In response to the Prime Minister revealing his intention to dissolve the House of Representatives at the outset of the ordinary Diet session, a total of five municipal leaders issued a joint “emergency statement” on the 19th, criticizing that the move is placing “excessive burdens” on the front lines of administration.
The five leaders are: the Governor of Tokyo, the Governor of Saitama Prefecture, the Governor of Chiba Prefecture, the Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture.
Regarding the current situation of municipalities, the statement mentions that this is “the period of the year when work is most concentrated,” including tasks like drafting the initial budget. It expresses concern that if the national budget for the new fiscal year is not passed within the current fiscal year, “restrictions will arise in (municipal) budget execution, significantly impacting municipal administration.”
It points out that the schedule until the election is short and “municipal election operations are being thrown into disarray.” It notes that they are continuing “extremely tightrope-like adjustments” on matters such as when voter notification cards can be delivered to residents.
Furthermore, it argues that having to handle national economic measures and election duties concentrated in a short period “could have a serious impact on future administrative operations and how staff work.” Stating that “as municipal leaders, we cannot help but have strong concerns,” the statement appeals that this election should be an opportunity to “strongly call for a renewed societal discussion on how the right to dissolve the Diet is exercised by the administration and on systems to prevent its abuse.”
House of Representatives
The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, established by the Constitution in 1789. It is composed of representatives elected from congressional districts based on population, with its primary powers including originating revenue bills and impeaching federal officials.
Diet
“Diet” typically refers to the legislative assembly in countries like Japan, where it is known as the National Diet. Established in 1889 during the Meiji era, it was modeled after European parliamentary systems and became the cornerstone of Japan’s modern constitutional government. Today, it is a bicameral body consisting of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, holding supreme legislative power in Japan.
Tokyo
Tokyo, originally a small fishing village called Edo, rose to prominence after becoming the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603. It was renamed Tokyo (“Eastern Capital”) when the emperor moved there in 1868, beginning the Meiji Restoration. Today, it is a vast, modern metropolis and Japan’s political, economic, and cultural heart, known for seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with historic temples and traditions.
Saitama Prefecture
Saitama Prefecture is a primarily residential and agricultural region bordering Tokyo, historically known as a crucial transportation and supply area for the capital during the Edo period. Today, it is famous for the massive Chichibu Night Festival, a centuries-old event with ornate floats, and the railway museum in its capital city, Saitama, which highlights Japan’s industrial heritage. While modern and developed, it retains traditional charm in areas like the historic town of Kawagoe, often called “Little Edo.”
Chiba Prefecture
Chiba Prefecture is a key region in Japan’s Kanto area, located directly east of Tokyo on the Boso Peninsula. Historically, it was an important agricultural and maritime area, but its modern identity was largely shaped in the 20th century by the development of Narita International Airport (opened 1978) and the Tokyo Disney Resort (opened 1983), transforming it into a major international gateway and tourism hub.
Kanagawa Prefecture
Kanagawa Prefecture is a major coastal region in Japan’s Kanto area, home to the iconic port city of Yokohama and the ancient capital of Kamakura. Its modern history was shaped by the 1854 Kanagawa Convention, which opened Yokohama to foreign trade and marked the end of Japan’s long period of isolation. Today, it blends historical sites like the Great Buddha of Kamakura with modern landmarks such as the Minato Mirai district.
