Japan's Prime Minister is among approximately 60 female lawmakers petitioning for more women's toilets in the parliament building, reflecting their increased representation in the legislature. The petition, signed by 58 women MPs including Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female leader, seeks to address the current disparity in facilities.

The move comes after a record 73 women were elected to the 465-seat Lower House in October 2024, surpassing the previous high of 54 in 2009. Opposition lawmaker Yasuko Komiyama noted the inadequacy of the current facilities, stating that there were often "long queues in front of the restroom... before plenary sessions start." She quoted another MP who said she had "given up" going to the toilet before a session began.

Currently, there is one female toilet with two cubicles near the plenary chamber. The entire building houses nine female toilets with 22 cubicles. In contrast, local media reports indicate that there are 12 men's toilets with 67 stalls and urinals throughout the building.

Komiyama, from the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, emphasized that the current situation is "often inconvenient" because female staff and visitors also share the existing toilets. "I want to raise my voice," she added, highlighting the need for change.

The push for more female toilets underscores the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and improve the working environment for female politicians and staff within the Japanese parliament. The petition is expected to be reviewed by parliamentary authorities, with potential renovations or expansions to follow based on their assessment.