A Historic Milestone in Japanese Politics

In a country constantly struggling to increase its birth rate and improve gender equality, Shoko Kawata, 35, is about to make history. The mayor of Yawata, a city located south of Kyoto, will be the first woman in such a high-ranking position in all of Japan to take maternity leave.

According to BBC Mundo, Kawata reportedly announced in a press conference in May 2026 her intention to take two months of leave before and two months after her expected due date in mid-September 2026.

The Legal Vacuum and Temporary Replacement

Currently, Japan lacks a legal framework allowing locally elected officials to take time off from their duties after having a child. Therefore, Kawata has temporarily delegated her responsibilities to the deputy mayor, Shigeto Nose, 62.

A Country of Contrasts: Fourth Largest Economy, Lagging in Equality

Japan is the world's fourth-largest economy, but it systematically ranks low in the gender gap index. In the World Economic Forum report published in June 2025, the country ranked 118th out of 146 nations, making it the worst-performing G7 country in this area.

To put this into context, as of last year, only about 4% of Japan's 1,720 municipal leaders were women. Although the country now has its first female prime minister, the government continues to face criticism for not sufficiently encouraging female participation in politics. Obstacles such as pregnancy, the perception of politics as a male-dominated field, and harassment were identified by the Cabinet Office in a survey published in July 2025.

Public Debate: Family vs. Public Service

The news about Kawata divided public opinion. While some celebrate that she is prioritizing her family and setting an example for more women to enter politics, other critics argue that stepping away from public duties is 'irresponsible.' They even suggested she 'should have gotten pregnant before being elected.'

Kawata, who became the youngest mayor in Japan's history at 33 and holds a degree in Economics from Kyoto University, expresses hope that this step will help create a society where women can balance both spheres without having to choose between working and starting a family.

The Legal Framework for Japanese Workers

As additional context, it is important to highlight how the leave system works for regular employees in Japan, even though it does not apply to elected officials:

• Women: Can take 6 weeks before the expected due date and 8 weeks after.
• Men: Have up to 4 weeks of flexible paid leave, extendable to 8 weeks after birth.
• Childcare: Both parents are entitled to leave until the child turns one year old. They receive 67% of their salary for the first 180 days and 50% thereafter.

Since April 2025, some parents can receive additional support during the first 28 days if both parents take the leave, encouraging more equitable child-rearing.

Shoko Kawata's story will mark a before and after, opening a constructive debate so that Japanese politics can adapt to the realities of 21st-century women.