Japan’s Trailblazing Mayor Shoko Kawata Balances Motherhood and Public Service

Shoko Kawata, Japan’s first mayor to take maternity leave, has been named to TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential rising stars.

The 36‑year‑old mayor of Yawata City in Kyoto gave birth to her first child on 15 September, and her decision to step away from public duties for a 16‑week maternity leave drew both support and backlash across social media. Some praised her for prioritising family, calling her a role model for women in politics, while others accused her of being irresponsible and argued that elected officials with children should resign. The debate has highlighted Japan’s ongoing struggle to raise birth rates and create family‑friendly policies for public servants.

Kawata said she would transfer her responsibilities to deputy mayor Shigeto Nose, working remotely whenever possible, and maintained that “maternity leave is a vital right for every woman, including those in public office.” She reiterated that critics of her leave effectively exclude a large portion of capable women from the political arena. In her interview with the BBC before giving birth, she declared that her job was something she enjoyed and that this was the right time to start a family.

There is no legal framework for maternity leave for local elected officials in Japan, which is why Kawata had to create a custom plan with her office. Her move has prompted officials in other cities to consider similar arrangements. She added that the experience will inform her future policies, aiming to make Japan a more welcoming place for parents.

On 15 September, Kawata posted a photo on X, thanking supporters and re‑affirming her commitment to advocate for social issues nationwide. She wrote, “I want to confront the many challenges facing parents and children today from the same perspective, as someone living through them myself, and think about how we can find a way forward together.”

Her inclusion on TIME’s list underscores the growing recognition of female leaders who balance family and public service, setting a precedent for future elected officials in Japan and beyond.