Former "Reiwa no Tora" Star Tatsuya Ozawa Announces Bid for Akiruno Mayor: "Making Us Japan's Most Famous City"
On June 21, 2026, Tatsuya Ozawa announced his candidacy for the Akiruno mayoral election.
The election will be held with candidacy registration on July 12 and voting on July 19.
Ozawa runs a construction company and is known for appearing on the entrepreneur investment show "Reiwa no Tora," as well as for developing the permeable concrete product "Dotcon."
Announcing his candidacy, Ozawa said, "I want to spread Akiruno's appeal nationwide and boost its earning power."
He also expressed his ambition with the words, "Let's make it Japan's most famous city."
How the Announcement Spread
The announcement has been covered by multiple national newspapers and news sites, including Tokyo Sports WEB.
The local newspaper "Nishi no Kaze Shimbun" also broke the story with its own independent reporting.
On X (formerly Twitter), the announcement appears to be generating discussion as well.
On Google Trends, searches for "Tatsuya Ozawa" related to "Akiruno" appear to be rising sharply.
Ozawa's Background
As a construction company executive, Ozawa has been involved in developing the permeable concrete "Dotcon."
It is a material that has drawn attention in the industry for use in flood countermeasures during heavy rain.
He has also gained national recognition through his appearances on "Reiwa no Tora," a show where investors screen funding pitches from startups.
Through the program, he became a nationally recognized figure.
What Is Known So Far
What is currently confirmed is that Ozawa has announced his candidacy, and that voting will take place on July 19.
Incumbent Mayor Hiroyuki Nakajima has already indicated he will not run in this election.
In addition, Ken Usui, chairman of the Akiruno City Council, announced his own candidacy on May 18, meaning the race currently appears set to involve multiple candidates.
Candidacy registration is scheduled for July 12, and formal filings will take place from that date onward.
Further details on candidates can be confirmed through announcements from the Akiruno City Election Administration Commission Secretariat.
What Akiruno Residents Should Watch For
A mayoral election is an important vote that shapes the city's direction for the next four years.
With a nationally recognized figure now in the race, interest in Akiruno is growing even from outside the city.
Voting day is July 19.
Residents are encouraged to carefully weigh each candidate's message before casting their vote.
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