Japan's first mayor to take maternity leave lands on TIME100 Next list

Shoko Kawata, Japan's first mayor to take maternity leave, has been named one of the 100 most influential rising stars by TIME Magazine.

The recognition comes weeks after the 36-year-old gave birth to her first child on 15 September.

Earlier this year, Kawata, who is mayor of Yawata City in Kyoto prefecture, was plunged into a national debate about whether elected officials should take time off for childbirth.

Her decision to take maternity leave drew a mix of support and backlash across Japan, a country that is struggling to lift birth rates.

Some on social media said having a baby is tough and Kawata is doing her best. Japanese society has failed to design systems with pregnancy in mind, one claimed. Another said Kawata is setting a wonderful example by putting her family first and making it easier for other women to enter politics.

But critics argued that stepping away from public duties is "irresponsible", and that if Kawata wanted to get pregnant "she should have done so before taking office". One said top officials wanting to take extended leave "should resign".

Others insisted salaries should be cut during maternity leave.

In a sit-down interview with the BBC before giving birth, Kawata brushed off the criticisms, proudly declaring she enjoys her job and believes now is the time for her to have a child and start a family.