Key Facts
• November 9, 2025: Kamisu mayoral election ends in a tie with 16,724 votes each.
• Candidates: Incumbent Susumu Ishida (67) and newcomer Toshiyuki Kiuchi (64).
• Decision made via lottery per Japan’s Public Offices Election Act.
• Toshiyuki Kiuchi declared winner; 219 invalid votes recorded.
• November 10, 2025: Ishida’s camp files an objection to the election results.
• November 11, 2025: Kamisu Election Commission accepts the objection.
• November 26, 2025: Full recount of 33,667 votes scheduled at Kamisu Civic Gymnasium.
• Recount results will determine if the lottery outcome stands or further action is needed.
• If Ishida’s votes exceed Kiuchi’s, a new election meeting will be held.
• Ballots sealed and securely stored since November 9, 2025.
Summary
The Kamisu mayoral election in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, concluded dramatically on November 9, 2025, with both candidates-incumbent Susumu Ishida and newcomer Toshiyuki Kiuchi-receiving 16,724 votes each. A lottery, conducted under Japan’s Public Offices Election Act, declared Kiuchi the winner. However, Ishida’s camp filed an objection, citing concerns over vote validity. The Kamisu Election Commission accepted the objection and scheduled a full recount of all 33,667 votes for November 26, 2025. The recount will be publicly conducted at the Kamisu Civic Gymnasium. If the recount confirms Kiuchi’s win or results in another tie, the lottery outcome will stand. However, if Ishida’s votes surpass Kiuchi’s, a new election meeting will be convened to determine the winner. The ballots have been securely stored since the election. The recount’s outcome could lead to further appeals or solidify the lottery’s decision.
