In the Kanagawa gubernatorial election on the 9th, independent incumbent Yuji Kuroiwa (68), who was recommended by the LDP, Komeito, and National Democratic Party prefectural organizations, defeated three newcomers, including independent newcomer Makiko Kishi (66), who was recommended by the Communist Party. I decided 4 selections. Turnout was 40.35%, slightly above the previous record low of 40.28%.

Mr. Kuroiwa appealed for the achievements of the new coronavirus countermeasures and the promotion of welfare policies for persons with disabilities. At the end of the election campaign, following the affair before becoming governor was reported in a weekly magazine, he refrained from street activities.

Mr. Kishi’s previous challenge in 2019 was to stop the operation of a coal-fired power plant promoted by a private company in the city of Yokosuka in the same prefecture, but his support did not spread.

◆[Commentary]Strict eyes to be poured into the next term

The fact that Kuroiwa won the fourth term without danger is the result of passive support from political parties and voters in the absence of other strong candidates. For Mr. Kuroiwa, who thought that the 3rd term of 12 years was a “break”, the 4th term is an “overtime”. Even though it was before he became governor, his own scandal came to light, and from now on, it will be inevitable to fight once morest the decline of centripetal force within the prefectural office.

Far from deepening policy disputes, the election campaign increased voters’ distrust of politics. Mr. Kuroiwa and Mr. Kishi, who has become a rival, have put forward similar policies, such as the spread of renewable energy and the securing of medical personnel, and the axis of confrontation has become blurred. Mr. Otsu professed that his purpose was “advertisement,” and he was embroiled in troubles within the party, so he almost did not campaign.

The election was held, but Kuroiwa shouldn’t think that he is “representing the people of the prefecture.” Voter interviews were filled with disappointment and indifference. As he said, “I will go back to the basics and challenge myself,” in response to the criticism of “many elections,” the prefectural government will stagnate if it is not approached with even more humility and tenacity.

Until his third term, he was sometimes criticized for his abrupt policies due to lack of coordination with the prefectural assembly. Looking ahead to his fourth term, he said that he would “realize a friendly society through digital administration from the perspective of prefectural citizens,” and that his “mission” was to improve welfare policies for persons with disabilities. However, if the centripetal force declines in the first place, the realization of the policy will be difficult.

He needs to get rid of the disappointment caused by his own rust and win back the active support he failed to gain in the election campaign. From now on, prefectural administration will be subject to an even stricter “prefectural citizen’s perspective.” (Shota Shimura)