Nagasaki Governor Kengo Oishi, 43, announced on October 10 that he will run for re-election in the February 2026 gubernatorial race. A former health ministry official and physician, Oishi became Japan’s youngest governor when first elected in 2022. He highlighted achievements including expanding business advisory staff and securing national strategic zone status to ease drone regulations. Oishi pledged to make progress on the remaining section of the West Kyushu Shinkansen and has sought endorsement from the local Liberal Democratic Party branch, also approached by rival candidate and former vice governor Ken Hirata. Source: NBC
Stay informed with the latest Fukuoka & Kyushu news and events in English. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter today and never miss a beat. Opt out anytime, your privacy is our priority. Get the inside scoop with The Now
Summaries based on public content, errors may occur during translation. Images credited independently. Send feedback using this form.