Japan's first mayor to take maternity leave lands on TIME100 Next list
Shoko Kawata, the mayor of Yawata City in Kyoto prefecture, has been included in TIME Magazine’s TIME100 Next list of influential emerging figures.
Her decision to take maternity leave prompted debate in Japan about whether elected officials should take time away from their duties for childbirth. Some supporters argued that public systems need to better accommodate pregnancy and parenthood.
Kawata said opposing maternity leave for politicians would effectively shut women of childbearing age out of public office. Supporters also praised her for prioritising family and setting an example for women entering politics.
On 15 September, Kawata announced she had given birth to a daughter. She thanked people who had supported her and said she would continue advocating for social issues across Japan.
Kawata said her experience as a parent would inform her work on challenges facing parents and children. Her inclusion on the list brings further attention to the debate over balancing elected office and family life.
Key points
- Kawata is the first mayor in Japan to take maternity leave.
- Her leave sparked discussion about pregnancy and elected office.
- After giving birth, she pledged to keep advocating for parents and children.