Yokohama Mayoral Race Begins With Harassment Scandal at Center

Yokohama’s mayoral election officially began on October 4 with seven candidates, including former Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka, who resigned in July after an investigative committee found he harassed senior municipal officials. Yamanaka is seeking re-election despite the scandal, facing six challengers in what marks one of the most crowded races in recent years. The two-week campaign will decide whether Yokohama continues his policies or moves in a new direction.

Why the former mayor resigned and is running again

Takeharu Yamanaka served as Yokohama’s mayor since August 2021, initially backed by the Constitutional Democratic Party. He was re-elected in 2025 with support from the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito, and the Constitutional Democratic Party. In July 2026, a third-party investigation confirmed he had harassed senior municipal officials. He resigned mid-term but is now running for re-election. During his campaign launch, Yamanaka said he wants to “take policy measures for residents again as mayor after full reflection.”

The six challengers and their backing

The other candidates include civic group representative Sachiko Fujikawa, 51; former lawmaker Kazuma Nakatani, 43; lawyer Atsumi Harasawa, 59; company manager Atsushi Fukuyama, 37; architect Riken Yamamoto, 81; and Yuka Asaka, 46, deputy leader of the Japanese Communist Party’s Kanagawa branch. Nakatani is backed by the Constitutional Democratic Party, while Harasawa is endorsed by the Liberal Democratic Party, the Democratic Party for the People, the Japan Innovation Party, and Komeito’s city assembly members. Fukuyama is endorsed by Sanseito.

Key policy promises from leading candidates

Nakatani promised to “open up city administration for a future filled with hopes” and proposed a “6 zeros” platform including eliminating childbirth anxiety, providing up to 100,000 yen in painless delivery subsidies, and banning casinos. Harasawa pledged to “bring back smiles to city government employees so residents can also smile” and focus on workplace safety. Fujikawa called for breaking “inward-thinking” governance and improving conditions for healthcare, care, education, and welfare workers. Fukuyama vowed to “restore politics for residents” and rebuild ethical standards in city government.

Election date and significance

Voters will cast ballots on October 18, 2026. The race is one of the most crowded in recent years, with seven candidates competing. The outcome will determine whether Yokohama continues Yamanaka’s policies, including universal medical coverage for those under 18 and universal school lunch programs, or shifts toward a new administration focused on governance reform and workplace culture change.

Final Thoughts

Yokohama’s October 18 mayoral race reflects voter concern over workplace conduct and city governance. Yamanaka’s re-election bid hinges on whether his policy record outweighs the harassment scandal, while challengers emphasize reform and ethical leadership.

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