Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is among nearly 60 female lawmakers calling for an increase in women’s toilet facilities in the national parliament, arguing that the building’s infrastructure no longer reflects the growing presence of women in politics.
A record 73 women were elected to the 465-seat Lower House in October 2024, surpassing the previous high set in 2009. However, facilities remain limited. Near the plenary chamber, there is only one women’s toilet with two cubicles. Across the entire parliament building, there are nine women’s toilets with 22 cubicles, compared to 12 men’s toilets with 67 stalls and urinals, according to local media reports.
Opposition lawmaker Yasuko Komiyama said the situation is often inconvenient as female lawmakers, staff, and visitors share the same restrooms, leading to long queues before sessions. She said she wanted to speak up now in preparation for a future where women hold more than 30 percent of parliamentary seats.
Built in 1936, the parliament predates women’s voting rights, which were granted in 1945. While women now hold nearly 16 percent of Lower House seats and about a third of the Upper House, facilities have not kept pace. Lawmakers say improving them would reflect a serious commitment to women’s empowerment.
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