On April 12th, Nahomi Ichimiya was appointed as the 12th President of the National Personnel Authority, an agency which handles personnel management for national public servants. President Ichimiya graduated from the Chuo University Faculty of Law in 1971.

The President of the National Personnel Authority is selected by the Cabinet from 3 commissioners who were appointed with approval from both houses of the Diet. On April 14th, Ichimiya was issued a letter of appointment from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Some people see the appointment in the context of Abe’s policy of advancing the employment of women as part of his economic growth strategy. “I have never given any special thought to being a woman,” said Ichimiya when addressing the media at the press conference for her appointment. “I believe that my past body of work led to my appointment. Of course, I am overjoyed if my appointment serves to motivate younger generations of women. There is a great meaning in entrusting important posts to women who display high ability.”

After graduating from Chuo University, Ichimiya became a legal apprentice in 1972. She was appointed as an assistant judge in 1974. After holding positions including the first Director of the Training and Research Institute for Court Officials, the President of the Mito District Court, and Head Justice of the Tokyo High Court, she was appointed as Chief Justice of the Sendai High Court. Ichimiya was only the second woman to become a Chief Justice of a High Court. She has served as Commissioner at the National Personnel Authority since last June.

While serving as a judge, Ichimiya established a conference for medical institutions and courts. She worked to promote proceedings related to legal lawsuits. Ichimiya was also involved in cultivating judicial officials and legal professionals, as well as fostering their abilities. In the future, she will use her experience in raising children to create an environment in which national public servants can work actively with pride and a sense of purpose.