What this is
This commemorative symposium marks the 80th anniversary of women's suffrage in Japan, celebrating the landmark 1945 achievement when Japanese women gained the right to vote. The event honors the legacy of Fusae Ichikawa, a towering figure in Japanese feminist history who dedicated her life to securing women's political rights. The program opens with a keynote lecture examining Ichikawa's vision in the context of today's democratic challenges, followed by a panel discussion featuring prominent female scholars and politicians. It serves as both a historical reckoning and a forward-looking conversation about women's agency in Japanese democracy. For anyone interested in the intersection of gender, politics, and modern Japanese history, this is a rare and substantive public forum.
Who should go
This event is well-suited to students and researchers in gender studies, political science, or modern Japanese history, as well as activists and professionals engaged with women's rights and civic participation. The academic yet accessible format means curious general audiences will find it engaging alongside specialists. The presence of established female politicians and scholars makes this an unusually high-caliber public discussion rather than a typical lecture series. Arrive early, as seating at the Small Hall is limited and demand for this milestone event is likely to be strong.
Good to know
Bunkyo Civic Hall is a well-established public cultural facility in Bunkyo Ward, and the Small Hall is an intimate space — arrive at least 20 minutes early to guarantee entry. Events of this civic and commemorative nature in Japan are typically free but may require advance registration via the organizer's website or a form distributed through affiliated institutions; check before attending. The venue is fully accessible and located close to Korakuen and Myogadani stations. The symposium will almost certainly be conducted entirely in Japanese with no simultaneous interpretation, which is an important consideration for non-Japanese-speaking visitors. Cash is generally not required for free civic events, but bring a small amount in case printed materials or related publications are available for purchase on the day.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.