Yokohama city mayor Fumiko Hayashi has offered high praise for new Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga after he was nominated as Shinzo Abe’s replacement last week.
Speaking at Yokohama City Hall, Hayashi said of Suga, “I am very impressed. This is an individual who not so long ago served two terms on the Yokohama city council.
“I know his work with foundation local governments well, and I am sure he will continue to work hard for regional revitalization. We have high expectations of him.”
Regarding an IR bid, Hayashi said she did not think it hinged on either Abe or Suga adding she will wait for the central government’s basic policy announcement before furthering Yokohama’s own plans.
Suga won his first election in the Yokohama City Council member election for the Nishi Ward constituency in 1987 and subsequently served on the city council for two terms.