Hokkaido governor elections could prove vital for IR hopes

The upcoming local body governor elections in Japan, scheduled on April 7, could prove vital for the IR ambitions of some of the Prefectures, including Hokkaido.

Naomichi Suzuki, former mayor of Yubari city and supported by both the LDP and Komeito in this election, said, “I will take into consideration all of the advantages and disadvantages to make the decision.” On the other hand, Tomohiro Ishikawa, former member of the lower house and supported by the five opposition parties in this election, stands firmly against an IR.

Local gubernatorial elections affecting IRs are also being held in Kanagawa and Osaka, although the Osaka vote is more about when, rather than if, an IR will open.