The Ishikawa Prefectural Governor election was officially announced on the 19th, with three candidates registering: Yoshiyoshi Yamano, a former mayor of Kanazawa; current governor Hiroshi Hase; and Akira Kurome, a former head of a volunteer organization. All candidates are running as independents and the election is set for March 8. This election marks a significant moment as it is the first since the Noto Peninsula earthquake and subsequent heavy rain that affected the region, leading to discussions about the evaluation of past recovery efforts and plans for future reconstruction.

In the previous gubernatorial election in 2022, Hase and Yamano faced off, with Hase narrowly winning by about 8,000 votes. Given the stakes involved in the issues related to rebuilding after natural disasters, a fierce competition is anticipated among the candidates. Yamano has garnered support from the Democratic Party’s local organization alongside some conservative prefectural assembly members, while Hase is backed by the Liberal Democratic Party, the Japan Innovation Party, and local unions. Kurome, the oldest contender at 78, has the support of groups associated with the Communist Party.

As the election approaches, the candidates are emphasizing their plans for recovery from the recent disasters, as residents seek assurance regarding their safety and the future trajectory of government leadership on reconstruction policies. The differing platforms encapsulate a broader discourse on governance, sustainability, and the urgent need for effective disaster management in the region.