Shoko Kawata, the 35-year-old mayor of Yawata, a city of about 68,000 people in western Japan, has announced she is pregnant with her first child and plans to take maternity leave. The news has sparked backlash from some male residents, who argue that a mayor should not take time off for childbirth.
Kawata, who was elected in 2024, is one of the few female mayors in Japan, where women hold only about 2% of mayoral positions. Her decision to take leave has ignited a debate about gender roles and workplace expectations in the country.
Critics have questioned whether a mayor can effectively govern while on leave, with some suggesting she should resign. Supporters, however, have praised her for normalizing maternity leave in a high-profile role. Kawata has stated she will delegate responsibilities during her absence.
The controversy reflects broader challenges in Japan, where traditional gender norms often discourage women from pursuing careers after childbirth. The country ranks low on global gender equality indices, and the incident has drawn international attention.
