Politics Suginami's female mayor fighting sexism and more

The BBC reported on Satoko Kishimoto, the first female mayor in the history of Suginami. At 48, she is significantly younger than her typical (male) colleagues. And on top of that, she is not a career bureaucrat. The former environmental activist and democracy advocate beat the conservative incumbent by just 200 votes - a shock win for an independent candidate with no public office experience. Since then, she has vowed to challenge the country's male-dominated politics. As things stand, she is one of only three female mayors in Tokyo's 23 central districts.

Also, she's cycling to work!

"I'm not from bureaucracy; I'm not a politician. When I speak, people listen. But they're not so easily convinced." By people, she means the men she works with. In her district, most of the senior political posts below that of the mayor are held by men. "Issues like climate change, diversity, gender equality have been challenged by older politics - by the boys' club politics." She tells me it's frustrating for her and her staff. "I want to debate policies. But [a lot] time is wasted in the city council addressing criticism and personal attacks."

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This criticism is mostly about her gender, credentials, and the fact that she doesn't have relevant experience. Essentially, she's been abroad for too long - for the last 20 years, she's lived in Europe. Ms Kishimoto is the first to admit that she's an outsider but that this is part of her strength. "I have something else. I have looked at Japanese society from a distance." She added that this "international eye" has allowed her to view Japan's challenges objectively - especially the stark contradictions in her country.

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Her English pronunciation is relatively good. 上手ですね

Not surprising:

she's been abroad for too long - for the last 20 years, she's lived in Europe

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And that's probably what sets her apart from her political competition. Fresh wind, fresh blood--new ideas.

I doubt Climate Activism is really top of mind for her constituents. Hopefully she really listens and responds to their needs.