Shoko Kawata, the mayor of Yawata, announced that she will take maternity leave, sparking a national debate in Japan.

Shoko Kawata, the 35-year-old mayor of Yawata city in Kyoto prefecture, is making history in Japan by deciding to take maternity leave for the birth of her first child, scheduled for mid-September. Although maternity leave is regulated for public employees, there is no clear legal framework for elected officials.

Kawata will benefit from 16 weeks of leave, split into 8 weeks before and 8 after the birth. She hopes that this decision will catalyze changes in Japan's patriarchal political system, where women are underrepresented in leadership positions. Despite receiving criticism on social media, Kawata has also been encouraged for her choice. Japan is facing a declining birth rate, and the culture of intense work and high living costs contribute to this problem. The mayor's office will appoint a deputy to take over her duties and she will regularly check work emails.