Politics

Is This the Next Face of Tokyo?

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Higashikokubaru

Tokyo -- Rumors are growing that Miyazaki Governor Hideo Higashikokubaru will not be running for reelection in his own remote prefecture but will instead contest the elections to become the next governor of Tokyo.

Higashikokubaru, 53, was elected Miyazaki governor in January 2007 and has done a remarkable job keeping himself in the national limelight and also promoting his otherwise sleepy prefecture in southern Kyushu.

He was a popular comedian before his career as a popular politician.

More recently, he led Miyazaki through its outbreak of foot and mouth disease, which devastated the local livestock population.

Higashikokubaru's term as governor is scheduled to end next January.

The elections for Tokyo governor will take place in April 2011.

Incumbent Governor Shintaro Ishihara has served three terms since 1999 and will be stepping down. However, Ishihara is expected to throw his support behind the current vice-governor, Naoki Inose.


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