Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is among roughly 60 female lawmakers petitioning for more women’s restrooms in Japan’s parliament building, citing an urgent need to match the growing number of women in the legislature.
A record 73 women were elected to the 465-seat Lower House in October 2024, surpassing the previous high of 54 set in 2009. This historic representation, however, has collided with a longstanding infrastructure gap.
Opposition lawmaker Yasuko Komiyama highlighted the daily consequence, noting “long queues in front of the restroom… before plenary sessions start.”
She quoted a fellow MP who said she had simply “given up” trying to use the toilet before a session begins.
While the parliament building has nine women’s restrooms with a total of 22 cubicles, only one—with just two cubicles—is located near the main plenary chamber where all lawmakers gather.
By James Kisoo
