Politics · Japan · 18 hrs ago
Fukuoka mayoral race is close, with a possible runoff
Former lawmaker Shuji Inatomi is slightly ahead in the Fukuoka mayoral race, according to a phone poll conducted on November 6 and 7.
The election is in Fukuoka, a major city in southwestern Japan, and voters will choose a mayor on November 15.
A record 13 candidates are running, making it harder for any one candidate to win enough support.
Former city assembly member Takashi Shirabe and four other candidates are close behind Inatomi.
The vote could lead to a runoff if no candidate reaches the legally required share of votes.
More than three in 10 people surveyed had not decided whom to support, so the race could still change.
The poll included 1,028 valid responses from people who said they were Fukuoka voters.
Former lower house member Shuji Inatomi is slightly ahead in the Fukuoka mayoral race, according to a poll.
Five other candidates are close behind, and support is divided among a record 13 candidates.
The poll said no candidate may reach the legal vote threshold needed to win, which could lead to a runoff election.
More than 30% of respondents had not decided whom to support, so the race could change.
The election is scheduled for November 15.
- Who
- Thirteen candidates are running, with former lower house member Shuji Inatomi slightly ahead.
- What
- Fukuoka is electing its mayor. A runoff may be needed if no candidate reaches the legal vote threshold.
- When
- The election is scheduled for November 15, 2026. The poll was conducted on November 6 and 7.
- Where
- Fukuoka, Japan.
- Why
- Support is divided among a record 13 candidates, and more than 30% of respondents had not chosen a candidate.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Kyodo conducted a telephone poll about the Fukuoka mayoral race.
Nikkei published the poll findings, which showed Inatomi slightly ahead and a possible runoff.
The Fukuoka mayoral election is scheduled to take place.
- Candidates
- 13, a postwar record
- Poll dates
- November 6–7, 2026
- Inatomi's age
- 56
- Undecided respondents
- More than 30%
- Valid poll responses
- 516 landline and 512 mobile respondents
- Election date
- November 15, 2026