Local News

In the wake of the heckling of a Tokyo metropolitan assemblywoman, data reveals that Kyushu still has a long way to go. Compared to the 11.6% national average ratio of women serving in local assemblies, Kyushu averages 8%. With 11.8%, Fukuoka ranks 13th in Japan and barely above the national average. Meanwhile, Saga and Nagasaki, both at 6%, have the lowest ratios in Japan. In total, five of seven Kyushu prefectures rank among the bottom eight prefectures in Japan. Ratios were calculated based on a survey of regional assembly sizes and party membership conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (data current as of Dec. 2013). Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 6/30