Hirotaka Kinjo, a 63-year-old independent and former head of the Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has been elected as the new mayor of Haebaru. In the election held on April 19, 2026, Kinjo secured 7,289 votes to claim his first victory.
Election Results and Competition
Kinjo defeated his opponent, 25-year-old cram school representative Ryuto Akamine, by a margin of 1,450 votes. While Akamine campaigned on a platform of “town planning through dialogue,” he was unable to overcome Kinjo’s lead.
Kinjo entered the race as the designated successor to the outgoing mayor, Masayuki Akamine. His candidacy was backed by a recommendation from Komeito and centered on his professional record with tourism organizations and the Chamber of Commerce.
Policy Focus and Background
During his campaign, Kinjo emphasized his experience in industrial promotion and the enhancement of welfare services. He sought to leverage his previous leadership roles to drive town growth.
Kinjo’s professional background includes serving as the chairman of both the town’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Prefectural Hire and Taxi Association. He is a graduate of Okinawa Junior College and hails from Tsuka-yama.
Looking Ahead
Given his campaign promises, the new mayor is likely to prioritize industrial promotion and the expansion of welfare programs. He may utilize his established network within commercial and tourism sectors to implement these goals.
The administration could also face the task of addressing the decline in voter participation, as the town moves forward from a previous election cycle that was decided without a vote.
For more detailed information on the candidates and results, you can visit the election archives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Haebaru mayoral election?
Hirotaka Kinjo, a 63-year-old independent and former head of the Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry, won the election with 7,289 votes.
What was the voter turnout for this election?
The turnout was 42.74%, which is the lowest in the town’s history, with 31,047 eligible voters.
What were the primary goals of Hirotaka Kinjo’s campaign?
Kinjo focused on the promotion of industry and the enhancement of welfare, drawing on his experience with tourism and commercial organizations.
How do you suppose record-low voter turnout affects the mandate of a newly elected local leader?
