Mr. Yamanaka shaking hands with supporters after securing re-election in the Yokohama mayoral race, around 8:50 PM on the 3rd, at his office in Naka Ward, Yokohama.

The Yokohama mayoral election held on the 3rd resulted in the re-election of incumbent independent candidate Takeharu Yamanaka (52), who secured a second term by defeating five new candidates. The election centered on evaluating Yamanaka’s first four-year term, with contenders like former Nagano Governor Yasuo Tanaka (69) advocating for a « fresh start » in city governance. However, voters chose continuity. The voter turnout was 41.64%, down 7.41 points from the previous election.

The mayoral race saw six candidates, the second-highest number in history. Yamanaka, backed by local business leaders under the « All Yokohama » banner, secured strong support from the city’s largest Liberal Democratic Party faction, Komeito’s three district branches, and the Constitutional Democratic Party’s prefectural chapter, along with endorsement from the Kanagawa Federation of Labor Unions.

During the campaign, Yamanaka highlighted his first-term achievements, particularly in childcare support policies, aiming to sustain the resulting « positive cycle » for further growth. His second-term pledges included expanding free healthcare coverage up to age 18, improving regional transportation, and accelerating disaster preparedness measures.

Former city assembly member Tokumi Takahashi (56), who left the LDP, proposed a new transit system for western Yokohama and a lodging tax. Tanaka, in his second bid, pushed for abolishing the Yokohama Green Tax and establishing « community hubs for children and seniors, » but fell short.

Mr. Yamanaka (center) greeting supporters after securing re-election in the Yokohama mayoral race, around 8:00 PM on the 3rd, at his office in Naka Ward, Yokohama.

Former company employee Naoaki Saito (60) advocated for a 5% cut in municipal taxes, while produce wholesaler association chairman Masatake Koyama (76) proposed turning gymnasiums into disaster relief bases. Business owner Atsushi Fukuyama (36) promoted creating a « business promotion bureau, » but neither gained significant traction.

Yamanaka, a graduate of Waseda University and former professor at Yokohama City University’s medical school, won his first term in the previous election with support from the Constitutional Democratic and Communist Parties, defeating seasoned opponents. He fulfilled a key pledge by implementing free healthcare for children up to ninth grade and introduced a unique childbirth subsidy program, though he postponed extending free senior transit passes to those aged 75 and above.

The previous election, which centered on the controversial integrated resort (IR) project including a casino, saw a 49.05% turnout.

[Analysis] The True Test Begins in the Second Term

Yokohama

Yokohama is Japan’s second-largest city, located south of Tokyo, and is renowned for its vibrant port, cultural diversity, and modern attractions. It became a major international trading port after the country opened to foreign commerce in 1859, leading to the establishment of historic districts like Yamate and Kannai, blending Western and Japanese influences. Today, Yokohama is famous for landmarks such as the futuristic Minato Mirai district, the scenic Sankeien Garden, and its rich history as a gateway for global exchange.

Naka Ward

Naka Ward is a central district in Yokohama, Japan, known for its vibrant cultural sites and historical significance. It is home to the iconic Yamate area, which features Western-style residences from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting Yokohama’s early international influence as a port city. The ward also includes attractions like the Yokohama Chinatown, one of the largest in the world, adding to its rich multicultural heritage.

Nagano

Nagano is a city in Japan’s Chūbu region, famous for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics and its historic Zenkō-ji Temple, which dates back to the 7th century. The temple is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site and houses a revered hidden Buddha statue. Surrounded by the Japanese Alps, Nagano is also a popular destination for skiing, hot springs, and scenic mountain landscapes.

All Yokohama

« All Yokohama » likely refers to the vibrant port city of Yokohama, Japan, which is known for its rich history as one of the first Japanese ports opened to foreign trade in 1859. Today, it blends modern attractions like Minato Mirai with historic sites such as the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse and Japan’s largest Chinatown. The city reflects a unique mix of international influence and traditional Japanese culture.

Liberal Democratic Party

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is Japan’s dominant political party, founded in 1955 through the merger of conservative groups. It has governed Japan almost continuously since its creation, playing a key role in the country’s post-war economic growth and political stability. Known for its pro-business and nationalist policies, the LDP has faced occasional opposition but remains a central force in Japanese politics.

Komeito

Komeito (公明党, Kōmeitō), also known as the Clean Government Party, is a Japanese political party founded in 1964, originally affiliated with the Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai. It advocates centrist policies, social welfare, and pacifism, often aligning with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in coalition governments. The party has played a significant role in Japanese politics, balancing religious influences with pragmatic governance.

Constitutional Democratic Party

The Constitutional Democratic Party (Kadets) was a liberal political party in the Russian Empire, founded in 1905 during the revolutionary period. It advocated for a constitutional monarchy, civil rights, and democratic reforms, playing a key role in the short-lived Dumas before being suppressed by the Bolsheviks after the 1917 Revolution. The party’s legacy represents early Russian liberalism and opposition to autocratic rule.

Waseda University

Waseda University, founded in 1882 by scholar and politician Ōkuma Shigenawa, is one of Japan’s most prestigious private universities, located in Tokyo. Known for its liberal ethos and academic excellence, it has produced numerous influential leaders in politics, business, and culture. The university’s historic main building, a symbol of its heritage, reflects its blend of Western and Japanese educational traditions.