Yokohama: Former Mayor Yamanaka to run in mayoral election

Former Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka has announced his intention to run in the upcoming mayoral election. Yamanaka resigned from his position earlier this month following a third-party investigation that confirmed instances of power harassment against city employees. During a press conference, Yamanaka stated he feels a “responsibility to fulfill the policies promised to citizens.”

The election is scheduled to be officially announced on October 4, with voting taking place on October 18. The race features a crowded field of candidates, including attorney Atsumi Harasawa, businessman Atsushi Fukuyama, former House of Representatives member Kazuma Nakatani, and several others representing various political affiliations and civic groups. The outcome is expected to be influenced by issues such as Integrated Resort (IR) policies and the support of non-partisan voters.