Japan’s patriarchal politics gets a jolt as 2 women prepare to go toe-to-toe in Tokyo governor race

Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike is widely expected to contest the election against Renho Saito from the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan

Women account for just 10 per cent of the politicians in Japan’s lower house and 20 per cent of the upper house

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Yuriko Koike, governor of Tokyo, waves during the “Ginza Sky Walk” in Tokyo, Japan, on May 4. Photo: Bloomberg

Published: 10:30am, 1 Jun 2024

Two of Japan’s most high-profile women politicians are expected to go head-to-head in the July 7 election for Tokyo governor, with some observers suggesting the race could transform the nation’s political scene that’s dominated by men.

Others are far less optimistic that Japan is on the cusp of gender equality in the political decision-making process, at least at the national level, and suggest a fundamental reset in attitudes is required across every level of society before parity can be achieved.

Incumbent Yuriko Koike is widely expected to seek a third term as governor. She has yet to state her intention to join the race, but was praised for successfully guiding Tokyo through the pandemic and the attendant economic slump.

If confirmed, the independent would face a challenge from Renho Saito, an upper-house member of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) who is half-Taiwanese and widely known by her first name.

Renho Saito, lawmaker of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, during a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Tokyo on Monday. Photo: AFP

“I want to make a break with old politics and create a metropolitan government that allocates the budget to policies that are truly necessary,” Renho said on Monday at a press conference where she announced her candidacy.

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