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2009/04/26
Kawamura wins mayoral election, vows to bring about popular revolution starting in Nagoya
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On April 26, polling for the Nagoya mayoral election, held following the completion of the incumbent’s term of office, took place, with the DPJ-backed candidate, former Diet member Takashi Kawamura, gaining a stunning victory, beating the LDP/Komeito-backed candidate and others by a large margin.
Kawamura had emphasised contact with voters, taking to a bicycle to conduct his campaign rallies, and logging over 315 km in the saddle over the campaign period.
On polling day, around 500 staff and supporters gathered inside Kawamura’s campaign office, and when television broadcasts reported that Kawamura was assured of victory, the room was filled with the sound of rejoicing. Shortly afterwards, Kawamura appeared to shouts of “Congratulations” and a round of applause, and the head of his support group led a rousing three cheers for the victory amid loud calls of approval.
Next, the DPJ Representative for Aichi Prefectural Headquarters, member of the House of Representatives Yutaka Banno, gave a speech calling on everyone to give their continued support to the Kawamura mayoral administration, saying, “Today, Takashi Kawamura has qualified for the position of the best mayor in Japan. In order that he can truly become the best mayor in Japan, let’s work together to make him into an outstanding mayor.”
Immediately following this, Kawamura gave a joint interview to the assembled press corps. Asked how he felt about the response of the electorate, he stressed that he took it as representing their desire for change from the current dead end situation, saying “I’m really delighted, there were so many voices saying, ‘Kawamura we’re counting on you!’”
Kawamura was also asked what policies he intended to implement immediately upon taking office. He replied, “A popular revolution. I will reduce residents’ tax by 10%. I will return that money to everyone, making it a catalyst for their daily lives. With that active money we will work together to enhance social welfare and medical care.” He said this was not being done anywhere in Japan, but that it was a common practice elsewhere in the world, and stressed his determination to bring about a popular revolution starting in Nagoya.
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