New Faces, New Voices: Three Dark Horses Shake Up Arakawa Ward Mayoral Election

The election for the mayor of Arakawa District in Tokyo was announced on the 3rd, and both are an independent newcomer and former district councilor Takashi Machida (50) = Liberal Democratic Party, recommended by Komeito, President of Arakawa District of Communist Party Masamichi Mogi (70) = Recommendation of the Communist Party, former Tokyo councilor Three people, including Manabu Takiguchi (54), stood for election. We vote on the 10th, we count on the 11th. (Akiko Hosokawa, Rina Suzuki)

There is an ongoing debate over the assessment of the district’s administration by Mayor Taichiro Nishikawa (82), who has served five terms for 20 years, and the strengthening of disaster relief and child support.

The by-election for the neighborhood councilor was announced on the 3rd (1 candidate), with the candidacy of a former employee and three new candidates. The elections will be held on the same day as the election of the neighborhood mayor. Since the 2nd, the number of people registered on the electoral lists is 173,078.

[Prime parole di ciascun candidato]

◆Taka Machida: “I’m the only one who can do it without problems.”

During a marching ceremony in front of the district office, he appealed: “I want Arakawa Ward to be able to save as many socially vulnerable people as possible.” He highlighted his career as a ward councilor for three terms and 10 years, and highlighted his achievements, such as his efforts in establishing the ward’s child guidance centre. Members of the Diet of the Liberal Democratic Party and the Komeito, as well as members of the metropolitan and neighborhood assembly who had been recommended, rushed to support him. “The LDP is the one that has the connection with the national government. There are many projects that the department cannot implement alone. I am the only one who can implement them without problems.”

◆Masamichi Mogi “Building a sustainable city”

Taku Yamazoe, chairman of the Communist Party’s Political Committee, stood in front of Machiya Station and criticized the current district administration, saying, “We have put the lives of district residents on the back burner.” The district called for reforms to make district government more people-friendly and advocated for greater support for children’s education, such as free school supplies and the department’s provision of more child care workers. Noting that the department has the financial resources to accumulate funds, he also supported lowering nursing care insurance premiums, noting that it will “build a sustainable city where everyone can continue to live.”

◆ Manabu Takiguchi “Connection with the capital and neighboring municipalities”

Taking a microphone at a shrine near his office near JR Mikawashima Station, he steeled himself and said, “I am prepared for a difficult election.” Drawing on his experience as a three-term member of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, he appealed: “I will connect with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and neighboring local governments to improve the region.” Emphasis is placed on strengthening disaster countermeasures, such as earthquake resistance, fire protection and strengthening initial fire suppression systems. With the progressive reduction of the number of municipal buses, the government focuses its efforts on ensuring a means of transport for the elderly by “exploring all possibilities and options”.