The Hyogo Prefectural gubernatorial election, which will be held on the 17th, has a record seven candidates, including the former governor who lost his job after a vote of no confidence and is running for re-election. The number of people who voted early is about 1.5 times higher than the same time last time, showing an unusual level of excitement. What will the people of Hyogo Prefecture say? (Saturday Station, aired on November 16th) Former Hyogo Prefectural Governor Candidate Saito Motohiko (47) - Rebuilding prefectural government is at stake "I don't want to stop our progress toward realizing a dynamic Hyogo. We're just one step away, just one step away" Former Governor Saito Motohiko has been accused of power harassment of employees. Following a vote of no confidence by the prefectural assembly, he lost his job, and the Hyogo Prefectural gubernatorial election will be held on the 17th. The issues at stake are "rebuilding prefectural government," which has been stagnant and confused, and "qualifications as a governor." The election campaign is in its final day on the 17th. The candidates are busy making their final appeals. ■ Listening skills as a weapon Candidate Shimizu, former member of the House of Councillors Candidate Shimizu Takayuki (50) "There are many tourists in Hyogo Prefecture, but few stay overnight. Only 10% of those who come stay overnight. The remaining 90% are day trips. Only 1/30th of the foreigners visit Osaka, so there is still room for improvement. Hyogo Prefecture is so large and has so many wonderful places, so I want people to enjoy it more, get around, spend money, and revitalize the local economy. I think it is the prefecture's job." Former announcer and former member of the House of Councillors Shimizu Takayuki is the one who is promoting "Hyogo Restart." Former member of the House of Councillors Candidate Shimizu Takayuki (50) "I am running with the desire to somehow revamp this chaotic Hyogo prefectural government. I am Shimizu, Shimizu Takayuki. I look forward to working with you all." He ran in this gubernatorial election after leaving the Japan Restoration Party. City and prefectural assembly members from the Restoration Party and the Liberal Democratic Party came to support him and appeal for cooperation. About the prefectural administration up to now by Saito. Former House of Councillors candidate Takayuki Shimizu (50) "I particularly appreciate the support for childcare, education, and youth support. However, it is very difficult to evaluate the chaos that has been caused (by the prefectural government) for the past six months." He will appeal to voters for a new leadership style that makes use of his experience as a former announcer. Former House of Councillors candidate Takayuki Shimizu (50) "It's all about the ability to communicate. As an announcer, my job is to go out in public and talk to people, so I would like to make use of that side of me. I think that by deepening communication by utilizing my ability to listen, we can resolve the confusion." ■ Emphasis on dialogue with voters Candidate Inamura Former Amagasaki Mayor Kazumi Inamura (52) "On the final day, I would like to appeal to everyone once again. Without dialogue, we cannot build a relationship of trust. Without a relationship of trust, we cannot build a Hyogo where we can work together." Former Amagasaki Mayor Kazumi Inamura advocates "dialogue and trust" and aims for an open prefectural government. Former Amagasaki Mayor Kazumi Inamura (52) "As mayor, I was entrusted with your taxes and great authority for 12 years. I believe that authority should not be used to intimidate the staff who work with me, but to protect and improve your lives." In this election, I had many conversations with voters, and sometimes gave more than 10 speeches a day. Regarding the evaluation of the former governor... Former Amagasaki Mayor Kazumi Inamura (52) "I think there were some issues with the organizational management of the administration. I think it would be good if we could continue the good policies." Policies that are difficult to convey through conversation alone were compiled into short videos and distributed on YouTube. He appealed to voters by using "dialogue" and "SNS" appropriately. ■ Appealing various achievements Candidate Saito Meanwhile, former governor Saito is aiming for reelection in the re-election. In his final appeal, he said that the policies he has been pursuing so far are still in the middle of their implementation. Former Hyogo Prefectural Governor Motohiko Saito (47) "I certainly made mistakes. And I have had many experiences. That is why I, Saito Motohiko, would like to take charge of the prefecture's administration once again. And, using what I have learned this time as a foundation, we will once again work together to make an even better Hyogo Prefecture. I would like you all to give me that power." On the 16th, former Governor Saito celebrated his 47th birthday. Some of the voters who gathered held up congratulatory message boards. Former Hyogo Prefectural Governor Motohiko Saito (47) "I started alone, without the support of any organization or political party. I would like each and every one of you to lend me your strength." This election campaign started with a headwind, but when he appeared at the speech venue, he was surrounded by many voters. Saito's camp also made full use of social media to post the schedule and situation of his street speeches every day. In his speeches, he appealed for his achievements, such as making prefectural universities free of charge. Former Hyogo Prefectural Governor, Saito Motohiko (47): "I will listen to the daily concerns of the people of the prefecture and learn from them directly, and then reflect them in the administration of the prefecture." ■ For a prefectural administration that values ​​life Candidate Osawa Yoshikiyo Osawa, recommended by the Communist Party, calls himself a "reform doctor." He is a doctor who serves as a director of the prefecture's insurance physicians' association. Doctor, recommended by the Communist Party, Yoshikiyo Osawa (61): "When the coronavirus infection spread, I had many discussions with my staff. It is the responsibility of a leader to trust each and every staff member and create a workplace where they can demonstrate their abilities." He says that the current administration of the prefecture needs a leader. Doctor, recommended by the Communist Party, Yoshikiyo Osawa (61): "First of all, I will correct the confusion in the administration of the prefecture and work to normalize it. The qualities of a leader are being questioned now." He also plans to provide support for children. Doctor and Communist Party endorsed candidate Yoshikiyo Osawa (61) "I am currently advocating for free school tuition and the creation of a scholarship system that does not require repayment. The prefectural government up until now has prioritized large corporations and has only done large-scale projects and construction, so I think it was not suited to the people of the prefecture. I want to change the prefectural government to one that values ​​life and living." ■ Appeal for measures to deal with aging facilities Candidate Fukumoto Shigeyuki, president of a music-related company, appeared driving a newly built campaign vehicle himself. Company president candidate Tsunayuki Fukumoto (58) "We will provide proper support for young people, people with disabilities, the elderly, and the aging of various facilities. You can't make policies unless you become governor, but by saying it, the next governor will think about it. So it is not a waste at all." ■ Insist on continuing the policies of the former governor Candidate Tachibana's political party leader Takashi Tachibana (57) "The so-called former governor Saito, who was forced to resign, did nothing wrong." Political party leader Takashi Tachibana says that former governor Saito should continue to be in charge of prefectural government as before. Political party leader and candidate Takashi Tachibana (57) said, "The money that was cut because it was a waste of taxes should be directed more at the younger generation, for things like lower tuition fees and infertility treatments. Governor Saito just did what he promised." Candidate Kijima and company president Hirotsugu Kijima propose merging with Osaka Prefecture. Company president Hirotsugu Kijima (49) said, "I completely agree with Mr. Saito's reform policy, but I have one strong policy, and that is that Osaka Prefecture and Hyogo Prefecture should merge. If that happens, many companies, including those that have moved to Tokyo, will come back. When they come back, corporate tax revenues will increase. We can use the money for medical care, nursing care, and welfare for everyone." [TV Asahi News] https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp