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On the evening of the 29th, four candidates for the Hyogo Prefectural gubernatorial election (announced on October 31st, voting on November 17th) exchanged opinions on the evaluation of the policies of former governor Saito Motohiko at a public debate. The discussion focused on administrative and financial reforms, as well as the continuation and challenges of welfare and education policies, with each candidate expressing a different view. Looking back on his own administrative and financial reforms, Saito said that he used them to support the next generation, such as "making tuition free at prefectural universities" and "improving the environment at prefectural high schools." He also called for the continuation of policies, aiming to "create a society where all prefectural residents can live in peace," including medical care and elderly support. While saying he "cannot say either way," Takayuki Shimizu, a member of the House of Councilors, praised the efforts in administrative and financial reforms and education, but said "there is room for discussion on free education and rebuilding the prefectural office building." Meanwhile, doctor Yoshikiyo Osawa took an "opposition" stance, saying that "the prefectural administration was cold toward welfare projects and education," and criticized the cuts in support for the elderly and disabled and the consolidation and closure of hospitals. He called for a change in prefectural administration that prioritizes medical care, welfare, and educational support. Former Amagasaki Mayor Kazumi Inamura praised the "support for infertility treatment" and "support for club activities at prefectural high schools," but pointed out that the scope of the prefectural university free tuition should be expanded. He also said, "further fiscal reconstruction is necessary," regarding administrative and financial reform, and emphasized the need to reduce debt. The debate highlighted the continuation and challenges of former Governor Saito's policies, and showed clear differences between the candidates regarding the future direction of Hyogo Prefecture. Participants (in alphabetical order, titles omitted): Kazumi Inamura (former Amagasaki Mayor) Yoshikiyo Osawa (doctor) Motohiko Saito (former Hyogo Prefecture Governor) Takayuki Shimizu (House of Councillors member) *This video is an excerpt from the debate. Watch the full debate here: https://www.youtube.com/live/zGtIUISsGOo ■Subscribe to the channel: https://yahoo.jp/zaoidV ■List of THE PAGE articles: https://yahoo.jp/A5sxYP ■Yahoo!News Original: https://yahoo.jp/7a5omo #thepage_jp #HyogoPrefecture #HyogoPrefecturalGovernorElection