Japan's Youngest Female Mayor at 33 Born... "Young but Works Surely" [Nihonjin Side]

Kawata Shoko Kyoto Yawata Mayor
Born in 1990... From City Hall Employee to Mayor

Recently in Japan, a 33-year-old youngest female mayor was elected, drawing significant attention. Japanese media have been reporting daily interviews with her, expressing high expectations for the young mayor's future actions. Today, we share the story of Kawata Shoko, who was elected mayor of Yawata City, Kyoto.

Mayor Kawata was born on August 30, 1990. She is 33 years old this year. After graduating from Kyoto University with a degree in Business Administration, she started working at Kyoto City Hall in 2015. She was assigned to the Department of Welfare and Living, where her role involved cycling daily around her assigned district to visit residents' homes, providing lifestyle consultations and welfare support. She worked as a city hall employee until 2022, after which she began serving as a secretary under Santo Akiko, a former actress turned politician and a member of the Liberal Democratic Party in the House of Councillors.

Shoko Kawata Kyoto Yawata Market. (Photo by Shoko Kawata)

Then, on September 8, when the mayor announced his resignation, a by-election was held. Kawata ran as a candidate recommended by three parties: the Liberal Democratic Party, the Constitutional Democratic Party, and Komeito, aiming to continue the succession.

She proposed securing funds necessary for childcare support under the concept of "creating streets that approach citizens."

On November 12, the election results showed that Mayor Kawata won her first term by defeating the second-place candidate by about 2,000 votes. This was a case where a city hall employee was elected mayor.

Mayor Kawata says her experience working in the Department of Welfare and Living was extremely helpful. She realized that responding to citizens' concerns and needs is more difficult than expected. For example, when she visited a home where two children were neglected, she contacted the child consultation center regarding child abuse, but was told they could not respond due to an overwhelming workload. The children appeared surprisingly normal at school, so no one thought to coordinate with other protective agencies. She candidly admitted that this experience made her aware of the reality of blind spots where support does not reach.

Kawata Shoko giving a speech. (Photo by Kawata Shoko SNS)

Japanese media showed interest in the youngest female mayor. In an interview with Mainichi, she said, "I do not consider being the youngest female a weapon. In fact, an ideal society is one where so many women are active that being a woman is not even noticed." She added, "Being the youngest female is just an option. I want to engage in city administration based on my experience as a Kyoto city employee and a secretary to a member of the National Diet."

Recently, the rise of young politicians has been noticeable in Japan. In May, a 26-year-old became the youngest mayor ever inaugurated in Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture. Even in Japan, known for its conservative political atmosphere, winds of change seem to be blowing gradually.

She expressed her desire to be a mayor who cooperates with citizens by saying "Let's do it together," rather than a mayor who receives requests like "Please do this." In particular, she emphasized, "I do not become complacent because of the attention I have received. Although young, I am determined to be known as someone who works diligently."