On March 16, 2025, incumbent Governor Junjin Kumagai was re-elected as the Governor of Chiba Prefecture, defeating three new candidates. His victory, which he celebrated with 1,404,905 votes, came amid criticisms concerning declining voter turnout, which fell to 31.93%, seven percentage points lower than the previous election. Kumagai attributed the turnout to the perception of his strength as an incumbent, stating, "When the current governor is strong, experienced, and known, voter turnout tends to decline."
After the election, Kumagai immediately signaled his commitment to advancing the prefectural governance. Holding his first press conference the following day, he expressed, "I feel the weight of responsibility and aim to firmly advance each field of prefectural administration." He highlighted upcoming measures to create environments to support young people's marriage prospects as part of his initiatives for the new fiscal year. He noted the need for promoting opportunities for men and women to connect as part of addressing declining marriage rates.
During the campaign, Kumagai emphasized his accomplishments during his first term, including efforts to attract businesses to Chiba. His independent candidacy was supported by nearly all political parties, solidifying what many called the "All-Yoshidan (all parties)" system within Chiba Prefecture, much to the satisfaction of local politicians and the hope of stable governance. This vast support likely contributed to his resounding victory, reflecting citizens' trust. His vote count this year was impressive but fell slightly short of the historical record set during his previous re-election, which was noted as having the highest number of votes.
Despite heightened expectations and the backing of multiple political parties, Kumagai recognized the challenges for his second term. Voter sentiments from his critiques included worries about overly concentrated power. While acknowledging these concerns, he remarked, "Having strong backing does not mean I won't hear dissenting opinions, as I plan to remain responsive to the voices of business leaders and local assembly members. I will adhere to my belief of taking politics back to the ground level to serve the people efficiently." He stated the need to prioritize public safety and disaster preparedness, emphasizing it as his foremost goal for his administration moving forward.
Although faced with rising water rates, Kumagai remained resolute, framing the increase as necessary for ensuring stable water supplies across the prefecture. Responding to the criticism warranted from some quarters, he expressed, "While I understand frustrations, these measures to raise water rates were deemed necessary, and I intend to keep the increases as modest as possible".
Junjin Kumagai is not the only local politician to reaffirm their hold on office. On the same day, Chiba City Mayor Toshihito Kumagai was also re-elected with nearly 90% of the vote. Following his victory, he expressed similar sentiments about the importance of community involvement and the necessity of organized efforts to tackle the city's challenges. He stated, "I am certain the city offices are capable of delivering quality services valued by residents through conversations and practical initiatives."
Reflecting on his own term, he attributed the overwhelming support to his balanced approach focusing on economic and welfare improvements, which won citizens' trust. He plans to submit budget amendments aimed at realizing campaign promises during the June regular session of the city council.
Across both elections, there seems to be optimism for governance stability, as candidates seek to carry out the priorities defined by their citizens. Efforts made during their first terms will serve as the groundwork for long-term projects aimed at improving quality of life and governance frameworks.
