In a closely contested election, Nanri Takashi, a newcomer and former vice governor of Saga Prefecture, has emerged victorious in the Ogachi mayoral race held on March 23, 2025. Takashi garnered a total of 9,740 votes, outpacing his nearest opponent, Takakusa Makoto, by a narrow margin of 217 votes. The voter turnout in this election was notably high at 55.23%, an increase of 19.68 percentage points compared to the previous election.
Takashi's decisive victory marks his first foray into electoral politics, signaling a shift in Ogachi's leadership following a two-decade tenure by the previous mayor, Hidejima Hidetaka, who chose not to run again this year. The atmosphere was electric as Takashi celebrated with his supporters in his office in Gyutto-cho at approximately 9:50 PM on election night, stating, “I want to do my best for the local city of Ogachi.” His commitment to the community resonated with voters and played a pivotal role in his success.
This race was particularly significant as it reflected a changing political landscape in Ogachi, which includes the four merged towns of Ogachi, Mikazuki, Gyutto, and Ashikari. Takashi campaigned vigorously, emphasizing his experience at the prefectural level. His message focused on the need for evolution and progress within the city, seeking to implement new ideas and initiatives beneficial to its residents.
Notably, on the campaign trail, Takashi received support from current Saga Governor Yamaguchi Yoshiyoshi, a prominent figure who aided in raising his profile among voters throughout the region. The collective focus on a shared vision for Ogachi was evident, with Takashi managing to consolidate support not just from his base in Gyutto but also from neighboring towns like Ogachi and Ashikari.
Meanwhile, Takakusa Makoto, his closest rival, received 9,523 votes. He launched his campaign with the backing of a network primarily made up of classmates and friends, aiming to strengthen community ties. While he performed well in his hometown of Mikazuki and garnered substantial support in Ogachi, it ultimately fell short of clinching victory.
Fujita Naoko, another candidate in the race and a former city council member, secured just 591 votes, failing to make a significant impact on the outcome. Despite her experience, Fujita was unable to expand her base among voters, which resulted in her finish at a distant third.
The election process was highly engaging, with a total of 36,120 eligible voters—comprised of 17,031 males and 19,089 females—making their voices heard. The number of early voters also saw an increase, with 7,994 participating, representing 4,133 more than the previous election. Such a surge in civic engagement indicated strong community interest in the mayoral showdown.
Takashi's victory brings a fresh perspective to the leadership of Ogachi, as he articulated his desire to lead a transformative agenda that resonates with the aspirations of the residents. His election is positioned as a beacon of hope for a new direction, as he aims to address the challenges and opportunities faced by the city and its populace.
The consensus among political observers is that Takashi's ability to connect with voters through clear messaging and authentic engagement propelled him to success. As the new mayor, he faces the task of uniting the community under a common vision for progress while navigating the inherent complexities of local governance.
