Key Facts
• Debate held on August 17 ahead of Iwaki mayoral election on September 7.
• Three candidates: Hiroyuki Uchida (incumbent), Noboru Usami (former MP), Toshio Shimizu (former mayor).
• High school students raised issues like population decline, disaster prevention, and education.
• Uchida proposed creating a graduate school in Iwaki linked to F-REI for job opportunities.
• Shimizu emphasized supporting existing universities: Medical Creation University and East Japan International University.
• Usami advocated for university plans tied to local resources and future challenges.
• Debate to be streamed on YouTube on August 24 at noon.
• Election schedule: Announcement on August 31, voting on September 7.
Summary
Ahead of the Iwaki mayoral election on September 7, a debate was held on August 17 featuring three candidates: incumbent Hiroyuki Uchida, former MP Noboru Usami, and former mayor Toshio Shimizu. High school students participated, questioning candidates on key issues such as population decline, disaster prevention, and education. Uchida proposed establishing a graduate school in collaboration with F-REI to enhance job opportunities. Shimizu focused on supporting existing universities, while Usami stressed the importance of university plans addressing local resources and future challenges. The debate will be available on YouTube on August 24. The election process begins with the announcement on August 31, followed by voting on September 7.
