Ryosuke Takashima, mayor of Ashiya in Hyogo Prefecture, is among Time¡¯s 100 most influential emerging people, according to the list released by the U.S. magazine on Tuesday.

Takashima, who became the youngest-ever mayor in Japan at age 26 in 2023, was chosen in the category of leaders of the 2025 Time100 Next list of the world¡¯s most influential rising stars.

¡°In Japan, a country shaped by its gerontocratic politics, Ryosuke Takashima is breaking the mold,¡± the magazine said.

¡°Takashima has prioritized reforms that benefit younger generations,¡± it said.

The magazine added, ¡°He has also emphasized transparency, holding open dialogues so that constituents feel heard and understand the changes being made.¡±

Japanese people who have been listed in the past include lawmaker Shinjiro Koizumi and Rina Gonoi, a former member of the Self-Defense Forces who spoke out about sexual abuse by male colleagues.