Key Facts
• Tokyo Assembly election on June 22 sees over 100 female candidates.
• Women make up over 30% of the 295 total candidates, a historic first.
• In 1947, only 12 women (3%) ran in the first election with female suffrage.
• 99 women officially registered, including some with undisclosed gender.
• Previous election saw a record 41 women elected.
• Female assembly members now account for 33% of Tokyo’s legislature, compared to 14% nationwide.
• A single mother candidate balances campaigning with raising a child with disabilities.
• Monthly costs for childcare and household support reach $10,000 for some candidates.
• Harassment remains a challenge: 53.8% of female local politicians report abuse, compared to 23.6% of men.
• Government surveys highlight societal biases and challenges in balancing politics and family life.
• A 20-something first-time candidate faces online harassment, including gendered insults like “stupid” and “just a young woman.”
Summary
The Tokyo Assembly election marks a milestone with women surpassing 30% of candidates for the first time. Despite progress, female candidates face significant barriers, including societal biases, financial burdens, and harassment. A single mother candidate highlights the challenges of balancing family and campaigning, while a younger candidate endures gendered insults online. Surveys reveal that 70% of women in politics struggle to balance work and family, and over half report harassment. The government emphasizes the need for systemic changes to address these issues. With 99 women running, this election could further reshape Tokyo’s political landscape.
