Key Facts
• Naka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, planned a new city hall since its 2005 merger.
• The project was set for completion by 2029, with a budget of ¥4–6 billion.
• Special merger bonds covering up to 70% of costs were available until 2030.
• March 2025: Location approved at Namigata Regional Medical Center site.
• September 7, 2025: Toshimi Takasu, opposing the plan, won the mayoral election.
• Takasu cited population decline, aging, and inflation as reasons to halt the project.
• Concerns included reduced medical services and insufficient public support.
• The city will maintain its current three-office system and focus on service quality.
Summary
Naka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, has canceled its long-debated new city hall project following the election of Toshimi Takasu as mayor. The project, planned since the 2005 merger of three towns, aimed to consolidate administrative offices by 2029 with a budget of ¥4–6 billion, partially funded by special merger bonds. Despite progress, including a March 2025 approval for the site at Namigata Regional Medical Center, Takasu’s campaign to halt the plan resonated with voters. He cited financial concerns, population decline, and public opposition. Additionally, fears of reduced medical services at the center further fueled resistance. Takasu plans to retain the current three-office system and prioritize improving public services.
