Politics · Japan · 2 hrs ago
Tottori Governor Shinji Hirai Will Not Seek Another Term
Tottori Governor Shinji Hirai will leave office when his current term ends.
He said on October 21 that he will not run in next April’s gubernatorial election.
Hirai, 65, has served five terms and became governor in 2007.
His five terms make him the longest-serving governor in Tottori’s history.
He became emotional at the news conference and said his tears were “not of regret, but of thanks.”
His departure will mark a major change in Tottori’s leadership.
The sources do not say who will succeed him or what he plans to do after leaving office.
Tottori Governor Shinji Hirai said he will not run in next April’s gubernatorial election and will retire at the end of his current term.
Hirai is serving his fifth term, the longest tenure in the prefecture’s history.
He made the announcement at a news conference on October 21, 2026, and became emotional during it.
Hirai was first elected governor in 2007 and has served as chair of the National Governors’ Association since 2021.
- Who
- Tottori Governor Shinji Hirai.
- What
- He said he will not seek another term and will retire when his current term ends.
- When
- He announced the decision on October 21, 2026. The next gubernatorial election is in April 2027.
- Where
- Tottori Prefecture, Japan.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Hirai joined the then Ministry of Home Affairs, now the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
Hirai was first elected governor of Tottori.
Hirai began serving as chair of the National Governors’ Association.
Hirai announced he would not run in the next gubernatorial election and would retire at the end of his current term.
- Current term
- Fifth term
- Next gubernatorial election
- April 2027
- First elected
- 2007
- Age
- 65
- National Governors’ Association chair
- Since 2021
What people are saying
Not tears of regret, but tears of thank you