Japanese researchers unmask hidden bias against female politicians

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by KyodoFebruary 2, 2026 at 01:57 AM

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A study by researchers at Kyushu University in Japan found that voters are less likely to support female politicians wearing face masks. The survey, conducted in August 2020 with 1,508 Japanese adults, presented participants with photos of politicians, including Shinzo Abe and Yuriko Koike, both with and without masks. Participants then rated the images based on support, attractiveness, competence, intelligence, strength, and trustworthiness. The results, published ahead of a recent general election, indicated a bias against female politicians when masked, while no similar effect was observed for male politicians. Researchers suggest this disparity in perception could disadvantage female candidates and urge both politicians and voters to be aware of this potential bias.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

New Hampshire 30% Dartmouth College 40% Tokyo ×250% Charles Crabtree 60% Kyushu University 60% Shinzo Abe 70% Yuriko Koike ×270% Kiho Muroga 80% Japan 90%

Keywords

female politicians 100% gender bias 90% face masks 80% japan 70% voter perception 70% election campaigning 60% public perception 50% general election 50% covid-19 pandemic 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.30

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis.

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female politicians gender bias face masks japan voter perception election campaigning public perception general election covid-19 pandemic

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