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On May 24, voting to determine the new mayor of Saitama City took place following the end of the incumbent’s term of office. As a result of polling, Hayato Shimizu, backed by the DPJ’s Saitama prefectural office, was elected for the first time, beating the incumbent mayor, who had been backed by the LDP’s local chapter, by an overwhelming margin.
Approximately 500 campaign office staff and supporters had gathered to wait for the result. When news reports indicated that Shimizu had secured victory at just after 9 pm, the candidate himself entered the venue as shouts of rejoicing echoed round the room. Surrounded by staffers and supporters, the leader of his support organization led the room in a round of three cheers.
Shimizu first addressed the room, expressing sincere gratitude for the support he had received, saying, “Victory in this election was secured through the conviction that the administration of Saitama City should be transformed through the power of its citizens.” He added, “Thanks to the tremendous support we received from you all, our campaign activities gained more momentum each day, and the determination to clean the city government of its current ties of obligation and create a new Saitama City administration has brought about this great result.”
Next, the Chair of the campaign headquarters, DPJ Diet member and head of DPJ Saitama, Yukio Edano, gave a speech, saying, “Today proves that Mr. Shimuzu was the candidate who succeeded in embodying the desire to bring about a change in the city administration felt by many in Saitama. He was able to win thanks to your support and cooperation, and I pay my sincere respects to that power.”
Finally, Shimizu took to the podium again, and repeated his thanks, saying, “This is the first time that I have experienced such an incredible election. I have received the support and cooperation of so many people. While fighting the campaign, I felt the determination of the people of Saitama to change the city government…Today is the beginning. I will definitely implement the manifesto pledges made during my campaign.”
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