The mayoral election was announced on May 31. Five candidates, all independents, filed their candidacies: incumbent Naoto Sakai (54), seeking a third term; newcomer Koichiro Yoshida (59), a former metropolitan assembly member; Kojiro Ishikura (28), a former parts manufacturing company employee; Takehiro Morikawa (31), a staff member; and Mikio Akiike (68), a disaster prevention specialist. The debate is expected to center on the redevelopment project, which was scrapped due to soaring costs.

First words from each candidate

Sakai gave his first speech at the north exit…

Naoto Sakai

Naoto Sakai is a contemporary Japanese artist known for his hyper-realistic sculptures and installations that explore themes of identity, memory, and the passage of time. Born in 1969 in Nagasaki, Sakai gained recognition for his life-sized human figures and detailed recreations of everyday objects, often incorporating subtle distortions or surreal elements. His work has been exhibited internationally, reflecting on the relationship between physical reality and psychological perception.

Koichiro Yoshida

Koichiro Yoshida is a Japanese artist known for his intricate, hand-cut paper sculptures that explore themes of nature, life, and impermanence. His work often involves cutting thousands of tiny holes into large sheets of paper to create detailed, lace-like images of human figures, animals, and organic forms. Yoshida has exhibited internationally, drawing attention for his meditative and meticulous process that reflects traditional Japanese aesthetics combined with contemporary conceptual art.

Kojiro Ishikura

Kojiro Ishikura is a historic pottery district located in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, Japan, known for its traditional Bizen ware ceramics. The area developed during the Edo period as a hub for kiln workers and merchants, and it retains its old-fashioned streetscape with preserved earthen walls and tile-roofed buildings. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into Japan’s ceramic heritage, with numerous pottery studios, galleries, and workshops still operating in the neighborhood.

Takehiro Morikawa

Takehiro Morikawa is not a place or cultural site, but rather the name of a Japanese professional golfer. Born in 2001, Morikawa turned professional in 2019 and quickly rose to prominence by winning multiple major championships, including the PGA Championship in 2020 and The Open Championship in 2021. He is known for his exceptional iron play and has become one of the most successful golfers of his generation.

Mikio Akiike

Mikio Akiike is a notable Japanese architect, best known for designing the iconic **Kurashiki Ivy Square** in Okayama Prefecture, a cultural complex that repurposes a historic 19th-century textile mill. His work reflects a philosophy of preserving industrial heritage while adapting it for modern use, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with functional design. Akiike’s contributions highlight the importance of architectural conservation in Japan’s post-war development.