International Women’s Day Seminar - Towards a Future Shaped by Women in Politics: Japan's Current Situation and Insights from the Nordic Countries

Gender equality and women empowerment remain a globally important priority policy issues. “Women in Politics” is an indispensable part of progress towards nurturing greater gender equality. In this seminar, we focus on key success factors underlying Nordic model of higher female representation in politics and how could this potentially be achieved in Japan. European and Japanese stakeholders will discuss common challenges, share experiences and best practices, and identify potential avenues of cooperation.

Please join us for the online viewing of this seminar.[Deadline - Tuesday, 3 March 2026]:

https://www.eujapanspa.jp/

<International Women’s Day Seminar 2026>

Towards a Future Where Women Shape Politics: Japan's Current Situation and Insights from the Nordics

Date:Wednesday, 4 March 2026

Time: 16:00 – 18:00

Language: JP/EN (simultaneous interpretation)

Co-organisers: EU Delegatioin to Japan, UN Women Japan Liaison Office 

Supported by: Gender Equality Bureau Cabinet Office 

Webinar Registration: https://www.eujapanspa.jp/

<Programme>

Opening 

MC:  Ms Fumie SAITO, W7 Japan Co-Chair, Senior Adocacy Advisor, JOICFP, Board, Japanese Association of International Women’s Rights (JAIWR)

OPENING REMARKS

Ms Hadja LAHBIB, European Commissioner responsible for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis management (video message) 

Mr Hitoshi KIKAWADA, Minister in charge of  Women’s Empowerment (video message) 

PANEL DISCUSSION

1^st SESSION: Women’s Participation in Politics - Analysis of Japan in terms of the development of “talent pipeline” from local to national politics

Moderator: Ms Mari HAMADA, Representative, Stand by Women, Co-Representative, Harassment Consultation Centre for Women in Politics 

Panellists: 

• Ms Junko ANDO, Former Member of the House of Representatives (CRA)

• Ms Satoko KISHIMOTO, Mayor of Suginami Ward

• Ms Momi SAKO, Member of the Musashino City Council 

• Ms Momoko NOJO, Founding Director, Non-profit general incorporated association NewScene 

2^nd SESSION: “Nordic Model” in Women’s Participation in Politics - What insights can Japan gain from the experiences of the Nordics?

Moderator: Ms Naoe YAKIYA, Director, UN Women Japan Liaison Office

Panellists: 

• Ms Anna-Maja HENRIKSSON, Member of the European Parliament (FI, RENEW) – online participation

• H.E. MsKristin IGLUM, Ambassador of Norway to Japan

• H.E. Mr Jarl FRIJS-MADSEN, Ambassador of Denmark to Japan 

• Ms Shizuka TERATA, Member of the House of Councillors

• Ms Maki KOBAYASHI, Former Cabinet Secretary for Public Affairs

CLOSING REMARKS

Mr Thomas GNOCCHI, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim, EU Delegation to Japan