TIME100 Next honours Japan mayor Kawata
Japan's first mayor to take maternity leave lands on TIME100 Next list
Friday, 2 October 2026
Warm-up
- What do you think a mayor does each day?
- Is it easy to work and care for a baby? Why or why not?
- What famous lists or awards do you know?
Vocabulary
- mayor
- The elected leader of a town or city government.
- maternity leave
- Time off from work for a mother to have and care for a baby.
- debate
- A public discussion where people share different opinions.
- supporter
- A person who agrees with and helps someone or an idea.
- critic
- A person who says they do not agree and explains why.
- deputy
- A person who is second in charge and can act for the leader.
- remote
- Working from home or another place away from the office.
- policy
- An official plan or set of rules made by an organisation or government.
Reading
Listen to this story
American EnglishShoko Kawata, mayor of Yawata City in Kyoto, was named to TIME's TIME100 Next list of rising stars. The honour came weeks after she gave birth to her first child on 15 September. She is the first mayor in Japan to take maternity leave.
Her choice started a national debate on whether elected officials should take time off for childbirth. Some supporters said having a baby is hard and she is setting a good example. Critics called her decision irresponsible and asked for pay cuts during leave.
There is no legal framework for local elected officials, so Kawata made a plan. She transferred authority to deputy mayor Shigeto Nose for 16 weeks and worked remotely when she could.
After the birth, she thanked people for their support on X. She said she will keep working to improve policies for parents and children in Japan.
Comprehension
- What list did TIME include Shoko Kawata on?
- When did Shoko Kawata give birth to her first child?
- Which city does Shoko Kawata lead as mayor?
- How did she manage her duties during maternity leave?
- What does she plan to work on next in Japan?
Grammar focus
Gerunds and infinitives
A gerund is verb+ing used as a noun (enjoy reading; after prepositions: for/about/after + -ing). An infinitive is to + verb after verbs like want/plan/decide/hope (want to go, plan to help). (Examples constructed.)
- Working remotely can be tiring.
- She hopes to inspire others.
Grammar exercise
Complete each gap with a gerund (-ing) or an infinitive (to + verb).
- She decided (take) ___ maternity leave.
- Supporters talked about (help) ___ parents.
- Critics asked (cut) ___ pay during leave.
- There is no rule for elected officials (take) ___ maternity leave.
- Officials plan (transfer) ___ duties to a deputy.
Discussion
- Should elected leaders be able to take maternity or paternity leave? Why?
- How can a city support parents who are working?
- Is remote work a good option for leaders? Why or why not?
- Do public awards, like lists, help leaders do their jobs?
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