Key Facts
• Early voting for Ishigaki mayoral election started on August 11, 2025.
• Voting will continue until August 16 at the City Hall’s community room.
• Candidates: Former city councilor Yoshiyuki Toita and former mayor Yoshitaka Nakayama.
• Toita is supported by opposition groups, focusing on agriculture, tourism, and public housing.
• Nakayama emphasizes childcare support and sustainable tourism, proposing a Taiwan-Ishigaki shipping route.
• The election follows Nakayama’s resignation after a no-confidence vote in June 2025.
• Toita criticizes Nakayama’s 15-year administration, calling for a “citizen-first” government.
• Nakayama’s campaign highlights reducing living costs via Taiwan imports.
• Both candidates held rallies on August 10, presenting their policies and visions.
• The election will determine whether Ishigaki’s administration sees continuity or change.
Summary
The Ishigaki mayoral election, prompted by former mayor Yoshitaka Nakayama’s resignation, has begun early voting from August 11 to 16, 2025. The race features Nakayama and Yoshiyuki Toita, a former city councilor. Toita, backed by opposition groups, advocates for agricultural and tourism support, public housing, and a critical stance on government evacuation plans. Nakayama, seeking continuity, focuses on childcare, sustainable tourism, and a Taiwan-Ishigaki shipping route to lower living costs. Both candidates held rallies on August 10, emphasizing their platforms. The election will decide whether Ishigaki’s administration continues its current trajectory or undergoes significant reform.
