Chikage Oogi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chikage Oogi
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| President of the House of Councillors | |
| In office 30 July 2004 – 28 July 2007 |
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| Monarch | Akihito |
| Deputy | Giichi Tsunoda Akira Imaizumi |
| Preceded by | Hiroyuki Kurata |
| Succeeded by | Satsuki Eda |
| Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism | |
| In office January 6, 2001 – 22 September 2003 |
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| Prime Minister | Yoshirō Mori Junichirō Koizumi |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Nobuteru Ishihara |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 May 1933 Empire of Japan |
| Died | March 9, 2023 (aged 89) Tokyo, Japan |
| Political party | Liberal Democratic Party (1977–1993, 2003–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
Japan Renewal Party (1993–1994) New Frontier Party (1994–1997) Liberal (1998–2000) New Conservative Party (2000–2003) |
Chikage Oogi (扇 千景, Ōgi Chikage), whose real name was Hiroko Hayashi (林 寛子, Hayashi Hiroko), was a famous Japanese actress and politician. She was born on May 10, 1933, and passed away on March 9, 2023. During her 30 years in politics, she held many important jobs. She made history in 2004 by becoming the first woman to be the President of the House of Councillors, which is like one of Japan's main government bodies.
Her last name, Oogi, can be spelled in a few ways in English, like Ogi or Ohgi. But she preferred to use Oogi.
Contents
Early Life
Chikage Oogi grew up in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. When she was 11 years old, she survived the Kobe Air Raid during World War II. This difficult experience made her want to work for peace and help protect her country.
Stage Career
Oogi studied at the Takarazuka Music School and joined the Takarazuka Revue in 1954. The Takarazuka Revue is a famous Japanese all-female musical theater group. She appeared in her first movie in October of that same year.
In 1958, she left the revue and married Kotaro Hayashi, who was a kabuki actor (a traditional Japanese theater performer). After being a full-time homemaker for a year, she returned to acting in 1959. She starred in many TV dramas and hosted a popular show called Sanji no Anata from 1971 to 1977.
Political Career
Chikage Oogi started her political journey in 1977. She was first elected to the House of Councillors as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party. She lost her seat in 1989 but was elected again in 1993. Over the years, she joined different political parties, including the Japan Renewal Party and the New Frontier Party.
In 2000, Oogi became very prominent. She helped start the Conservative Party, which soon changed its name to the New Conservative Party. She became its first leader. That same year, she was appointed as the Minister of Construction and later as the Minister of Transportation.
In 2001, several government departments merged to form the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Chikage Oogi was chosen to be its very first minister. She even used a brush and black ink to write the ministry's name on the sign outside its building.
After an election in 2001, Oogi stepped down as the leader of the New Conservative Party. In 2003, she rejoined the Liberal Democratic Party. On July 30, 2004, she was chosen to be the 26th President of the House of Councillors, a very important leadership role. She traveled to international conferences and visited China as part of her duties.
In May 2007, Oogi announced that she would retire from politics in July. She wanted to spend more time with her family and live a normal life. Her term ended on July 28, 2007.
Political Views
Chikage Oogi had strong opinions on several important issues in Japan.
Constitution
Oogi had some critical views about the Constitution of Japan from 1947. She felt it had problems, such as not clearly defining the role of the Self-Defense Forces (Japan's military) or fully protecting the rights of crime victims.
Transfer of Capital Functions
In the 1990s, there was a discussion about moving some government offices out of Tokyo. This was to help with the problem of too many people living in the capital city. As the Minister of Construction, Oogi was against this idea. Her opposition caused some disagreements with the Prime Minister and the mayors of cities that wanted to host the new offices.
Imperial Succession
When Prince Hisahito was born in 2006, Oogi suggested that lawmakers should be careful about changing the rules for who can become the Emperor. At the time, only males could inherit the throne. She praised Princess Akishino for giving birth to a son, especially with Japan's declining birthrate.
Haneda Airport
In 2000, Oogi suggested that Haneda Airport in Tokyo should offer more international flights. At the time, most international flights used Narita Airport, which is far from central Tokyo. Many people in Tokyo and Yokohama wanted Haneda Airport to have international service because it was much closer. Oogi's idea was supported by Shintaro Ishihara, who was the Governor of Tokyo.
Personal Life
Chikage Oogi had two sons, Tomotaro and Hirotaro. Both of them followed in their father's footsteps and became kabuki actors. Oogi had always hoped to have daughters or granddaughters who might become Takarazuka actresses. Her wish for a granddaughter came true in 2002 when her younger son had a daughter.
Honours
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, 2003.
Japan - Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon, 2008.
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, 2010. Japan
See also
In Spanish: Chikage Ōgi para niños
- Takako Doi – The first female Speaker of the House of Representatives (1993–1996)
- Tamao Nakamura – Oogi's sister-in-law
- Shintaro Katsu – Oogi's brother-in-law
- Junichiro Koizumi
- List of members of the Diet of Japan
- List of the first female holders of political offices
