Minister of State for Children's Policy Ayuko Kato

My role is to create an environment where young people can raise their children with peace of mind.

Minister for Children's Policy　Ayuko Kato(Ayuko Kato)

■ Profile
Born in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture in 1979. After graduating from Keio University, she worked for a private consulting firm. After working as a secretary to a member of parliament, she was first elected in the 47th House of Representatives election in 2014. She is currently serving her third term. She has previously served as Parliamentary Vice-Minister for the Environment and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. From September 2023, she will become Minister of State for Special Missions in the Cabinet Office (for child policies, measures to combat declining birthrates, youth participation, and gender equality), Minister in charge of women's empowerment, Minister in charge of a cohesive society, and Minister in charge of measures to combat loneliness and isolation.

■What was your student life like?

I've been interested in politics since I was in middle and high school. If there was something that bothered me in the area where I lived, I think I felt like I had to do something about it myself, rather than leaving it to others. At school, I liked creating things together with other people, such as running for class representative and helping to enliven events.
When I was a university student, I heard about a politician who had reformed the system so that even the hearing impaired could obtain a driver's license. This made me think, "Is politics really a job that can really help people?" and I decided to become a politician.

■Please tell us your current vision and policies.

As Minister of State for Child Policy, Prime Minister Kishida asked me to "use my experience raising children and implement policies from the perspective of those involved." Currently, I am raising two sons with my wife working. I would like to use that experience to become a role model for the public.
I felt a great response when the Cabinet approved Japan's first ever "Children's General Principles" and "Children's Future Strategy" at the end of last year. The "Children's General Principles" summarize basic and important points, such as the ideal form and direction of children's policy, and are packed with the philosophy of focusing on young people throughout Japan. I hope that by making them known nationwide, they will become a foundation for incorporating the opinions of children and young people.
Furthermore, in order to change the current situation where the declining birthrate trend is showing no signs of slowing down, the "Children's Future Strategy" includes a wide range of measures to improve the environment for raising children, such as expanding child allowances, strengthening support from the time of pregnancy and childbirth, creating a new system that allows children to attend daycare centers regardless of whether their parents are working, and creating an environment that makes it easier to take parental leave. Through these systems, my job is to create a country that gives hope to the younger generation who are worried about whether they can receive adequate support, even though they want to have children.
In order to incorporate the opinions of many other young people, we are also running an initiative called "Children and Young People ★ Iken Plus," which listens to opinions in various ways, and has around 4,000 people participating from all over the country.

■Message to students

I want you to cherish the feeling of gratitude. When you have gratitude, it becomes your axis, and even when you hit a wall, that axis will support you. Also, meeting new people is important. Meeting different people enriches your life.

Student Newspaper April 1, 2024 Issue Sophia University Junior College 2nd Year Shiori Ohno