Shoko Kawata, First Japanese Mayor on Maternity Leave and Time 100 Next
Shoko Kawata, the mayor of Yaata City in Kyoto Prefecture, became the first Japanese mayor to receive a maternity leave while holding office. She is also among the rising figures listed on Time 100 Next. After giving birth to her daughter in September 2023, she agreed to organize her work during her maternity leave by appointing an acting mayor and utilizing digital tools to oversee city affairs remotely, ensuring continuous operation without disruption to public service. Her experience highlights the challenges women face in leadership positions and underscores the possibility of balancing family responsibilities with government work. She serves as a model for supporting the balance between professional life and family in Japanese society.
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