Overview
- The Nanjo city council race was formally announced on November 2 with 25 candidates filing for 20 seats, and voting set for November 9.
- News outlet surveys show 21 candidates indicate support for reintroducing the no-confidence motion, pointing to likely passage in the new council.
- Under procedure, a reapproved no-confidence vote would automatically cost the mayor his job, though a two‑thirds attendance quorum is required for the vote to proceed.
- Koja stated he will run in the next mayoral election and reiterated he denies harassment, while only four candidates identified as pro-mayor filed—fewer than the seven seen as necessary to block removal.
- An earlier city-appointed third-party panel concluded the mayor engaged in prolonged harassment and urged his resignation, and the city has authorized about 25 million yen to fund the unscheduled council election.