Key Facts
• Kamakura mayoral election scheduled for October 26, 2025.
• Four candidates: one incumbent and three new contenders.
• Incumbent Takashi Matsuo seeks a fifth term; undefeated in past elections.
• Eriko Kurihara, 56, focuses on disaster prevention and opposes city hall relocation.
• Yasuo Umezawa, 73, advocates for green conservation based on landscaping experience.
• Koichi Hirose, 61, proposes unpaid roles for mayor and council members.
• Relocation of Kamakura city hall is a key election issue.
• Kurihara served 8.5 years as a city councilor; Matsuo has 16 years as mayor.
• Umezawa emphasizes wildfire prevention due to climate change risks.
• Hirose highlights second career experience and outdoor hobbies.
• Election results to shape Kamakura’s future policies and leadership.
Summary
The Kamakura mayoral election on October 26, 2025, features four candidates, including incumbent Takashi Matsuo, who seeks a fifth term. Matsuo, known for his undefeated political career, faces three challengers: Eriko Kurihara, Yasuo Umezawa, and Koichi Hirose. Kurihara, a former city councilor, opposes the relocation of Kamakura city hall and focuses on disaster prevention. Umezawa, leveraging his landscaping background, prioritizes green conservation and wildfire prevention. Hirose, an IT consultant, proposes unpaid roles for city officials and emphasizes outdoor activities. The election will address critical issues like city hall relocation and environmental policies, shaping Kamakura’s governance for the next four years.
