Yokohama, Oct. 18 (Jiji Press)–Lawyer Atsumi Harasawa is certain to win her first term as Yokohama mayor, defeating six rivals, including scandal-hit former Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka, in Sunday’s election. The mayoral election in the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture, which neighbors Tokyo, was held following Yamanaka’s resignation in September over a workplace harassment scandal. At her campaign office, Harasawa said, “I will put citizens’ perspectives first and make Yokohama a better city.” Harasawa, 59, was recommended by the Kanagawa prefectural chapters of the Liberal Democratic Party, the Japan Innovation Party and the Democratic Party for the People, as well as Komeito’s city assembly members. During the election campaign, she called for rebuilding the city’s administration, pledging to improve disaster preparedness and strengthen the city’s financial base while drawing on her experience as a lawyer. Yamanaka, 54, apologized for his power harassment scandal, while highlighting his achievements during his term in office. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
