Are Women In Power Only Discussed For Their Looks?

During a recent speech, Taro Aso, the 83-year-old former Prime Minister and vice president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, sparked controversy with derogatory comments about the country's foreign minister, Yoko Kamikawa. Aso, known for his history of inappropriate remarks, made disparaging remarks about Kamikawa's appearance and age during a public speech. 

Aso's remarks, laden with sexist undertones, have ignited a heated debate, raising questions about gender sensitivity and respect within the political landscape.

Aso's Inappropriate Comments

During his speech, Aso, 83, made a series of disparaging comments about Kamikawa, 70, questioning her physical appearance and dubiously praising her political prowess.

The 83-year-old Aso remarked, “She’s not that good-looking,” when referring to Kamikawa raising eyebrows given Aso's history of inappropriate remarks. Despite this initial jab, Aso went on to acknowledge her political prowess, stating, “But she speaks with dignity, speaks properly in English, and makes appointments with people she needs to see on her own, without help from diplomats.”

Aso's use of the term "obasan," commonly interpreted as derogatory when referring to middle-aged women, further intensified the backlash. The former prime minister also stumbled on Kamikawa's surname, incorrectly labelling her as Kamimura and erroneously suggesting she was Japan's first female foreign minister. In reality, she is the third, following in the footsteps of Makiko Tanaka and Yoriko Kawaguchi during Junichiro Koizumi's administration in the early 2000s.

Missteps and Backlash

Kamikawa, one of the five women appointed to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's cabinet, responded to Aso's comments with grace, stating that she is aware of the diverse opinions and welcomes all feedback. Brushing off the remarks, she emphasized that continuing her role as Japan's most senior diplomat is the most appropriate response to Aso's inappropriate comments.

"I’m aware that there are many different opinions, and I appreciate any and all feedback," she stated.

Opposition politicians, including Akira Koike, the secretary-general of the Japanese Communist Party, criticized Aso for his objectionable remarks, even by his low standards. Social media echoed the disapproval, with calls for Aso's resignation gaining traction.

The Larger Context

Aso's sexist remarks not only reflect his attitudes towards women but also shed light on broader issues of gender inequality and representation in Japanese politics. Japan's poor performance in international comparisons of female political representation shows the systemic barriers that women face in accessing positions of power and influence.

Japan's dismal performance in international rankings of female political representation, ranking 165th out of 190 countries, highlights the broader issue. With only 10.3% of lower house MPs being women, the need for gender sensitivity in political discourse becomes increasingly evident.

Women and Beauty Standards

Yoko Kamikawa is not just a mere face; she is a distinguished figure who represents her country with a wealth of experience. Holding the prestigious position of Minister of Foreign Affairs and having previously served as Minister of Justice, Kamikawa's contributions to Japanese politics are formidable. Her three-time tenure in this crucial position underscores her competence and dedication.

Before assuming her current role, Minister Kamikawa served as the Chairperson of the HQ for Promoting Dynamic Engagement of All Citizens and led the Research Commission on the Judiciary System at the Liberal Democratic Party. Her involvement as the Lead Director for the Committee on Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology in the House of Representatives in 2017 further showcases her commitment to diverse aspects of governance.

Additionally, Kamikawa's leadership extends beyond politics, as she holds the positions of President of the Japan Tea Central Association and the Chamber of Tea Association of Shizuoka Prefecture. However, despite her extensive experience and multifaceted contributions, she finds herself under the shadow of Aso's remarks, questioning why her physical appearance becomes a focal point of discussion.

The irony lies in the fact that Kamikawa, with her diverse talents and accomplishments, is reduced to a mere evaluation of her physical attractiveness.

Kaku Sechiyama, a professor of gender studies at the University of Tokyo, highlighted the inherent bias in Aso's comments, noting that if the foreign minister were male, her appearance would likely never be subjected to public scrutiny. Sechiyama emphasized that women in politics often face additional evaluations, specifically regarding their physical attractiveness, a phenomenon not extended to their male counterparts.

Why should being physically attractive be the primary focus for women in power, irrespective of their talent, experience, and personality?  The insistence on judging women in power based on beauty standards perpetuates a broader issue of why society demands that women conform to specific aesthetics to gain respect and recognition.

Aso's Controversial Track Record

This incident is not an isolated one for Aso. Known for his fashion sense and controversial views, Aso has a history of making ill-informed comments about various groups. From dismissing the concept of sexual harassment to expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler, Aso has consistently courted controversy. His family's business's use of Allied PoWs as slave labourers during World War II remains a dark chapter, with Aso refusing to apologize for their past actions.

The scrutiny faced by Yoko Kamikawa sheds light on the gender bias that plagues politics. It's time to shift the focus from physical appearance to achievements and qualifications. Women in power, like Kamikawa, deserve to be recognized for their contributions rather than being reduced to societal expectations of beauty.