Yamada Motoyasu, a former deputy mayor of Himeji at age 43, won the election in Hyogo's 11th district previously held by seasoned politician Matsumoto Takaaki, raising concerns among local supporters over candidate selection.
In the recent House of Representatives election in Hyogo’s 11th district, Yamada Motoyasu, the former deputy mayor of Himeji, emerged victorious as the candidate of the Liberal Democratic Party, succeeding the long-standing political figure Matsumoto Takaaki, who has retired after nine terms in office. The election garnered significant attention due to the perceived influence of Matsumoto’s formidable voter base and the uncertainty surrounding the selection of his successor. Yamada’s campaign was marked by public expressions of allegiance to Matsumoto, as speakers at his rallies frequently invoked Matsumoto's legacy and endorsed Yamada as the torchbearer for the next generation of leadership.
