Incumbent Niigata Mayor Yaichi Nakanihara has secured a third term, according to projections reported by 新潟日報 and NHK following the mayoral election held on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The 67-year-old independent defeated two challengers, both independent newcomers: company executive Jun Hayatake, 60, and former Niigata city assembly member Manabu Aoki, 60. Ballot counting began on the evening of October 25.
Why it matters
The result extends Nakanihara's leadership of Niigata, one of Japan's designated major cities, into a third four-year term. According to 新潟日報, Nakanihara told reporters he believes voters credited his handling of the coronavirus response and measures related to the Noto Peninsula earthquake over his two previous terms, a span of eight years. He said he intends to draw on that experience to steer the city and to tackle population decline with decisive measures, alongside reforms to city government operations.
Nakanihara camp claims vindication of eight years in office
Speaking at a press conference after the projection, Nakanihara said the campaign had been short but that he was relieved to have secured a third term with certainty, and thanked the many supporters behind his run, according to 新潟日報. He framed the outcome as recognition of his two terms in office, citing cooperation with residents on infectious disease control and earthquake response.
Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazono joined the incumbent's camp to offer congratulations, according to the same report. Hanazono said he expects stable city administration to continue and steady progress to be made, and noted that the city and prefecture have a history of working together. He said he wants to maintain communication and coordination to build a vibrant Niigata Prefecture.
Aoki concedes, citing low name recognition
At his own press conference, Aoki said he felt disappointment at the result but also satisfaction, describing a hand-built campaign aimed at sharing his vision for Niigata and his policies directly with residents, 新潟日報 reported. Asked about the reasons for his defeat, he pointed to his limited public profile and constraints on the time available to communicate his platform.
Aoki said he will remain active in politics, pledging to keep scrutinizing city administration and to continue making proposals and taking action. He said his plans regarding the next city assembly election are, at this point, entirely undecided.
Earlier in the evening, Aoki thanked supporters who joined what he described as a campaign to build a new Niigata, saying he felt his vision and policies had resonated widely, and that he would watch closely how that support translated into votes. He received a bouquet from supporters, and his campaign later held a talk event featuring speakers including people with visual disabilities and LGBTQ participants, along with an original campaign song.
Turnout watch
Separately, BSN Niigata Broadcasting reported that while early voting increased, overall turnout was tracking below the previous election as balloting continued during the day.
Attention now turns to how Nakanihara pursues the population measures and administrative reforms he outlined, and to whether Aoki follows through on his stated role as a vocal outside critic of city hall.
