work. Even though it’s not her own election this time, she wants to convey the fact that there is an election happening.

“What Kishimoto is doing (a ward mayor to do a solo street campaign) is quite a rare activity nationwide,” said Uchida. She continues, “It is important to view elections not just as a matter of winning or losing but as a stepping stone and a movement. We should encourage and support each other throughout the election process, regardless of the outcome.”

Kishimoto concluded “The draft (referring to the website) has high versatility. By constantly sowing seeds, we may reap unexpected results. We want to continue nurturing and cultivating this effort towards municipalism and encourage everyone to participate and contribute their ideas for the future.”

Many people in Japan see the need to take steps towards a more diverse and inclusive political landscape. The voting day on the 23rd, in which citizens elect mayors and city council members in many cities, including Tokyo, is an important opportunity for this progress.