Story perspectives

Japan’s first elected mayor takes maternity leave

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 3:40 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Mayor Shoko Kawata became Japan’s first elected mayor to take maternity leave.
She gave birth to a daughter on 15 September.
She transferred authority to Deputy Mayor Shigeto Nose for 16 weeks and worked remotely.
Her leave runs from July through 8 November, during which she works remotely.
She was named to TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential rising stars.

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Story summary

Mayor Shoko Kawata became Japan’s first elected mayor to take maternity leave.
She gave birth to a daughter on 15 September.
She transferred authority to Deputy Mayor Shigeto Nose for 16 weeks and worked remotely.
Her leave runs from July through 8 November, during which she works remotely.
She was named to TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential rising stars.