Key Facts
• Sanseitō supports Masamune Wada (51) against incumbent Yoshihiro Murai (65).
• Miyagi Governor Election voting and counting scheduled for October 26, 2025.
• Sanseitō leader Shūhei Kamiya calls this election a critical test for future campaigns.
• Five candidates, including Wada and Murai, are running as independents.
• Kamiya criticized Miyagi’s water privatization, sparking conflict with Murai.
• Wada and Sanseitō signed a policy agreement promoting water re-municipalization.
• Sanseitō’s first full-scale involvement in a governor election, following success in 2023.
• Kamiya conducted four speeches in Miyagi and plans further support for Wada.
• Sanseitō aims to expand influence in national governor elections if successful.
• The party previously focused on local elections with higher win probabilities.
Summary
Sanseitō has entered the Miyagi Governor Election, backing Masamune Wada against six-term incumbent Yoshihiro Murai. This marks the party’s first full-scale involvement in a governor race, which leader Shūhei Kamiya describes as a ‘turning point’ for future campaigns. The election follows a conflict over Miyagi’s water privatization, criticized by Kamiya during the 2023 Upper House election. Wada and Sanseitō have aligned on policies, including water re-municipalization. With five candidates running as independents, Sanseitō is leveraging social media and on-ground efforts to support Wada. The party’s recent success in gaining 14 Upper House seats has emboldened its strategy to influence governor elections nationwide.
