Kazuko Yabeta, the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister in charge of wages and employment, is set to resign at the end of March 2025, as confirmed by sources on March 27. Yabeta, a former member of the Democratic Party for the People and a representative from the electrical machinery union, was appointed to her position by former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a cabinet reshuffle in September 2023. This decision comes amid growing concerns within the government regarding her role and the relationship between the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the opposition party.
Yabeta has a notable background in labor relations, having first been elected to the House of Councillors in 2016 as a candidate representing the electrical machinery union. However, her political career faced a setback when she lost her re-election bid in the 2022 House of Councillors election, leading to her resignation as an advisor to the Democratic Party for the People. Despite this, she was appointed as the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, where she focused on wage and employment issues, particularly addressing the gender wage gap.
In her role, Yabeta led the government's project team dedicated to eliminating the gender wage gap and submitted a report to Prime Minister Kishida on March 26, 2025, outlining strategies to tackle this issue. Her work has been characterized by a commitment to achieving wage increases that align with rising prices and advocating for women's empowerment in the workforce.
Yabeta’s appointment was seen as a strategic move by the Kishida administration to strengthen ties with the Democratic Party for the People, aiming to foster collaboration on economic policies. However, her tenure has not been without controversy. Some within the government have expressed skepticism about continuing to appoint former opposition members to key positions, raising questions about the effectiveness of her role as a mediator between the two parties.
As the resignation decision was confirmed, there were concerns that it might signal a lack of commitment to policies such as wage increases and women's empowerment. Sources indicate that the growing distance between the LDP and the Democratic Party for the People may have influenced the decision to replace Yabeta, as the government seeks to clarify its stance on these critical issues.
Yabeta's departure marks a significant moment for the Kishida administration as it navigates the complexities of coalition politics and labor relations in Japan. Her efforts to engage with local communities through roundtable discussions and initiatives aimed at local creation reflect her dedication to addressing the needs of workers across the country.
In conclusion, Kazuko Yabeta’s resignation as Special Advisor to the Prime Minister underscores the challenges faced by the Kishida administration in managing relationships within Japan's political landscape. As the government moves forward, it will need to address the implications of her departure on ongoing wage and employment policies, particularly in light of the increasing scrutiny from both the public and political opponents.
