Japan's Youngest Female Mayor Steps Down
Sawako Naito, who made history in 2020 by becoming Japan's youngest female mayor, has announced she will not seek re-election.
Naito, now 40, cited a challenging four-year term filled with "unfounded rumors" and "confrontations," which she attributed to her gender and age.
"People said I was pregnant when I gained a little weight, or that I was someone's mistress, or that I was having an affair. There were so many untrue rumors about me," she said in an interview.
These "unjustified voices" caused Naito significant distress. She shared that a young woman who had initially aspired to follow in her footsteps changed her mind after witnessing the difficulties Naito faced.
Naito believes a combination of factors contributed to her hardships, including her gender, age, and the political climate in Tokushima city.
To cope with the challenges, Naito sought support from other women in male-dominated fields, finding strength in shared experiences.
"By sharing our stories, we could empower each other," Naito said. "The experiences we shared will be passed on to the generations to come."
Despite the challenges, Naito remains committed to working for women's empowerment and community building.
Her four-year term was marked by "confrontation" and "division" between her supporters and opponents. Naito expressed a desire to avoid such political battles, stating, "I know that many things have happened in the history of politics in Tokushima up to now, but I really did not want to get involved."
Naito's decision not to seek re-election highlights the ongoing challenges faced by women in Japanese politics. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women leaders.