Ms Junko Mihara

WHO Commissioner on Social Connection

Junko Mihara is currently Minister of State for Policies Related to Children, Measures for Declining Birthrate, Youth Empowerment, and Gender Equality, and Minister of State for Promoting Cohesive and Mutual Assistance Society since 1 October 2024. She is also Minister in charge of Women's Empowerment and Minister in charge of Cohesive Society. 

Junko Mihara began her political career in 2010 when she was elected to the House of Councillors. Representing Kanagawa Prefecture since 2016, she has held several influential roles, including State Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2020 and Chairperson of various committees such as Health, Welfare and Labour, and Environment. She has also been active in advancing women's issues within the Liberal Democratic Party as Director of the Women’s Affairs Division.