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Yawata Mayor Shoko Kawata Begins Maternity Leave, Runs City Online

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 12:18 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Mayor Shoko Kawata of Yawata, Kyoto, began maternity leave, Japan’s first sitting mayor to do so.
She gave birth on Sept. 15, started leave in July, and will return Nov. 8.
During leave Kawata runs city duties online, saying childbirth and office can coexist.
Her decision drew praise and backlash, reflecting Japan’s low female-politician share and gender bias.
Time named her a 2026 Rising Star, citing lower school-lunch prices and free preschool diapers.

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Story summary

Mayor Shoko Kawata of Yawata, Kyoto, began maternity leave, Japan’s first sitting mayor to do so.
She gave birth on Sept. 15, started leave in July, and will return Nov. 8.
During leave Kawata runs city duties online, saying childbirth and office can coexist.
Her decision drew praise and backlash, reflecting Japan’s low female-politician share and gender bias.
Time named her a 2026 Rising Star, citing lower school-lunch prices and free preschool diapers.