Japan’s Women Lawmakers Demand More Toilets as Female Representation Rises in Male-Dominated Parliament

Nearly 60 women lawmakers in Japan, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, have petitioned for more toilets in parliament. Female representation has increased, but facilities have not kept up. The petition highlights practical challenges and gender gaps.

Women now hold more seats in the Diet than before. In the 2024 election, 73 women were elected to the 465-seat lower house, up from 45. One has since left. In the 248-seat upper house, 74 women serve. Despite these gains, politics remains heavily male-dominated. The government aims for 30% of seats to be held by women. Progress toward true equality remains slow.

The petition exposes a sharp imbalance in toilets. Near the Diet’s main plenary hall, only one restroom with two cubicles serves 73 female lawmakers. Men have 12 toilets with 67 stalls. “Before plenary sessions, many women have to form long queues,” said Yasuko Komiyama of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party. She submitted the cross-party petition, signed by 58 women, to Yasukazu Hamada, chair of the lower house committee on rules and administration.

The Diet building was completed in 1936, before women won the right to vote in 1945. Gender equality in politics has progressed slowly since then. Japan ranked 118 out of 148 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report. Women are also underrepresented in business and media. Female candidates often face sexist remarks, including being told they should stay home.

Prime Minister Takaichi is Japan’s first female premier. She has spoken openly about women’s health, including menopause. She opposes changing the law requiring married couples to share a surname. She also supports male-only succession in the imperial family. Despite aiming for “Nordic” gender balance, she appointed only two women to her 19-member cabinet.

The call for more toilets may seem minor but carries wider meaning. Komiyama said it reflects growing female participation. It also shows how far Japan still must go to achieve gender equality.