Japanese city mayor makes TIME magazine's 100 Next list

The US news magazine TIME has included the mayor of Kyoto's Yawata City, Kawata Shoko, on its annual list of the world's 100 most influential rising stars.

The magazine announced the TIME 100 Next 2026 list on Wednesday, featuring leaders who are shaping the future in their respective fields, including in social activities, entertainment and sports.

In 2023, Kawata Shoko became Japan's youngest-ever female mayor at the age of 33, when she was elected to lead the city of Yawata. The magazine says she made history again earlier this year for a seemingly unremarkable decision: taking maternity leave.

The magazine points out that while Japan provides maternity leave to workers, elected mayors fall outside those labor protections, so, with no precedent to follow, Kawata created one. The magazine says she transferred her authority to the deputy mayor for 16 weeks while continuing to attend briefings remotely and remaining involved in major decisions.

The magazine adds Kawata's decision drew significant backlash, illuminating the pressure working women in Japan continue to face.

Yawata City says Mayor Kawata gave birth to her first child, a girl, on September 15. The city believes she has become the first mayor anywhere in Japan who has given birth while in office.