Front Page - Deutsches Institut für Japanstudien

As Japan aims to address labor shortages, automation and the implementation of everyday technologies, such as self-checkout cashiers, can be increasingly observed. This presents an opportunity to test if the self-image of Japan as a technological leader holds true, and to examine how political ambitions impact individuals’ daily lives. The talk first explores the macr...

As of February 2026, women hold only 4.3 percent of Japan’s mayoral offices. This figure reflects the country’s well-documented challenges with gender equality in political participation. Directly elected by voters, mayors occupy a prominent position in Japanese local politics. They can shape local policies and advance individual agendas, making them key drivers of local chan...