Background
Yokohama, located just south of Tokyo, is a vibrant port city with a diverse population exceeding 3.7 million residents. As one of Japan’s major economic hubs, the city’s mayor holds significant influence over regional development, infrastructure, and public policy. Prior to the 2021 election, the political scene in Yokohama was marked by a mixture of administrative continuity and calls for progressive change, reflecting the evolving priorities of its residents.
The 2017 mayoral election had resulted in the victory of incumbent Mayor Fumiko Hayashi, who had pursued policies centered around urban development, disaster preparedness, and enhancing Yokohama’s global presence. However, by 2021, demographic shifts, economic challenges spurred by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and rising environmental concerns had altered the civic landscape, prompting a competitive mayoral race.