Key Facts
• 2009: Yuzaki elected Hiroshima Governor at age 44, serving four terms (16 years).
• Introduced “annual salary system” for senior officials in October 2010.
• 2010: First governor in Japan to take parental leave after the birth of his third child.
• 2012: Launched “Almost There! Hiroshima” tourism campaign, gaining 1.4 million website visits in a month.
• Reversed controversial Tomonoura Bridge project and preserved historic Hiroshima Army Clothing Depot.
• 2019: Opened Eichi Academy, a boarding school emphasizing English education.
• 2021: Established Eikei University, focusing on social system design.
• August 6, 2025: Criticized nuclear deterrence as a “fiction” during Hiroshima Peace Memorial speech.
• Published “Hiroshima Report” to evaluate global nuclear disarmament efforts.
• Faced criticism in 2020 for proposing to use staff COVID-19 relief funds for other purposes.
• Investigated for alleged bid-rigging and falsified disaster recovery documents.
• Opposed extended terms, ending his tenure on November 28, 2025.
Summary
Hiroshima Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki, who served four terms over 16 years, will not seek re-election. His tenure was marked by innovative policies, including the introduction of an annual salary system for senior officials and being the first Japanese governor to take parental leave. Yuzaki also spearheaded notable projects like the “Almost There! Hiroshima” tourism campaign and the establishment of Eichi Academy and Eikei University. He made bold political decisions, such as reversing the Tomonoura Bridge project and advocating for nuclear disarmament. However, his leadership faced criticism over controversial proposals and investigations into administrative misconduct. Yuzaki’s term concludes on November 28, 2025, leaving a legacy of both progress and challenges.
