The special National Diet session began on the 18th after the recent House of Representatives election, where the ruling party secured a supermajority, and newly elected member Hikaru Fujita discussed her pregnancy and her approach to serving as a lawmaker.
The special session of Japan's National Diet commenced on the 18th, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. This session follows the recent House of Representatives election held on the 8th, in which the ruling party captured three-quarters of the seats, dramatically reshaping the political landscape. Newly elected members were welcomed into the Diet, with an air of determination as they expressed their aspirations for their parliamentary roles.
One notable new member is Hikaru Fujita, a 35-year-old from Nagano's 2nd district, who entered the Diet with a bright smile, shortly after announcing her pregnancy just before the election. She acknowledged the responsibility ahead, stating, "I must show that I can manage both giving birth and serving as a legislator, which is a heavy burden." Her pathway to candidacy involved various roles, including a former diplomat and a position at McKinsey & Company, before she was selected to run for office through an internal selection process in November.
Fujita also conveyed her policy goals, aiming to create a multipolar nation where rural areas drive growth, and she expressed a commitment to addressing issues like agriculture and population decline. Her statements highlight both the progressive changes occurring in Japan's political sphere and the unique challenges new members, especially women with families, face in balancing personal and professional responsibilities.
