In Kamishihoro Village, Hokkaido, the mayoral election has been announced amid a contentious backdrop regarding the investigation into a proposed nuclear waste disposal site. Three independent candidates are vying for the position: Kazuo Ida, who is campaigning against the disposal site, incumbent Masayuki Takahashi, who supports the investigation's continuation, and newcomer Shinichi Kishi, who is in favor of the site under certain conditions. The election outcome, scheduled for the 22nd, will significantly affect the village's stance on the next phase of the investigation regarding the site selection for high-level radioactive waste disposal.

Kazuo Ida, the oldest candidate at 73, has positioned himself firmly against the nuclear waste facility, arguing that the waste is too dangerous and should not be treated like regular refuse. He asserts that if elected, he will immediately halt the ongoing investigation, reflecting a strong public sentiment against nuclear waste in the area. His campaign highlights the risks associated with the disposal of high-level radioactive waste and seeks to engage constituents who are apprehensive about the project's implications for their community.

Conversely, Masayuki Takahashi, the current mayor at 75, clarifies that the conclusion of the investigation does not equate to the immediate construction of a waste site; rather, it should empower the residents of Kamishihoro to make a knowledgeable decision post-investigation. On the other hand, 46-year-old Shinichi Kishi offers a conditional support for the project, linking the advancement of the investigation with demands for substantial increases in financial compensation and infrastructure development, setting the stage for a contentious debate on the future of Kamishihoro's nuclear waste management policies.