Meeting last Monday, Barbara Hamill Sato is not sure how many women won seats in the previous day's general election, but suspects it may be the most ever.
"Feminists in Japan are encouraging women to run for public office as part of the fight for empowerment. Also they've called into question the media's reluctance to position women in leadership roles in the private sector. Still, in spite of the rapid societal changes I can't help but wonder to what extent women's main concerns are still rooted in the happenings of every day."
An American living in Japan for well over 20 years, Barbara has always been interested in the position of her Japanese sisters and their impact on society. Other academics have approached the subject from differing points of view. "I chose the media in general, Japanese women's magazines in particular."