Former City Councilor Kenya Sugimoto Elected Mayor of Ito City Following Scandal-Plagued Election
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Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture – In a decisive election held on December 14, 2025, former city councilor Kenya Sugimoto, 43, secured victory in the mayoral race for Ito City. The election followed the tumultuous resignation of former Mayor Maki Takubo, 55, amidst allegations of misrepresenting his educational background. Sugimoto’s win signals a potential turning point for the city, which has been grappling with administrative instability and a need for renewed leadership.
A Mandate for Change After a Period of Turmoil
Sugimoto, nominated by the public, campaigned on a platform of transparency and a “sounder city administration,” directly addressing the concerns that arose following Takubo’s departure. Takubo, despite appealing to voters with a promise to break free from entrenched interests, ultimately failed to regain public trust. Around 11 p.m. on election night, Sugimoto addressed jubilant supporters, declaring his commitment to revitalizing the stalled city government and ushering in a new era for Ito City.
“I will move forward with the city administration, which has stalled. I will change Ito City,” Sugimoto stated, reflecting a determination to address the issues that have plagued the region.
Earthquake Concerns Highlight Need for Strong Leadership
The election period coincided with seismic activity in the Tohoku region, prompting Sugimoto to emphasize the critical need for strong leadership during times of crisis. He expressed dismay over the absence of leadership during the recent earthquakes, stating, “I felt even more horrified that leaders are not present during disasters.” This sentiment resonated with voters concerned about the city’s preparedness and responsiveness to emergencies.
A Crowded Field and Low Threshold for Victory
The mayoral race featured a crowded field of nine candidates, resulting in a fragmented vote. This meant that no candidate reached the legally mandated threshold of one-quarter of all valid votes for an outright win, initially raising the possibility of a re-election. However, Sugimoto ultimately exceeded this requirement, securing his position as the city’s new leader. Official results showed Sugimoto receiving 13,522 votes, surpassing the necessary threshold.
Addressing Key Issues: Tourism, Rising Prices, and Administrative Reform
Sugimoto’s immediate priorities include rebuilding the city’s administration, which has been in disarray for the past six months following the allegations against Takubo. He also faces the pressing challenges of revitalizing the local tourism industry and mitigating the impact of rising prices on residents. According to the city, the recent mayoral election cost 37 million yen, adding to the 63 million yen spent on the October municipal election triggered by Takubo’s dissolution of the city council, bringing the total election expenses to 100 million yen.
Transition of Power and Reactions from Opponents
Under the public office election law, Sugimoto will be sworn in as mayor on December 15th, the day his election is officially announced. Tatsuya Ono, 62, nominated by the Liberal Democratic Party and a former mayor himself, conceded defeat gracefully, acknowledging the voters’ preference for a fresh perspective.
“My strength is insufficient. I will accept the result,” Ono stated to his supporters. He attributed his loss to voters’ desire for “youthful power rather than going back to the past,” and expressed hope that Sugimoto would avoid further division within the city administration.
Sugimoto’s victory represents a clear mandate for change in Ito City, and residents will be closely watching his efforts to address the challenges facing the region and deliver on his promises of a more transparent and effective government.
