Key Facts
• Tainai mayoral election held on September 14, 2025.
• Incumbent Akihiko Ibata (64) defeated Tomo Susukida (64) by 108 votes.
• Final vote count: Ibata 7,082 votes, Susukida 6,974 votes.
• Voter turnout was 61.51%, 7.23 points lower than 2017.
• Main issues: Ibata’s administration and population decline measures.
• Ibata, born in former Nakajo Town, has held key city administrative roles.
• First elected in 2017, now serving his third consecutive term.
Summary
The Tainai mayoral election concluded on September 14, 2025, with incumbent Akihiko Ibata securing his third consecutive term. Ibata narrowly defeated challenger Tomo Susukida, a former city councilor, by just 108 votes. The final tally recorded 7,082 votes for Ibata and 6,974 for Susukida. Voter turnout was 61.51%, marking a significant drop of 7.23 percentage points compared to the 2017 election. Key campaign issues included the evaluation of Ibata’s administration and strategies to address population decline. Born in the former Nakajo Town, Ibata has an extensive background in city administration, having served as the head of the Health and Welfare Division and the Comprehensive Policy Division. First elected in 2017, this victory marks his third term as mayor.
