Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Japanese Mayor Shoko Kawata Named to TIME100 Next
Shoko Kawata is a mayor in Japan.
She is 36 years old.
Earlier this year, she said she would take maternity leave.
This was unusual because she is the first sitting mayor in Japan reported to do so.
Her decision led to a lot of debate and criticism.
Kawata continued to stand by her decision.
She became well known internationally because of the discussion.
TIME has now included her in its TIME100 Next list of influential rising stars.
Shoko Kawata, 36, is the mayor of Yawata in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.
She became the first sitting mayor in Japan to announce maternity leave.
Her decision prompted widespread debate, criticism and media attention.
Kawata was elected in 2023 and was once Japan’s youngest-ever female mayor.
TIME named her among its 100 most influential rising stars in TIME100 Next.
- Who
- Shoko Kawata, the 36-year-old mayor of Yawata in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.
- What
- She announced that she would take maternity leave and was later named to TIME100 Next.
- When
- She announced the leave earlier this year; TIME recognized her earlier this week.
- Where
- Yawata, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.
- Why
- Her decision attracted debate, criticism and international media attention.
- Person
- Shoko Kawata
- Age
- 36
- Office
- Mayor of Yawata, Kyoto Prefecture
- Historic distinction
- First sitting mayor in Japan to announce maternity leave
- Election
- Elected in 2023
- Recognition
- Named among TIME100 Next’s 100 influential rising stars