Key Facts
• April 12: Toyonaka City mayoral election officially announced.
• Four candidates running: Kimitaka Kamikaji (51, independent, welfare business owner), Taku Ichihashi (38, Osaka Ishin no Kai, former city councilor), Shigeki Osanai (67, incumbent, independent, supported by LDP, Komeito, DPJ, and Komeito), Hiroki Nakano (44, independent, former city councilor).
• Main election issue: continuation versus reform of city administration.
• Kamikaji pledges welfare upgrades and new multi-functional public facility.
• Ichihashi calls for thorough reforms, supported by Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura.
• Osanai emphasizes mission to protect Toyonaka and steady governance.
• Nakano promotes independent politics and proper foreign resident policies.
• Six newcomers contest three vacant city council seats.
• Voting day for mayoral and council elections: April 19.
• Registered voters as of April 11: 334,596.
Summary
The Toyonaka City mayoral election, announced on April 12, features four candidates debating whether to continue current policies or pursue reform. Incumbent Shigeki Osanai seeks a third term with broad party support, emphasizing steady leadership. Challenger Kimitaka Kamikaji, a welfare business owner with visual impairment, focuses on enhancing welfare services and building a new multi-purpose public facility. Taku Ichihashi, backed by the regional party Osaka Ishin no Kai and Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura, advocates for comprehensive reforms to prevent Toyonaka from lagging behind neighboring Osaka City. Hiroki Nakano, running as a fully independent candidate after leaving Ishin, stresses politics free from ties and calls for proper foreign resident policies. Alongside the mayoral race, six newcomers compete for three vacant city council seats. Both elections will be held on April 19, with over 330,000 registered voters expected to participate.
