Sawako Naito made history in April 2020 when she became Japan's youngest female mayor in Tokushima, but after enduring four years of unfounded rumors and confrontations, she announced that she would not seek re-election once her term ends. Throughout her tenure, Naito faced challenges such as being targeted with false rumors about her personal life, including speculation about her weight, relationships, and age, which caused her significant distress.
The 40-year-old mayor spoke out about the struggles she faced as a young woman in politics, expressing how comments unrelated to policy and gender bias affected her ability to govern. Naito emphasized a shift in perspective that occurred within a young woman she knew who aspired to be a politician, subsequently changing her mind after witnessing the difficulties Naito encountered. Despite the hardships she faced, Naito sought solace in connecting with other female leaders to empower each other and pave the way for future generations of women in leadership roles.