Six candidates have thrown their hats into the ring for the Fukuoka City mayoral race. The candidates were announced on 11/2 and will campaign until election day on 11/16. By order of their filing, the candidates are Tomoyuki Okawa (37), the director of a non-profit organization, incumbent mayor Soichiro Takashima (40), former LDP-affiliated city councilman Yujiro Kitajima (65), former one-term mayor Hiroshi Yoshida (58), civic group leader Kumiko Takemura (64), and former DPJ-affiliated city councilwoman Kouko Kanaide (67). An urban growth strategy for Kyushu’s largest city and city governance in an aging society are poised to be major issues in the run-up to election day. Although none of the candidates are affiliated to any political parties, the LDP is backing Takashima for the second time and is joined this year by its coalition partner the New Komeito. The DPJ formally endorsed Yoshida in two previous races, but its backing this time around is limited to “voluntary support.” Meanwhile, Takemura has been formally endorsed by the Japanese Communist Party. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 11/3
Photo provided by the City of Fukuoka
