Key Facts
• Nagano Governor Shuichi Abe, 64, announced candidacy on July 29, 2025.
• Election for National Governors’ Association chair set for August 26, 2025.
• Abe highlighted Japan’s aging systems amid an 80-year post-war population decline.
• Stressed governors’ unity to rebuild Japan with local expertise.
• Requires endorsements from at least five governors to run.
• Gained support from Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura and others in the Chubu region.
• Chair term lasts two years; Abe’s gubernatorial term ends in over a year.
• Abe undecided on running for re-election as Nagano governor in 2026.
• Current chair, Yoshihiro Murai of Miyagi, announced retirement on July 28, 2025.
Summary
Nagano Governor Shuichi Abe declared his candidacy for the National Governors’ Association chair on July 29, 2025, ahead of the August 26 election. Abe emphasized the need for governors to unite and address Japan’s aging systems and population decline, pledging to lead efforts to rebuild the nation. He has secured support from Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura and others in the Chubu region, meeting the requirement of five endorsements. While the chair term spans two years, Abe’s gubernatorial term ends in just over a year, leaving his 2026 re-election plans undecided. Current chair Yoshihiro Murai of Miyagi will step down after his term ends.
