NYT
A Mayor Is Taking Maternity Leave in Japan. Some Men Are Furious.
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Title: Japan's First Mayor Takes Maternity Leave
Shoko Kawata became the first sitting mayor in Japan to take maternity leave. Her decision has prompted discussion about parental leave policies and workplace practices in Japan. Some have expressed concerns about the decision, while others have characterized it as a step toward greater workplace flexibility for parents.
Original reporting: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/28/world/asia/japan-mayor-maternity-leave.html