# A mayor in Japan announced her maternity leave - and got the whole country talking

- Published: 2026-07-02T22:00:11Z
- Updated: 2026-07-03T16:14:16Z
- Section: Breaking
- Language: English (en)
- Source: BBC News — https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1mykzj15xno?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Tags: BBC News · Top News
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In the face of criticism, Shoko Kawata, 35, says she loves her job and is proud to be taking time off to have a baby.

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