Although there are legal maternity and paternity leaves, which guarantee free time and partial compensation of income, not everyone enjoys them.

Women can receive it six weeks before their due date and eight weeks after giving birth. Parents get up to four weeks of flexible paid leave within eight weeks of the child’s birth.

Both parents are also entitled to childcare leave until the child turns one year old, during which eligible employees receive 67% of their salary for the first 180 days and 50% thereafter. From April 2025, some parents can receive more support during the first 28 days if both parents take leave.

“I think a lot of people are looking at how situations like this, when a woman gives birth as a mayor, can be handled in practice,” says Vice Mayor Shigeto Nose.

The 62-year-old father of two will exercise full mayoral authority during Kawata’s absence, discussing important matters with her remotely once a week.

He never took any parental leave and left virtually all childcare to his wife. “When I got home, I was tired. Even if the baby cried during the night, I left it with my wife. Now, looking back, I really feel like it’s something I should reflect on.”

Now, her son-in-law will take six months off work to help his daughter take care of her second child. “Seeing that makes me happy. Times have really changed and it’s great to see them working together like that.”

Kawata says that part of the criticism against her comes from the strong belief that those who hold certain positions – such as public office – must abandon their private lives and dedicate themselves completely to the people.

When asked what her future child will think about the attention surrounding her pregnancy, she says, “I really hope they’re surprised.”

“I think we really need to create a society where it is common for women to do both and not have to choose between working and having a family.”