Modi-Abe meet: 15 questions for Mrs Abe

To the question on late marriages in Japan, Akie reportedly replied that Japanese people give equal importance to education and career without any gender discrimination.

Akie Abe gets her nails painted at a vocational unit of Blind People’s Association in Ahmedabad on Thursday. PTI

What are the reasons for late marriages in Japan? Is the new generation interested in agricultural practices? How does Japan curb pollution without sacrificing growth?

These were some of the 15 questions that Japanese PM Shinzo Abe’s wife Akie was asked during a closed-door interactive session with students of Gujarat University and entrepreneurs from its Start-up and Entrepreneurship Council.

According to those who attended the session, which lasted nearly an hour, Akie asked them to be “candid” and “relaxed”.

To the question on late marriages in Japan, Akie reportedly replied that Japanese people give equal importance to education and career without any gender discrimination. Be it men or women, they equally focus on their career, and after they get settled in their professions they decide to go in for marriage, she said. The questions Akie faced were mostly related to environment, climate change and gender sensitisation and agricultural scenario in Japan.

When asked about her views on the link between gender and climate change in Japan, she replied that women are closer to nature and know how to deal with or combat a natural calamity. Among the souvenirs and gifts presented to her were a silk saree, a portrait of her and a replica of a stamp on Mahatma Gandhi.

Ritu Sharma

Ritu Sharma is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express' Gujarat bureau, an editorial position that reflects her experience and Authority in regional journalism. With over a decade of concentrated reporting experience, she is a highly Trustworthy and specialized journalist, especially noted for her Expertise in the education sector across Gujarat and previously Chandigarh. Expertise Primary Authority (Education): With over ten years of dedicated reporting on education in both Gujarat and Chandigarh, Ritu Sharma is a foremost authority on educational policy, institutional governance, and ground realities from "KG to PG." Her coverage includes: Higher Education: In-depth scrutiny of top institutions like IIM-Ahmedabad (controversies over demolition/restoration of heritage architecture), IIT-Bombay (caste discrimination issues), and new initiatives like international branch campuses in GIFT City. Schooling & Policy: Detailed coverage of government schemes (Gyan Sadhana School Voucher Scheme), the implementation and impact of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, teacher recruitment issues, and the impact of national policies like the NEP. Student Welfare: Reporting on critical issues such as suicide allegations due to caste discrimination, and the challenges faced by students (e.g., non-delivery of NAMO tablets). ... Read More

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