Karen Makishima, the sole female candidate from Japan’s ruling party in her 20-seat prefecture, is vying for victory in the upcoming general election. Her candidacy highlights the formidable challenges women encounter when trying to penetrate the male-dominated political landscape in Japan.
Despite pledges by her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to reduce the gender disparity among lawmakers, progress remains slow. While a record number of female candidates are running in this election, the government’s goal of having 35% female lower house candidates by 2025 seems out of reach.