Shimotsuma Mayor Dies at 67, Deputy Assumes Duties June 15

Toyoji Sudo, 67, the mayor of Shimotsuma in Ibaraki Prefecture, was found dead in a drainage ditch early June 15. Police suspect suicide. Sudo had won his first mayoral election in March, defeating the incumbent by 262 votes. Deputy Mayor Takashi Watanabe now handles city duties until a new mayor is elected within 50 days.

Timeline of Events on June 14-15

Sudo attended a fire drill in the city on the morning of June 14. He returned home before noon, then left again without telling his family where he was going. His family filed a missing person report at 11:15 p.m. Police found his body in a drainage ditch near the Kinugawa River about 1.5 hours later at 12:50 a.m. on June 15. He was found with a rope around his neck. No suicide note was discovered.

Sudo’s Brief Political Career

Sudo served as a city councillor starting in 2002 and later became council chairman. In the March 2026 mayoral election, he ran against the incumbent seeking a third term. Sudo won by a narrow margin of 262 votes. He took office in April 2026. Since his appointment, he had not missed any public duties due to illness, according to city records.

Succession and New Election Timeline

Deputy Mayor Takashi Watanabe assumed mayoral duties on June 15 under Japan’s Local Autonomy Law. The city’s election management committee will set the date for a new mayoral election. Under the Public Offices Election Law, the election must be held within 50 days of the city receiving notice of the mayor’s vacancy. The city announced the succession on June 15.

Police Investigation and Support Resources

Ibaraki Prefecture Police are investigating the death as a suspected suicide based on the scene. The government operates a mental health hotline at 0570-064-556 for people struggling with thoughts of suicide. Additional support lines include the Yorisoi Hotline at 0120-279-338 and Inochi SOS at 0120-061-338.

Final Thoughts

Sudo’s death three months into his first term leaves Shimotsuma without elected leadership. A new mayoral election within 50 days will determine his successor.

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