Shoko Kawata, Japan's First Mayor to Take Maternity Leave, Recognized by TIME Magazine

Shoko Kawata, the mayor of Yawata City in Kyoto prefecture, has been named one of the 100 most influential rising stars by TIME Magazine. This recognition follows her recent maternity leave, which began after she gave birth to her first child on September 15, 2026. Kawata's decision to take maternity leave has sparked a national debate in Japan regarding the appropriateness of elected officials taking time off for childbirth. Supporters on social media have praised her for setting a positive example for women in politics, while critics have labeled her decision as 'irresponsible' and suggested that officials should resign if they wish to take extended leave. Some have also called for salary reductions during maternity leave. In a pre-birth interview with the BBC, Kawata defended her choice, stating that criticizing politicians for taking maternity leave effectively excludes women of childbearing age from public office. Japan currently lacks a legal framework for maternity leave for local elected officials, prompting Kawata to develop a plan that allowed her to transfer her authority to her deputy mayor, Shigeto Nose, for 16 weeks while she worked remotely. Following the birth of her daughter, Kawata expressed her commitment to addressing social issues and reflecting her experiences as a new parent in her policy work.