Japan's 1st Sitting Female Local Chief on Maternity Leave Gives Birth
Tokyo, Sept. 16 (Jiji Press)--Shoko Kawata, the 36-year-old mayor of the city of Yawata in Kyoto Prefecture, who is believed to be the first sitting female local government chief in Japan to take maternity leave, gave birth to her first child, a baby girl, on Tuesday, the city government said Wednesday. Both the mother and child are healthy, according to the city. Kawata commented throug...
Mayor Shoko Kawata of Yawata City, Kyoto Prefecture, has given birth to a baby girl, according to the city's announcement on Wednesday. This marks a historic moment as Kawata is believed to be the first sitting mayor in Japan to take maternity leave. Both the newborn and the mayor are reported to be in good health. In a statement, Kawata expressed her gratitude to the supporters, city hall staff who covered her duties during her absence, and all those involved in the process.
Local government heads in Japan are not covered by the Labor Standards Law, so Kawata is utilizing the provisions of the Local Autonomy Law. This law states that the deputy mayor assumes duties in cases of "emergency." Kawata had previously announced that she would take eight weeks of maternity leave, starting from July 20. Following her return, she intends to attend major events while maintaining a "flexible" work schedule, which includes the possibility of working from home instead of taking parental leave.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
