Key Facts
• Nagano mayoral election set for October 19 announcement, October 26 voting.
• Incumbent Mayor Kenji Ogihara, 55, declared re-election bid on August 26.
• Ogihara aims to address public transportation reform and boost tourism.
• Achievements include disaster response, agricultural promotion, and free child medical fees.
• Ogihara completed all 51 pledges during his first term.
• New candidate Koichi Hiramoto, 59, a business consultant, also declared candidacy.
• Councilor Kazuma Koizumi, 59, is considering running for mayor.
• Ogihara plans to leverage the 2027 Zenkoji Temple event for tourism growth.
Summary
Nagano Mayor Kenji Ogihara officially announced his re-election bid for a second term during a press conference on August 26. The mayoral election will be held on October 26, with the announcement scheduled for October 19. Ogihara, 55, highlighted his achievements, including disaster response, agricultural promotion, and free child medical fees, completing all 51 pledges from his first term. He aims to focus on public transportation reform and enhancing tourism, particularly leveraging the 2027 Zenkoji Temple event. New candidate Koichi Hiramoto, 59, and councilor Kazuma Koizumi, 59, are also potential contenders.
