First Mayor to Take Maternity Leave Sparks Backlash, Selected for TIME 100

Shoko Kawata, Mayor of Yawata City in Kyoto Prefecture, became the first serving municipal leader in Japan to take maternity leave. While preparations were made to ensure governance continuity through a deputy mayor and other staff, opinions were divided. Some criticized her as "irresponsible" and demanded a reduction of her salary. Others supported her for promoting diverse working styles for women. Her unprecedented move has drawn significant national and international attention—including coverage by global media and a spot on TIME’s "100 Next" list—highlighting the balance between administrative continuity and work-life balance . Mayor Kawata gave birth to a healthy baby girl on September 15. She plans to return to work without taking parental leave. #abctv #news ＊＊The Japanese version is here＊＊ 現職首長で初めて？京都・八幡市長が産休取得　市民の受け止めは…    • 現職首長で初めて？京都・八幡市長が産休取得　市民の受け止めは…