Key facts
- Shoko Kawata, mayor of Yawata City in Kyoto prefecture, is the first mayor in Japan to take maternity leave.
- Kawata was named to TIME Magazine's 100 Next list of influential rising stars.
- She gave birth to her first child on September 15.
- Kawata transferred her authority to her deputy mayor for 16 weeks.
- She aims to use her experiences as a parent to inform policy on social issues.
Shoko Kawata, the first mayor in Japan to take maternity leave, has been recognized by TIME Magazine on its 100 Next list, which highlights influential rising stars. Kawata, 36, gave birth to her first child on September 15.
Her decision to take maternity leave earlier this year sparked a national discussion in Japan about whether elected officials should be allowed time off for childbirth. While some social media users supported her, citing societal failures to accommodate pregnancy and praising her example for other women in politics, critics argued her absence was irresponsible and suggested she should resign if she wanted to start a family.
In an interview before giving birth, Kawata defended her decision, stating that criticizing politicians for taking maternity leave effectively excludes women of childbearing age from public office. She emphasized her enjoyment of her job and her desire to start a family.