The fate of Yokohama’s controversial quest for a casino resort is likely to be decided on Aug. 22, when voters elect a new mayor.
But the crowded race, which kicked off Sunday, is also expected to impact the political fortunes of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and his ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as both prepare for a looming LDP presidential election and general election due sometime this autumn.
The main issue of the Yokohama election is whether to elect a mayor who approves or opposes plans for the casino project at the city’s Yamashita Pier. Six of the eight candidates — including former National Public Safety Commission chair Hachiro Okonogi, 56, a close ally of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga — are running against the project.