Turkish president says the move is also aimed at increasing the amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza
The three governors of southwestern prefectures are taking to the airwaves with the public awareness campaign that loosely translates as: "The governor is a pregnant woman."
Japanese men are not very helpful husbands when it comes to housework: they do just one hour of unpaid work daily compared to five hours for their wives, according to a 2014 study by the 35-nation Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
The three-minute spot, which started running last week, shows the hapless lawmakers being outfitted with seven kilogramme (16 pound) vests that mimic the belly of a woman who is about seven months pregnant.
Then it is time to clumsily navigate stairs, carry groceries, or wait for someone to give up their seat on the bus.
One politician struggles to put on socks, while another wipes sweat from his brow after hanging a load of laundry, as an upbeat tune plays in the background.
"I can see how hard it is to be carrying a child and do house chores," says 52-year-old Shunji Kono, the governor of Miyazaki prefecture.
"I think I have to be much kinder," the father of three adds in the video.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made drawing more women into the workforce a top priority to fix the economy, heeding calls to make better use of a highly educated but underemployed labour pool.
Turkish president says the move is also aimed at increasing the amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza
In another case at the same airport, officials apprehended five foreign nationals who tried to smuggle gold worth Rs.24.4 million
More than 2,000 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested in the past two weeks across the US
Fireballs and Smash tied for the lead in the team event at the $25 million 54 hole tournament
The hosts strengthened their chances of securing a slot in the semifinals with a 70-run victory in Abu Dhabi
The group has a presence in five countries and eyes further geographic expansion, especially in India
The severity of the situation gradually eased from Thursday evening, when it receded in the north and east of the country
Cyclone Hidaya is predicted to cause torrential rain, strong winds and powerful and dangerous waves in the flood-ravaged country