Komae Mayoral Election 2026 Announced: Three-Way Race Between Incumbent Matsubara and Two New Challengers

Three-Way Race: Incumbent vs. Two Challengers

The 2026 Komae City mayoral election has officially been announced.
Three candidates have filed their candidacy papers.
The race features incumbent Toshio Matsubara, newcomer Setsuko Tachikawa (backed by the Japan Communist Party and Social Democratic Party), and Koki Okumura (age 26), representative of the political group "Saisei no Michi" (Path of Renewal) — a three-way contest.

Voting day is Sunday, June 28.
Early voting is open from Monday, June 22 through Saturday, June 27.

What Each Candidate is Saying

Incumbent Toshio Matsubara is campaigning on continuity, touting his track record in office.
He emphasizes expanded childcare support and building a safe community.
Nominated by the JCP and SDP, Setsuko Tachikawa is calling for a change in city leadership.
Her platform focuses on reducing national health insurance premiums and lowering education costs — policies that directly affect residents' daily lives.
Koki Okumura (age 26), representative of "Saisei no Michi," is advocating for municipal reform through a younger generation's perspective.
As one of the youngest candidates Komae has seen, he aims to bring fresh ideas to city hall.

What Kind of City Is Komae?

Komae City is known as the city with the smallest land area in Tokyo.
At about 6.39 square kilometers and a population of roughly 80,000, it's a compact community centered around Komae Station on the Odakyu Line.
Precisely because of its small size, the mayor's policies have a direct and tangible impact on residents' everyday lives.

In recent years, redevelopment around Komae Station, improvements to childcare support, and flood prevention measures along the Tama River have been top-of-mind for residents.
How each of the three candidates addresses these issues will be closely watched throughout the campaign.

How to Use Early Voting

If you have plans on election day or can't make it to the polls due to work, early voting is a great option.
From Monday, June 22 through Saturday, June 27, you can vote at the early voting station inside Komae City Hall.
Hours are 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM.

You'll need your polling card (mailed postcard) and a declaration form.
If you forget your polling card, you can still vote with proper identification.
For detailed information on the voting location and hours, visit the Komae City official website.

What Are the Key Issues?

This mayoral race is shaping up around three major themes.
Expanding childcare support, redevelopment around the station and the city's future vision, and reducing the cost of living for residents.
Policies around national health insurance premiums and the potential elimination of school lunch fees are key points of difference between the candidates — and they hit close to home for many families.

In compact Komae, candidates and voters tend to be closer than in larger cities.
You're likely to catch street speeches and see candidate posters throughout the area.
Take the opportunity to compare each candidate's platform carefully.

Cast Your Vote, Komae Residents

Voting day, Sunday June 28, is just around the corner.
Whether you use early voting or head to the polls on the day, make sure your voice is heard.

This election shapes the next four years of life in Komae City.
Stay engaged, and please vote.