菊田真紀子

Makiko Kikuta is a veteran Japanese politician currently serving as a member of the House of Representatives. Born in Fujioka, Gunma, and raised in Kamo, Niigata, she began her political career as a Kamo City Council member in 1995, becoming the youngest person to hold that position at the time. Over her extensive career, she has served in various leadership roles, including Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs and as a senior official within the Democratic Party and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. Kikuta is known for her advocacy on gender equality, including support for selective separate surnames for married couples, and has maintained a consistent presence in Niigata's political landscape. She currently serves as the Chair of the Parliamentary Group and Standing Executive Committee for the Chudo Kaikaku Rengo.