Japan’s Youngest Town Mayor Welcomed on 1st Day of Work

July 9, 2018

Tsunan, Niigata Pref.- Haruka Kuwabara, 31, the youngest incumbent town mayor in Japan, was welcomed with flowers and applause by staff members of the municipal government of Tsunan, Niigata Prefecture, on Monday, the first day of her work as its head.

"I'm filled with a sense of responsibility," Kuwabara said with a smile as she sat down at her desk.

Holding an inaugural press conference afterward, the new Tsunan mayor, elected on June 24, said, "I'm resolved to work on building a town that is bright, lively and transparent."

With a town assembly session set to start on July 18, Kuwabara, mother of two, said, "I want to make a policy speech that will allow people to see potential for change." Jiji Press