Shoko Kawata, the mayor of Yawata, has become the first mayor in Japan to go on maternity leave. Her decision has generated criticism, but also support from the residents.

Shoko Kawata, the mayor of Yawata, went on maternity leave on Monday, thus becoming the first sitting mayor in Japan's history to take this step. At 33 years old, Kawata was elected in 2023 and stated that she wanted children since the beginning of her term. Although employees of the City Hall are entitled to 16 weeks of maternity leave, there was no protocol for mayors, so she had to create one. Kawata emphasized that this is a first that reflects the lack of women in leadership positions in Japan. Despite receiving support from colleagues and the majority of residents, she was criticized online, with some suggesting that she is not fulfilling her duties. The birth of the child is expected in September. Kawata highlighted the need for reforms to support birth rates and gender equality in Japan, where women are entitled to approximately 14 weeks of maternity leave.