Taizou Mikazuki, the 54-year-old Governor of Shiga Prefecture, announced on the 16th during a prefectural assembly meeting his intention to run for a fourth term in the upcoming governor's election scheduled for July. This announcement marks the first time he has declared his candidacy for the election. The local faction of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has revealed plans to field a rival candidate against him, indicating a potential competitive race ahead.

Central to Mikazuki's campaign is the proposed introduction of Japan's first-ever 'traffic tax', which he aims to implement for the enhancement of local transportation services. This proposal was a pledge he made during the previous governor's election in 2022 when he ran with the platform of exploring the feasibility of such a tax. However, the idea of imposing a new tax burden on residents has sparked concerns among the populace and has led the LDP to express opposition to the proposal as early as December of last year. Consequently, the traffic tax is likely to become a pivotal issue in the upcoming election.

Mikazuki, a former member of the Democratic Party and successor to former governor Yukiko Kada, first won office in the 2014 election, defeating various candidates recommended by the LDP and Komeito. Currently, he serves as the president of the Kansai Wide Area Union, which encompasses eight prefectures and four cities. His governance has been marked by notable initiatives, particularly regarding infrastructure and public services, which he hopes to continue to develop despite the emerging challenges from opposing political parties.