A group of female lawmakers in Japan has called attention to an issue they say reflects deeper gender gaps in the country’s political infrastructure: the lack of adequate toilet facilities for women inside the National Diet building.
The appeal, raised during parliamentary discussions and committee meetings, highlights how the parliament complex designed decades ago when politics was overwhelmingly male has failed to keep pace with the growing presence of women in national decision-making. Although the number of female lawmakers remains relatively low by global standards, it has steadily increased in recent years, exposing practical challenges that were long ignored.
According to the lawmakers, several sections of the parliament building have significantly fewer toilets for women than for men. In some cases, women must walk long distances or wait in lines, especially during busy plenary sessions and committee hearings. Male lawmakers, by contrast, often have easier access to nearby facilities.
Female MPs argue that the issue goes beyond convenience. They say it affects their ability to participate fully in debates, votes, and meetings particularly during tightly scheduled sessions where leaving the chamber can mean missing critical discussions or decisions.
“This is not a trivial matter,” one lawmaker noted during discussions. “It is about creating a working environment where everyone can perform their duties on equal footing.”
The parliament building, completed in 1936, was constructed at a time when female representation in politics was virtually nonexistent. While Japan has modernized many aspects of its governance, critics say the physical infrastructure of its most important political institution still reflects outdated assumptions.
Supporters of the proposal to add more women’s toilets argue that such changes are a basic requirement for gender-sensitive workplaces. They also point out that similar adjustments have already been made in other public buildings, government offices, and corporate spaces across the country.
The call has sparked broader conversations about gender equality in Japanese politics. Japan consistently ranks low among developed nations in terms of female political representation. Advocates say that addressing everyday barriers such as facilities, childcare support, and work-life balance is essential to encouraging more women to enter and remain in politics.
Some critics have dismissed the issue as minor, suggesting that larger policy challenges should take priority. However, proponents counter that symbolic and practical reforms often go hand in hand. “If the parliament cannot even accommodate its own members properly,” one MP remarked, “what message does that send to society?”
The parliamentary administration has acknowledged the concerns and indicated that renovations and adjustments may be considered, though no concrete timeline has been announced. Any structural changes would require planning due to the building’s historical status and complex layout.
For many female lawmakers, the debate is about more than toilets. It is a visible reminder of how systems built without women in mind can continue to shape participation today and how small, practical changes can signal a broader commitment to equality inside Japan’s halls of power.
Originally written by:BY HIROSHI HIYAMA
Link to the article: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/12/31/japan/politics/toilets-women-lawmakers/
