Japan's struggle with women in powerful positions

Japan (KTRK) -- For everything that Japan is, modern, technologically advanced, there is one thing that has changed little over the years: The lack of women in powerful positions.

"In the political arena, the ratio of Japanese women members are so so low, I think it's a shame," said Yuriko Koike, a current member of Japan's House of Representatives. Koike, who has also served as Minister of Defense, made her comments during a breakfast round table with Mayor Annise Parker. The breakfast was organized by Houston's Donna Fujimoto Cole, herself a women business owner.

The challenges facing women trying to gain a foothold in powerful positions remain difficult in Japan.

"The reason why Japanese women do not run for politics is that people think politics for men. Also it's not so easy to run the election, it's very expensive, there are many challenges," said Koike.

From local city councils to the national parliament, Japanese government is overwhelmingly male. However, the women who have broken through the so called bamboo ceiling talked about their efforts to turn the tide.

"These days Japanese women are much more encouraged," said Karen Makishima, also a member of the House of Representatives. "We have to change, because Japanese women are well educated."

The women at the round table agree, that change is coming. However, they also say the realize in Japan, change takes time. Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Abe just selected five women to be in his revamped Cabinet. Abe has actively spoken about a years long effort to increase women participation.