Former Senior Vice Minister of the Cabinet Office and member of the House of Representatives, 57-year-old Mineyuki Fukuda, has announced his intention to run as an independent in the Yokohama mayoral elections, due to be held 22 August.
Regarding an IR and casino, Fukuda explained, “I am neutral. If I am elected, I would look at the business plan and then make a decision.”
The mayoral elections have attracted independent candidates such as City council member Masataka Ota, 75, and 48-year-old Akiko Fujimura, the representative director of an animal protection group, who both oppose IR development.
Current mayor Fumiko Hayashi (75) has not yet disclosed her intentions on whether to run again or not.
Yokohama announced this week that its IR race is down to two remaining candidates – Genting Singapore in partnership with Sega Sammy Holdings, and Melco Resorts & Entertainment.