In an exclusive interview with Sankei Shimbun Newspaper on July 11th, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike expressed her desire for a female vice governor in the future.
There has been just one female vice governor, but Koike is keen on promoting women’s participation in Tokyo through the active promotion of women to management positions, including that of vice governor and bureau chiefs.
Koike believes that the promotion of women to managerial positions will have a positive effect on the entire organization. In the recent Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election, overwhelming support for Koike resulted in a landslide victory. Thirty-six women were elected, making the percentage of female members the largest ever.
“The nature of the plenary meeting will change. Finally, it (the percentage) has come close to that of other countries,” Koike said.
Koike indicated that it would be prudent for new board members for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics to be chosen from within the new Metropolitan Assembly. So far, two LDP assembly members are on the Games Organizing Committee board of directors.
“Generally, personnel management is decided by assembly members. The choice of board members is of crucial importance,” she said.
Regarding the nationwide expansion of the Tokyo Citizens First Party, to which she acts as special advisor, Koike said: “I will be focusing mainly on my role as governor. As for national politics, I am taking the stance of occasionally talking with Mr. Wakasa about it.” She emphasized that she was entrusting the issue to Masaru Wakasa, who left the LDP to support her.
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Here are excerpts from the interview with Governor Yuriko Koike:
The Tokyo Olympic Games and Paralympic Games are three years away. As you strengthen relations with the Games Organizing Committee, what are your policies, including the nature of the board of directors, and the 2 LDP assembly members who currently serve on it?
Generally, personnel management is decided by assembly members—in this case, Tokyo Citizens First Party members—so I think it is of crucial importance that the choice of members is undertaken by them. Since the financial matters have been broadly decided, I think there will be a lot of administrative matters, such as venue building, to be taken care of. In undertaking such administrative work, we must also foster momentum by working as one with the Games Organizing Committee.
It has been almost one year since your appointment as Governor of Tokyo, please share your thoughts regarding executive appointments, such as vice governor and bureau chiefs, including the issue of increased participation from women.
I think that the percentage of women in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is higher than that of any other organization. To that extent, it is a treasure trove of qualified personnel. Since these people are growing ever more suitable, I hope to increasingly facilitate their promotion as necessary personnel, be they man or woman.
There are those who anticipate the appointment of a female vice governor.
If, in the future, a woman were to enter that role, the men would also work earnestly. That is what I call diversity, a situation where everyone can participate.
Nationwide local elections will be held in two years’ time. There are increasing calls from those who want to run as Tokyo Citizens First Party candidates.
I think it is a natural progression that there would be people in the regional towns and suburbs who would want to nominate, to reflect the idea of a local Citizens First Party in the assembly.
House of Representatives member Masaru Wakasa has stated that the Tokyo Citizens First Party will make a foray into national politics.
I think Mr. Wakasa has a range of thoughts regarding national politics. However, I will be focusing mainly on my role as Governor. A new assembly has been formed, and then we will begin organizing the budget. As for national politics, I am taking the stance of occasionally talking with Mr. Wakasa about it.
(Click here to read the original article in Japanese.)
