In a significant political win for the Conservative Party of Japan, Hirosawa Ichiro emerged victorious in the mayoral election held on Sunday in Nagoya, located in Aichi Prefecture. This victory marks a pivotal moment for the city’s governance as it transitions to new leadership.
Hirosawa, who previously served as the city’s deputy mayor, garnered additional support from the regional party GenzeiNippon, highlighting a coalition of local political factions rallying behind him.
Among Hirosawa’s notable rivals was Otsuka Kohei, a former Upper House lawmaker with substantial backing from major political entities including the Liberal Democratic Party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, Komeito, and the Democratic Party for the People, showcasing a competitive political landscape.
Hirosawa, who is 60 years old, previously held the deputy mayor position under Kawamura Takashi for four years, transitioning from his role in the Aichi prefectural assembly. Running as Kawamura’s chosen successor, he aimed to maintain continuity in leadership and policy.
In his campaign, Hirosawa pledged to uphold the framework of policies established by his predecessor, including plans for a significant reduction in residence tax and ambitious initiatives to restore the historic main tower of Nagoya Castle using traditional timber techniques.
With his commitment to continuing the former mayor’s vision, Hirosawa resonated strongly with voters, which likely contributed to his electoral success.
According to an NHK exit poll, a considerable 34 percent of Nagoya voters reported relying on traditional newspapers for information to make their voting decision, while 20 percent turned to social media and online video platforms, and 19 percent utilized television as their primary source of election coverage.
Interestingly, younger voters aged in their teens to 40s showed a pronounced preference for social media and online video content, indicating a shift in how information is consumed in the digital age.
Social media’s influence was notably observed in the recent Hyogo gubernatorial election, where Saito Motohiko’s victory was attributed to strong online engagement. In a similar vein, individuals who produced video content for Saito traveled to Nagoya to document Hirosawa’s campaign efforts.
While it is unlikely that election outcomes can be solely determined by social media dynamics, both Hirosawa and Otsuka acknowledged the platform’s impact on their campaign results during their post-election discussions.
Hirosawa expressed his realization of the internet’s potential influence, reflecting on how it shaped the electoral narrative.
Conversely, Otsuka raised concerns about the negative implications of misinformation and slander spread across online channels, notably a series of accusations suggesting he supported tax increases, which may have swayed voter perceptions.
What specific challenges do you believe Nagoya will face during your term, and how do you plan to address them?
**Interview with Ichiro Hirosawa: New Mayor of Nagoya**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Mayor Hirosawa. Congratulations on your recent election victory! This seems like a pivotal moment for Nagoya. How do you feel about stepping into this role?
**Ichiro Hirosawa:** Thank you very much! I’m honored to take on this responsibility and grateful for the support from the community and my political allies. This victory is not just mine; it reflects the collective efforts of everyone who believes in our vision for Nagoya’s future.
**Interviewer:** You previously served as deputy mayor under Takashi Kawamura. What aspects of his administration do you plan to continue, and what new initiatives do you hope to introduce?
**Ichiro Hirosawa:** I intend to maintain continuity with the successful policies of the Kawamura administration, particularly those focusing on urban development and public welfare. For instance, we will continue our efforts on infrastructure improvement and sustainable city planning. Additionally, I’m keen on introducing new initiatives that address modern challenges, like enhancing digital services for residents and improving our city’s resilience to climate change.
**Interviewer:** Your support from the regional party GenzeiNippon shows a coalition of local political factions backing you. How critical is this support for your administration, and how do you plan to work with these partners?
**Ichiro Hirosawa:** The backing of GenzeiNippon and other local factions is crucial for effective governance. Collaboration is key; I plan to foster open communication and shared goals among all parties to ensure we can address the issues facing our city collectively. We all want what’s best for Nagoya, and I believe that unity will lead us to successful solutions.
**Interviewer:** Your main challenger, Otsuka Kohei, had significant support from multiple major political parties. How do you interpret the competitive landscape you faced during this election?
**Ichiro Hirosawa:** The competitive landscape highlights the diverse political opinions in Nagoya. I respect Otsuka’s campaign and the support he garnered; it shows that residents are engaged and invested in their local governance. Moving forward, I aim to unify these voices and ensure that all citizens feel heard and represented in my administration.
**Interviewer:** what message do you have for the citizens of Nagoya as you take on this new role?
**Ichiro Hirosawa:** I want to assure everyone that I am committed to serving with transparency and integrity. My door will always be open to you, and I look forward to working together to make Nagoya a better place for all. Let’s embark on this journey for progress hand in hand.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mayor Hirosawa. We wish you the best of luck in your new role!
**Ichiro Hirosawa:** Thank you! I appreciate your support.