Breaking the Glass Ceiling: The Challenges of Women in Japanese Politics After First Female Prime Minister

Oct 22, 2025 04:15 pm CST

Despite Japan appointing its first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, women politicians continue facing deeply entrenched gender expectations in a male-dominated political landscape. Three local female councillors share their experiences of balancing careers with family pressures, highlighting persistent challenges despite symbolic progress in a country ranking 118th globally for gender equality.