Japan is striving to remedy gender imbalances in many fields, including political representation. The major political parties are working to support more women as candidates at the national and prefectural levels, and more women are choosing to enter political races at all levels of government.
This article lists the 5 prefectures with the highest rates of female representation in their legislatures.
1: Tokyo
The current number of councilors in Tokyo is 126, of which 40 are women and 86 are men, with women accounting for 31.7% of the total. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has the largest number of female Diet members. The Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly attracts attention because of its influence on national politics. In addition, Yuriko Koike became Tokyo's first female governor when she was elected in 2016, and was re-elected by a wide margin in 2020
2: Kyoto
The current number of councilors in Kyoto Prefecture is 59, of which 13 are women and 46 are men, with women accounting for 22.0% of the total.
The opinions of women council members are being utilized in Kyoto Prefecture's efforts. For example, to promote women's activities, the "Kyoto Matchmaking Support Center" provides support for family issues, including marriage, childcare for sick children, and after-school children's clubs.
3: Kanagawa
The current number of councilors in Kanagawa Prefecture is 104, of which 19 are women and 85 are men, with women accounting for 18.3% of the total. The percentage of female legislators in each municipal council in Kanagawa Prefecture is also relatively high, with many municipalities having more than 20% as of the end of December 2020, with an average of 23.2%. Nine municipalities, including Chigasaki City and Kamakura City, have more than 30%.
4: Shiga
Shiga Prefecture has 42 current council members, of which 7 are women and 35 are men, with women accounting for 16.7% of the total.
The Shiga Prefectural Government holds various events to promote the active participation of women. For example, it provides opportunities for networking event with seniors working in various industries and women in the same position, to help them step up and network in the future.
5: Hyogo
Hyogo Prefecture has 83 current council members, of which 13 are women and 70 are men, with women accounting for 15.7% of the total. In order to further promote women's activities, Hyogo Prefecture has established the "Hyogo Women's Activity Promotion Council," which is composed of women active in various fields and economic and labor organizations.
