She’s Upending Japanese Politics With Two Words: ‘I’m Pregnant’
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Hikaru Fujita, a 35-year-old Harvard-educated former diplomat, is running for Japan’s House of Representatives while pregnant with her first child, challenging traditional norms.
- Fujita publicly announced her pregnancy to inspire younger generations and demonstrate that pregnant women can pursue political careers.
- She represents the governing Liberal Democratic Party and is part of a record number of female candidates, with women making up nearly a quarter of the 1,285 candidates in the election.
- Fujita’s campaign highlights ongoing efforts to confront Japan’s patriarchal political system and increase female representation in parliament.
