Political boys club staining reputation of Japan's winter wonderland

"Ganbatte", the only way to bring about change is to challenge the existing order. The harassment and other behaviours of these 'men' is unconscionable. Japan will change because of the hard work of ground breakers such as Umeko Saito. I have enormous respect for all of Saito Sans effort to progress Japan and no respect for the actions of those politicians.

And people wonder why there are so few female politicians here in Japan!

Should get more people like Saito-san to purposely move to Niseko to join the fight to reform if locals come up short.

At the same time, if voters vote for Morons, you get idiotic behaviours.

If you stick out, woman or just being different, you will be hammered.

If you have good ideas that are seen of interest to the voters, thanks to social networks, you can more and more be heard.

Good luck to her!

75, perhaps they just wanted to hug a grandma!

One of the better articles I've read about Japan's culturally ingrained misogyny here on JT.

Every few years since first arriving in 1977 I think Japan is truly joining the modern world… than I read an article or experience a setback or hear of another being harassed at her workplace, and I realize we are far from it. OB politicians and their influence keep parental leave, gender equity, marriage equality and other issues just a dream for most. Though some municipalities are doing well, national strength and consistency are needed.

TrevorPeaceT

One of the better articles I've read about Japan's culturally ingrained misogyny here on JT.

It's originally from Kyodo. JT only reprinted it. OTOH, that's even more surprising, as the article points out such a major flaw in Japan's political society. And, that is something Kyodo is usually not inclined to do.

Wow! This was a great read, what a lady.

Japan certainly needs more women like this involved in sorting out its future.

This is a local council, so no party politics. Instead, since it is inaka, each part of town will try to get someone from that neighbourhood elected to make sure their roads get resurfaced and ploughed in winter. In a town of 5000, three hundred votes should be enough to get elected to a council of ten. That's not many women bothering to elect another woman.

I heard that Niseko/kutchan has a big problem in being on the hook for massive boring and piping to supply water to new developments, so good luck to the town.

So no different than the national political scene then!

Japan needs more trail blazers like this woman!

Is this typical of all political bodies in Japan? Sadly, the answer is yes. Women are relegated to subordinate roles and subject to sexual harassment even in Japan’s military and corporate board rooms. Societal change starts from the top but that means electing a dynamic leader

Certainly, this discrimination against women that exists in Japanese society some way must be eliminated and rectified. 

By the enactment of law, however? No, by changing men's attitude toward women. Niseko male councilors' attitude toward Saito is a laughingstock, indeed.