Japan's first mayor to take maternity leave lands on TIME100 Next list
Shoko Kawata, the mayor of Yawata City, has been named to the TIME100 Next list following her decision to take maternity leave. Her choice sparked a national debate in Japan regarding the role of women in politics and the lack of legal frameworks for elected officials to take leave.
Why it matters
It highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality and work-life balance in Japanese politics, challenging traditional societal expectations for public officials.
Shoko Kawata, Japan's first mayor to take maternity leave, has been named one of the 100 most influential rising stars by TIME Magazine.
The recognition comes weeks after the 36-year-old gave birth to her first child on 15 September.
Earlier this year, Kawata, who is mayor of Yawata City in Kyoto prefecture, was plunged into a national debate about whether elected officials should take time off for childbirth.
Her decision to take maternity leave drew a mix of support and backlash across Japan, a country that is struggling to lift birth rates.
Some on social media said having a baby is tough and Kawata is doing her best. Japanese society has failed to design systems with pregnancy in mind, one claimed. Another said Kawata is setting a wonderful example by putting her family first and making it easier for other women to enter politics.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in