Key Facts
• Imizu mayoral election announced yesterday; Mayor Genji Natsuno re-elected unopposed for fifth term.
• Natsuno, 53, first elected in 2009 after defeating the incumbent in a direct contest.
• Re-elected unopposed in 2017, 2021, and now 2025, marking three consecutive unopposed wins.
• Imizu City formed in 2005 through the merger of five municipalities; celebrates 20th anniversary this year.
• Population declined from 96,400 in 2005 to 89,500 as of last month, a 7.1% decrease.
• City aims to reduce public facility floor space by 20% over 40 years starting 2015.
• Reduced facilities from 414 to 386 in the past decade; further restructuring needed due to aging infrastructure.
• Mayor Natsuno emphasizes creating a city that attracts former residents and maintains vitality.
• Liquefaction countermeasures for Noto Peninsula earthquake to begin next month with groundwater lowering tests.
• Imizu City Council election also announced; 30 candidates competing for 20 seats, with voting on November 16.
Summary
Genji Natsuno has been re-elected unopposed as mayor of Imizu City for a fifth term, continuing his leadership since 2009. Facing challenges such as population decline and aging infrastructure, Natsuno plans to focus on revitalizing the city and making it attractive for former residents to return. Imizu, formed in 2005 through a merger, marks its 20th anniversary this year. The city has already reduced public facilities by 6.8% over the past decade and aims for a 20% reduction by 2055. Additionally, earthquake liquefaction countermeasures will begin next month. Meanwhile, the city council election sees 30 candidates vying for 20 seats, with results expected on November 16.
