TOKYO — Lawyer Harasawa has won the mayoral election in the city of Yokohama, defeating the former mayor, who had been accused of abusing his authority during his time in office.
According to the results announced, Harasawa's victory marks a change in the leadership of Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city by population. This year's race drew public attention because of the controversies surrounding the activities of the previous administration.
The former mayor, Harasawa's main opponent, had faced allegations of abusing power while governing the city. Those allegations became a focal point of the campaign and drew considerable interest from voters.
Lawyer Harasawa's win is seen as a signal that Yokohama voters have chosen a new direction for the city government. Details on the vote share and the new mayor's specific policy program are expected to be announced in the coming period.
