India, July 20 -- Shoko Kawata, 35, will become the first serving Japanese mayor to take maternity leave when she steps back from her duties in the town of Yawata this September. Her plan - two months off from work around the birth of her first child - has drawn both public support and sharp criticism from senior male politicians.

Kawata announced her decision in May, saying she would take time off before and after the delivery, expected in mid-September. She spoke to her staff first, and arranged for her deputy, Shigeto Nose, to run day-to-day affairs. She will stay involved in big decisions, according to local media.

"I hope my planned leave contributes to a society in which both men and women can participate fully," she said.

The re...