Key Facts
• Kazuhiko Oigawa, 61, aims for a third term as Ibaraki governor in September.
• Announcement expected by May, ahead of the term’s September expiration.
• Oigawa informed some Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) officials of his decision.
• Initially expected to announce during the June prefectural assembly session.
• Oigawa’s background: Mito First High School, University of Tokyo Law, former Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry official.
• Served as director at video platform company Dwango after leaving public service in 2003.
• First elected governor in 2017 with LDP and Komeito endorsements, now in his second term.
• March 26: Oigawa avoided confirming his candidacy, focusing on current governance.
• LDP Ibaraki chapter head, Toru Unno, stated no formal endorsement request yet.
• No other candidates have declared for the upcoming election as of now.
• Political groups that fielded candidates in 2017 and 2021 are seeking nominees via public applications.
Summary
Kazuhiko Oigawa, the current governor of Ibaraki Prefecture, has decided to run for a third term in the upcoming gubernatorial election, with an official announcement expected by May. Oigawa, 61, has a distinguished background, including roles in Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry and as a director at Dwango, a video platform company. First elected in 2017 with endorsements from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, he is currently serving his second term. While Oigawa has yet to formally request LDP support for his re-election, the party’s local chapter has expressed willingness to endorse him. No other candidates have declared their candidacy for the election, and political groups are actively seeking nominees. Oigawa’s focus remains on advancing governance in Ibaraki, as he prepares to announce his candidacy.
