Overview
- Atsumi Harasawa, a 59‑year‑old lawyer and political newcomer, won the Yokohama mayoral by‑election held on October 18 after the previous mayor resigned over allegations of power‑harassment.
- Harasawa told supporters she will focus on building Yokohama's future from a citizen viewpoint and emphasized restoring trust in the municipal administration.
- JAXA opened its new Public‑Private Co‑creation Development Center at the Kakuda Space Center on October 18 to support private liquid‑fuel rocket engine testing and to give companies access to test stands and public outreach displays.
- In Chichibu, Saitama, a 59‑year‑old hunter suffered non‑life‑threatening scratches after a black bear attacked him during a government‑contracted deer culling operation, underscoring ongoing safety risks in rural hunting and wildlife control work.
- Regional civic life included the unveiling of a monument to Nagasaki physician and peace activist Tatsujirō Akizuki on October 18 and sporting events that drew public interest, such as a HIKAKIN‑led talk at the UHB Cup and local athletes preparing for the Asian Para Games 100m races starting October 19.