Again, old picture, new news.

The Kumamoto City Assembly has decided to respond to the issues raised by Ms. Ogata by doubling down. Instead of moving to accommodate women (or fathers) with young children, they have decided to tighten their rules to make it even harder for women like Ms. Ogata to be good parents while simultaneously representing their constituents. I’m not aware of an English article about the recent developments so I’ll translate a few key changes in the rules. All of the following are either new rules or changes to existing rules:

  1. Those who may attend city council meetings are (a) representatives, (b) persons recognized by the chair in accord with the Local Government Act (in other words, designated city clerical workers, etc.), and (c) other persons deemed necessary by the chair.（[1] 議員 [2] 地方自治法の規定により議長から出席を求められた者 [3] 議長が特に必要と認める者－とした。）

This basically says “no babies” but perhaps the third clause can be used to make an exception if the chair sees fit – but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

  1. Representatives must wear formal attire. （「議員の服装は正装にする」）

Whether intentional or not, this is likely to have the effect of making breastfeeding (even outside of the council chambers on breaks) more difficult.

  1. Only the representative may participate in official tours and inspections. However, if the representative requires assistance in order to participate in such tours and inspections, a caregiver may be allowed to accompany the representative. （「行政視察は議員本人以外の者の参加は認めない。ただし、委員等本人が公務を遂行するに当たり、視察先や宿泊先等で介助が必要と想定される場合は、介助者を認める」）

In other words, representatives can get help (say, if they need someone to push their wheelchair, etc.) but they cannot have a little one with them during the tour. Ms. Ogata was allowed to take her child with her on such a tour in the past so this rule basically means “no more of that.”

It seems the conservative politicians in Kumamoto are responding to their ultraconservative base. There’s plenty of bad-mouthing of Ms. Ogata on the internet, so some people will surely be pleased by this new hard line. Then again, this won’t look good in the history books. I think it will become painfully clear in retrospect that this was a step in the wrong direction. And, of course, it won’t do anything good for Kumamoto’s international reputation, either.

– Kirk

P.S. The following Facebook page by Koichi Futami

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1443273759133837

is requesting that interested persons send any opinions they may have about this issue to the city government at

Email: [email protected] Fax: 096-324-3284

Mr. Futami’s post is in Japanese but I think we can expect the city to be able to handle opinions expressed in English.

http://www.huffingtonpost.jp/2018/02/22/kumamotoassembry_a_23368102/