Key Facts
• April 12, 2026: Tama City mayoral election held; incumbent Hiroyuki Abe wins fifth term.
• Masato Matsuda, sole challenger, loses but announces revival of ‘AI Mayor’ persona and group.
• Matsuda declared candidacy day before official start, marking his fourth consecutive run since 2014.
• Previously ran masked as ‘AI Mayor’ in 2024 Tokyo gubernatorial and House elections; ran unmasked this time.
• Matsuda cites need to represent dissatisfied voters; mask and anonymity seen as limiting.
• Plans to reinstate white mask for privacy and anonymity to lower candidacy barriers.
• Former Defense Vice Minister Hiroyuki Miyazawa supported Matsuda during campaign, working as delivery driver anonymously.
• Matsuda stresses high political risks deter ordinary people; aims to create anonymous ‘entry points’ for candidates.
• ‘AI Mayor’ group has fielded multiple candidates; new candidates expected in elections within 2026.
Summary
In the April 12, 2026 Tama City mayoral election, incumbent Hiroyuki Abe secured a fifth term, defeating Masato Matsuda, known as the ‘AI Mayor.’ Although Matsuda lost, he emphasized the significance of preventing an uncontested election by running and receiving voter gratitude. Unlike previous masked campaigns, Matsuda ran openly this time but announced plans to revive his white mask persona to protect privacy and lower barriers for political participation. Highlighting the challenges ordinary candidates face, Matsuda pointed to former politician Hiroyuki Miyazawa’s anonymous work as a delivery driver as an example of political risk. Matsuda intends to continue creating anonymous ‘entry points’ to encourage broader political engagement. The ‘AI Mayor’ movement, which has fielded multiple candidates, is preparing for further participation in upcoming elections within the year.
