A mayor in Japan’s Kyoto Prefecture has announced plans to take maternity leave later this year, marking what is believed to be the first time a sitting mayor in the country has done so while in office.

Shoko Kawata, the 35-year-old mayor of Yawata city, said Thursday that she will begin maternity leave during the summer ahead of the birth of her first child in mid-September.

According to the city government, Kawata is currently the youngest mayor in Japan and the first serving mayor known to formally take maternity leave after assuming office.

Kawata, who married in December last year, plans to take six to eight weeks of leave before giving birth and an additional eight weeks of partial leave afterward. During her absence, Yawata’s deputy mayor will temporarily carry out the responsibilities of acting mayor.

“I’m surprised to hear that this will be the first case of a mayor taking maternity leave after taking office,” Kawata told reporters. “I’m making arrangements to avoid affecting city administration or the implementation of my campaign pledges.”

The announcement has sparked nationwide discussion about work-life balance, gender equality and expectations placed on women in Japanese politics.

Japan has long struggled with low female representation in political leadership, while workplace culture in both the public and private sectors has often been criticized for discouraging women from balancing careers with family life.

Kawata said she intends to remain involved in city affairs during her leave by receiving updates online and maintaining communication with officials.

After giving birth, she plans to continue working through shorter hours and remote arrangements rather than appointing an acting mayor again.

Political observers say the move could become a symbolic moment for younger generations of female leaders in Japan, where discussions about parental leave and flexible work arrangements have gained momentum in recent years.

Kawata was elected mayor of Yawata in November 2023 as an independent candidate, winning her first mayoral race.

Before entering politics, she worked for the Kyoto city government and later served as a secretary to a member of Japan’s House of Councillors after graduating from Kyoto University.

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