Japan's Maternity Leave Pioneer Faces Backlash at Home and Abroad Shoko Kawata's decision to take maternity leave as the mayor of Yawata has sparked both widespread support and heated criticism.
The 33 year old became the youngest female mayor in Japan last year, but her choice to prioritize motherhood over municipal duties has exposed the country's deep seated resistance to change.
Japan's yawning gender gap is particularly pronounced in its male dominated politics.