Achieving equal numbers of men and women in legislative bodies is known as "parity," a term derived from the French word "parite" for "equality." With women making up half of the electorate, Japan must introduce systems that promote the realization of parity in its own political institutions.

In the July 20 House of Councillors election, 42 women were elected -- the highest number ever. More than half of the successful candidates from the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (12 out of 22), as well as from Sanseito, the Japanese Communist Party and Reiwa Shinsengumi, were women.

Including those not up for re-election, women now account for 29.4% of upper house members, but this is still far from true parity. The situation in the House of Representatives is even more dire, with women making up only 15.7%.

A law aimed at achieving gender balance among candidates was put into force in 2018. However, it remains largely aspirational, and progress toward its realization has been slow.

Even in the latest election, women made up less than 30% of all candidates, a decrease from the previous poll. The government's target of "35% by 2025" has not been met. The ruling LDP and Komeito, in particular, have shown the least commitment, with the lowest proportion of female candidates.

To enhance the functioning of democracy, it is essential to ensure that decision-making bodies reflect the composition of society. When men dominate, debate tends to become rigid. Only by incorporating diverse public perspectives can trust in politics be strengthened. To break the current impasse, it is vital to establish effective mechanisms.

France enacted its "parity law" in 2000, requiring political parties to field equal numbers of male and female candidates. Parties with a low proportion of female candidates receive reduced public subsidies. In proportional representation elections, candidate lists must alternate between men and women.

In Japan, a cross-party parliamentary group has been considering the introduction of similar measures. Debate should be accelerated to establish such legal frameworks as soon as possible.

It is also important to create a social environment in which women can run for office more easily. The stereotype that "politics is men's work" must be eliminated, and gendered expectations regarding housework and child care must be changed.

"Vote harassment" -- unreasonable demands from supporters -- as well as sexual harassment and maternity harassment by fellow lawmakers and assembly members, must also be eradicated.

Japan has long ranked low in global gender equality indices, with its lag in the political sphere particularly pronounced. Political parties and politicians must recognize the urgency of the situation and take responsibility for improvement.