Sawako Naito, who at 36 became Japan's youngest female mayor in 2020, has decided not to run for re-election after enduring a tumultuous four years in Tokushima. During her time in office, Naito faced a barrage of unfounded rumors and confrontations, many of which were attributed to her gender and age. These unjustified voices, including false claims of pregnancy and sordid relationships, took a toll on Naito, leading her to speak out about the challenges she faced as a young woman in politics.
In an interview, Naito expressed the hardships she encountered, mentioning the influx of slanderous remarks and comments that seemed to target her as a young woman rather than addressing her policies or capabilities. Despite her initial inspiration to encourage other women to enter politics, Naito revealed that the negative experiences she endured changed the mind of a young woman who aspired to follow in her footsteps. Emphasizing the importance of solidarity among women in male-dominated fields, Naito highlighted the support she received from female politicians, business executives, and researchers, intending to empower each other and pave the way for future generations of women.
Throughout her term, Naito aimed to focus on community building and women's empowerment, seeking to make a positive impact despite the divisive nature of Tokushima politics. Her decision not to seek re-election stemmed from a desire to distance herself from the confrontational structure within the political arena, expressing a reluctance to engage in the history of discord that surrounded previous administrations. Despite the challenges she faced, Naito remained committed to her vision of operating independently and pursuing her goals from a standpoint of unity rather than discord.