FUKUI (TR) – On April 25, Mikiko Masuda was appointed as the first female chief of the Fukui Prefectural Police, reports Fuji News Network (Apr. 28).
On Monday, the 47-year-old appeared at a press conference. Regarding her status as the first woman to assume the post of chief of police for the prefecture, she said, “The gender of the chief has no special significance in carrying out his/her duties.”
She went on to say, “I will do my best to perform my duties to ensure the safety of the people of Fukui Prefecture, so I ask for your continued support.”
During the question-and-answer session, she said that she would tackle a number of key issues, including nuclear power plant security and the abduction of Japanese nationals by North Korea.
Nuclear power
Regarding security of nuclear power plants, Masuda, a veteran of the National Police Agency, said she has experience dealing with unforeseen circumstances.
“With regard to nuclear power plant security, we will first gather accurate information, and then thoroughly implement security with dedicated units, and through that, ensure perfect security,” she said. “I recognize that the abduction issue is an extremely serious issue in terms of the lives and physical safety of the prefecture’s residents and the nation’s citizens.”
North Korean abductions
When asked about the cases of missing Japanese nationals where abduction by North Korean agents cannot be ruled out, Masuda said, “I would like the investigation to be thoroughly carried out in cooperation with the National Police Agency Commissioner General while fully accepting the complicated feelings of the victims and working to resolve the cases as soon as possible.”
Regarding other key issues facing Fukui, she said she would work to implement measures based on the “Safe and Secure Fukui Program” put in place by her predecessor, Jun Maruyama.
“On top of that, I would like to see the police force respond firmly to changes in society,” she added. “I want to always keep in mind when making decisions whether we are able to respond appropriately. Changes in social conditions directly affect security issues. I don’t think the gender of the chief himself is particularly meaningful in fulfilling his duties.”
Masuda is a working mother.
“I’ve heard that Fukui Prefecture has the highest female workforce in the country,” she said. “I think the difficulties and challenges of raising children can be shared with staff members. Regardless of the gender of staff members, being able to carry out their duties responsibly leads to the safety of the prefecture’s residents. So, I think it is very important to create a work environment where each staff member can work with enthusiasm.”
Masuda, a native of Tokyo, is a graduate of the Faculty of Liberal Arts at the University of Tokyo. She previously served as counselor in the Public Security Bureau of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and head of the Second Security Division of the Security Operations Department of the Security Bureau of the National Police Agency.
