Jin Urano, a 31-year-old former cram school owner, won the mayoral election in Tagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Sunday [1, 3].

The victory marks a significant leadership transition for the city, as the election was triggered by a scandal involving the previous administration's conduct toward staff.

Urano was one of four candidates who competed in the race [1]. Voter turnout for the election was 58.08% [2]. The vote took place on July 12, 2026 [2].

The by-election was necessitated by the resignation of the former mayor, Takuya Murakami, 55 [3]. Murakami stepped down after a third-party committee determined in May that he had engaged in sexual harassment against a female employee who served as his former secretary [2, 3].

Following the results, Murakami addressed the public regarding the fallout of the investigation. "I believe the distrust and disappointment felt by the citizens resulted in this outcome. I am truly sorry," Murakami said [1].

Urano, a newcomer to the political office, expressed his commitment to the city's future during his victory remarks. "I will create a new era for Tagawa City," Urano said [1].

The transition comes as the city seeks to move past the administrative instability caused by the third-party committee's findings [2].

“"I will create a new era for Tagawa City,"”

The election of a 31-year-old newcomer over established political figures suggests a public desire for a complete break from the previous administration. By electing a former business owner rather than a career politician, Tagawa voters are signaling a preference for fresh leadership to restore institutional trust following the verified sexual harassment scandal.