A Mayor Is Taking Maternity Leave in Japan. Some Men Are Furious.
NYT > World News·June 28, 2026

Shoko Kawata has become the first mayor in Japan to take maternity leave, marking a historic milestone in the country. Her decision has sparked a national debate about gender discrimination in the workforce, with some arguing it is a significant step forward for women's rights. However, not everyone is supportive, as some men have expressed outrage over her choice to take leave. The backlash highlights the ongoing challenges faced by working mothers in Japan.
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