Ninety-two groups across Japan submitted a written request to the Supreme Court and other bodies to ensure that women account for at least one-third of all justices on the top court. The Supreme Court comprises 15 justices, including the chief justice. The most female justices to sit at one time was three. Now, there are only two. Calls have grown for a more balanced gender composition in the Supreme Court, whose decisions can affect family and social systems. Four justices--three men and one woman—will reach the retirement age of 70 this summer. Candidates for justices are picked from among court judges, lawyers and others. The Cabinet makes the appointments after taking into account the view of the chief justice.