Local News

Miyazaki Prefecture Gov. Hideo Higashikokubaru has told several people, including film director/comedian Beat Takeshi, that he does not intend to run for re-election as governor after his first term expires on January 20 next year, reports say. Observers speculate that he might run in the election for the governor of the Tokyo Metropolitan District or the next lower house election. The governor, however, has told the press that he hasn’t made up his mind yet whether he will seek a second term.