Seiko Noda, the state minister in charge of gender equality, criticized as misleading a government survey that showed record low public support for allowing married couples to have separate surnames.

Seiko Noda, the state minister in charge of gender equality, said at a June 14 news conference that it is important to carefully resolve issues that are deterring people from getting married.

Sanae Takaichi and Seiko Noda are the first women in 13 years seeking the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in an election this week. The winner is certain to become the next prime ...