Hiroaki Saito (斎藤洋明, Saito Hiroaki; born 8 December 1976) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of…Hiroaki Saito (斎藤洋明, Saito Hiroaki; born 8 December 1976) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of Representatives since 2012. He has served as deputy minister of finance since 2024.
Kazuhiro Kobayashi (小林一大, Kobayashi Kazuhiro; born 12 June 1973) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the…Kazuhiro Kobayashi (小林一大, Kobayashi Kazuhiro; born 12 June 1973) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of Councillors since 2022. From 2007 to 2022, he was a member of the Niigata Prefectural Assembly. He is the son of Ichizo Kobayashi.
Ryuichi Yoneyama (米山 隆一, Yoneyama Ryūichi; born 8 September 1967) is a Japanese politician and a former Governor of…Ryuichi Yoneyama (米山 隆一, Yoneyama Ryūichi; born 8 September 1967) is a Japanese politician and a former Governor of Niigata Prefecture. Prior to entering politics, Yoneyama worked as a radiology researcher at the University of Tokyo Hospital and was also trained as a lawyer.
Naoki Kazama (風間 直樹, Kazama Naoki; born 22 October 1966) is a Japanese politician of the Constitutional Democratic…Naoki Kazama (風間 直樹, Kazama Naoki; born 22 October 1966) is a Japanese politician of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Myōkō, Niigata and graduate of Keio University, he had served in the assembly of Niigata Prefecture between 1999 and 2003. He was elected to the House of Councillors for the first time in 2007.
Hirohiko Izumida (泉田 裕彦, Izumida Hirohiko; born 15 September 1962) is a former Japanese politician who served as the…Hirohiko Izumida (泉田 裕彦, Izumida Hirohiko; born 15 September 1962) is a former Japanese politician who served as the Governor of Niigata Prefecture between 2004 and 2016.
Shuichi Takatori (高鳥 修一, Takatori Shūichi; born 29 September 1960) is a Japanese politician and a member of the House…Shuichi Takatori (高鳥 修一, Takatori Shūichi; born 29 September 1960) is a Japanese politician and a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet for the Liberal Democratic Party. A native of Joetsu, Niigata he was elected for the first time in 2005.
Yūko Nakagawa (中川郁子, Nakagawa Yūko; née Iwata, born 22 December 1958) is a Japanese politician in the Liberal…Yūko Nakagawa (中川郁子, Nakagawa Yūko; née Iwata, born 22 December 1958) is a Japanese politician in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). She represented Hokkaido in the House of Representatives from 2012 to 2017. Her husband, Shōichi Nakagawa, was also a politician, serving as Minister of Finance of Japan in 2008 and 2009. Nakagawa was born in Niigata Prefecture and graduated from University of the Sacred Heart in 1981. She worked at Mitsubishi for a year until her marriage to Shōichi, and moved to Hokkaido shortly afterward. After Shōichi's death in 2009, Yūko began to get involved in politics. In the 2012 election, she ran in Hokkaido's 11th district against Tomohiro Ishikawa, who had defeated her husband for the position in the last election; she won with 51 percent of the vote. During her time in the House, she served on the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Committee, and was appointed as parliamentary minister of the committee in 2014. In her role as minister, she spoke out in opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership. After being re-elected in the 2014 election, Nakagawa came under controversy in March 2015, when a photograph was released where she was kissing fellow politician Hirofumi Kado; Nakagawa later apologized for the incident, and LDP President Shinzo Abe offered his continued support after the leak. She was challenged by Kaori Ishikawa, Tomohiro's wife, in the 2017 election. She lost, 54.5 to 45.5 percent, and the kiss with Kado was considered by the media to be the primary reason why she was defeated. Nakagawa narrowly regained a seat in the 2021 election. She was defeated in the 2024 election.
Hideyo Hanazumi (花角 英世, Hanazumi Hideyo; born 22 May 1958) is a Japanese politician serving as the Governor of Niigata…Hideyo Hanazumi (花角 英世, Hanazumi Hideyo; born 22 May 1958) is a Japanese politician serving as the Governor of Niigata Prefecture, following his election in June 2018. Prior to his election, Hanazumi served as a vice commandant in the Japan Coast Guard and as Vice Governor of Niigata.
Yuko Mori (森 裕子, Mori Yūko; born 20 April 1956) is a Japanese politician and a former member of the House of…Yuko Mori (森 裕子, Mori Yūko; born 20 April 1956) is a Japanese politician and a former member of the House of Councillors of Japan in the Diet (national legislature). She was previously with the Democratic Party of Japan and briefly belonged to the Tomorrow Party of Japan founded by Yukiko Kada, of which she was the deputy leader. A native of Niigata and graduate of Niigata University, she was elected to the House of Councillors for the first time in 2001 after serving in the town assembly of Yokogoshi, Niigata between 1999 and 2001.
Motohiko Kondo (近藤 基彦, Kondō Motohiko; 15 February 1954 – 17 November 2018) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal…Motohiko Kondo (近藤 基彦, Kondō Motohiko; 15 February 1954 – 17 November 2018) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature).
Tadayoshi Nagashima (長島 忠美, Nagashima Tadayoshi; 9 January 1951 – 18 August 2017) was a Japanese politician who served…Tadayoshi Nagashima (長島 忠美, Nagashima Tadayoshi; 9 January 1951 – 18 August 2017) was a Japanese politician who served in the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature) as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party.
Nobuaki Sato (佐藤 信秋, Satō Nobuaki; born November 8, 1947) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a…Nobuaki Sato (佐藤 信秋, Satō Nobuaki; born November 8, 1947) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a former member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Niigata Prefecture, he attended Kyoto University and received a master's degree in engineering from it. After working at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, He was elected to the House of Councillors for the first time in 2007.
Masamichi Kondo (近藤 正道, Kondō Masamichi; born January 25, 1947) is a Japanese politician and member of the House of…Masamichi Kondo (近藤 正道, Kondō Masamichi; born January 25, 1947) is a Japanese politician and member of the House of Councillors for the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Elected in 2004 as an independent candidate with support of the Democratic Party of Japan and the SDP from Niigata Prefecture (No. 1 with 428,117 votes), he is, as of 2008, the only directly elected SDP member of the House of Councillors. Kondo is a graduate of Chuo University and worked as a lawyer in Niigata. From 1987 to 2004 he was a member of the Niigata prefectural assembly.
Yoshio Urushibara (漆原 良夫, Urushibara Yoshio; born 18 November 1944) is a Japanese politician of the New Komeito Party…Yoshio Urushibara (漆原 良夫, Urushibara Yoshio; born 18 November 1944) is a Japanese politician of the New Komeito Party, a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature).
Nobutaka Tsutsui (筒井 信隆, Tsutsui Nobutaka; 10 November 1944 – 1 October 2026) was a Japanese politician who served in…Nobutaka Tsutsui (筒井 信隆, Tsutsui Nobutaka; 10 November 1944 – 1 October 2026) was a Japanese politician who served in the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature) as a member of the Democratic Party of Japan.
Toshiei Mizuochi (水落 敏栄, Mizuochi Toshiei; born February 24, 1943) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic…Toshiei Mizuochi (水落 敏栄, Mizuochi Toshiei; born February 24, 1943) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Tokamachi, Niigata and high school graduate, he was elected for the first time in 2004. Mizuochi, whose father was killed in action during the Pacific War, serves as the president of the Japan War-Bereaved Families Association since 2015.
Kōzō Watanabe (渡辺 紘三, Watanabe Kōzō; 28 January 1942 – 16 September 2007) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal…Kōzō Watanabe (渡辺 紘三, Watanabe Kōzō; 28 January 1942 – 16 September 2007) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party who served in the House of Representatives from 1972 to 1990. He was best known as an influential supporter of Kakuei Tanaka's faction, though had to retire early from politics in 1990 due to diabetes. He is to be distinguished from the homonymous Kōzō Watanabe (Democratic Party politician) (different given name characters 渡部恒三) who was nicknamed "Kennedy" in the diet, while Kozo Watanabe (born 1942) was known as the spokesman of the Etsuzankai (ja:越山会) associated with Kakuei Tanaka. He was elected in Niigata Prefecture's 2nd Electoral District in 1972 and served in vice-minister posts at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (Japan) and the Ministry of Construction (Japan).
Rokuzaemon Yoshida (吉田 六左エ門, Yoshida Rokuzaemon; born 15 December 1939) is a retired Japanese politician of the Liberal…Rokuzaemon Yoshida (吉田 六左エ門, Yoshida Rokuzaemon; born 15 December 1939) is a retired Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature).
Hideo Watanabe (渡辺 秀央, Watanabe Hideo; 5 July 1934 – 31 July 2024) was a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of…Hideo Watanabe (渡辺 秀央, Watanabe Hideo; 5 July 1934 – 31 July 2024) was a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of Japan who was a member of the House of Representatives and House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature) from 1976 to 1993 and 1998 to 2010 respectively.
Goro Yoshimura (吉村 午良, Yoshimura Gorou; 13 February 1926 – 7 May 2007) was a Japanese politician, and governor of…Goro Yoshimura (吉村 午良, Yoshimura Gorou; 13 February 1926 – 7 May 2007) was a Japanese politician, and governor of Nagano Prefecture, in central Japan. Yoshimura was a graduate of the law faculty at the University of Tokyo. Upon graduation, he worked in the Nagano Prefectural Government Office. In 1971, he became deputy governor, and was elevated to governor in 1980 when the governor at the time, Gon'ichirō Nishizawa, suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. Yoshimura served five full 4-year terms, until 26 October 2000. Yoshimura retired from politics in 2000. Yoshimura served as one of the four Vice Presidents of the Nagano Olympic Organizing Committee from 1991 and the Nagano Paralympic Organizing Committee President, when the committees was founded, until its final meetings in February 1999. On 15 June 1991, at the 97th IOC session in Birmingham, United Kingdom, Yoshimura was part of the Nagano Olympic Bid committee, where he spoke followed by Hironoshin Furuhashi, president of the Japanese Olympic Committee. In 1998, Yoshimura received the Silver Badge of the Olympic Order.
Tatsuo Murayama (村山 達雄, Murayama Tatsuo; 8 February 1915 – 20 May 2010) was a Japanese politician who was a member of…Tatsuo Murayama (村山 達雄, Murayama Tatsuo; 8 February 1915 – 20 May 2010) was a Japanese politician who was a member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and finance minister for two times.
Tetsuo Imai (今井 哲夫, Imai Tetsuo; 20 May 1912 – 27 December 1987) was a Japanese middle-distance runner. He competed in…Tetsuo Imai (今井 哲夫, Imai Tetsuo; 20 May 1912 – 27 December 1987) was a Japanese middle-distance runner. He competed in the men's 3000 metres steeplechase at the 1936 Summer Olympics.
Junzō Inamura (稲村 順三, Inamura Junzō, 30 September 1900 – 21 February 1955) was a Japanese peasant movement activist and…Junzō Inamura (稲村 順三, Inamura Junzō, 30 September 1900 – 21 February 1955) was a Japanese peasant movement activist and politician who served five terms in the House of Representatives. Active in the prewar proletarian and agrarian movements, he later became a leading figure in the left wing of the Japan Socialist Party and the Left Socialist Party of Japan, helping draft its platform. He died suddenly during the 1955 general election campaign; his elder brother Ryūichi Inamura ran as a replacement candidate and was elected. He used the pen name Susumu Murakami (村上 進).
Misu Nomura (Japanese: 野村ミス; 19 August 1896 – 15 March 1979) was a Japanese politician. She was one of the first group…Misu Nomura (Japanese: 野村ミス; 19 August 1896 – 15 March 1979) was a Japanese politician. She was one of the first group of women elected to the House of Representatives in 1946.
Reikichi Kita (北 昤吉, Kita Reikichi, 21 July 1885 – 5 August 1961) was a Japanese philosopher, educator, political…Reikichi Kita (北 昤吉, Kita Reikichi, 21 July 1885 – 5 August 1961) was a Japanese philosopher, educator, political commentator, and politician. He served eight terms in the House of Representatives and was a founder of Tama Art University. He also served as Policy Research Council Chairman of the Japan Liberal Party. He was the younger brother of Ikki Kita, one of the main ideologues of the February 26 Incident.
Hachirō Arita (有田 八郎, Arita Hachirō; 21 September 1884 – 4 March 1965) was a Japanese politician and diplomat who…Hachirō Arita (有田 八郎, Arita Hachirō; 21 September 1884 – 4 March 1965) was a Japanese politician and diplomat who served as the Minister for Foreign Affairs for three terms. He coined the term Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, which provided an official agenda for Imperial Japan's expansionism. After the war, Arita was active as a leftist politician. The circumstances surrounding his second marriage and his unsuccessful 1959 run for Governor of Tokyo served as the model for the novel After the Banquet by Yukio Mishima. This led to a famous court case in which Arita successfully sued for invasion of privacy.
Naoshi Ohara (小原 直, Ohara Naoshi; 24 January 1877 – 8 September 1966) was a bureaucrat and cabinet minister in early…Naoshi Ohara (小原 直, Ohara Naoshi; 24 January 1877 – 8 September 1966) was a bureaucrat and cabinet minister in early Shōwa period Japan.
Kenkichi Yoshizawa (芳澤 謙吉, Yoshizawa Kenkichi; 24 January 1874 – 5 January 1965) was a Japanese diplomat in the Empire…Kenkichi Yoshizawa (芳澤 謙吉, Yoshizawa Kenkichi; 24 January 1874 – 5 January 1965) was a Japanese diplomat in the Empire of Japan, serving as 46th Foreign Minister of Japan in 1932. He was the father-in-law of Sadao Iguchi, a diplomat who served as Ambassador to the United States, and maternal grandfather of Sadako Ogata, the former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and maternal grandfather of Yutaka Kawashima, a former Grand Chamberlain of Japan.
Raizo Wakabayashi (若林 賚蔵, Wakabayashi Raizō; 14 January 1866 – 27 November 1941) was a Japanese politician who served…Raizo Wakabayashi (若林 賚蔵, Wakabayashi Raizō; 14 January 1866 – 27 November 1941) was a Japanese politician who served as governor of Shimane Prefecture (1908), Nara Prefecture (1909-1913), Yamanashi Prefecture (1913–1914), Saga Prefecture (1914–1915), Kagawa Prefecture (1915–1917), Ehime Prefecture (1917–1919), Hiroshima Prefecture from April 1919 to July 1921 and Kyoto Prefecture (1921–1922). In 1922, he became a member of the House of Peers.
Baron Maejima Hisoka (前島 密; 24 January 1835 – 27 April 1919), born Ueno Fusagorō (上野 房五郎), was a Japanese statesman…Baron Maejima Hisoka (前島 密; 24 January 1835 – 27 April 1919), born Ueno Fusagorō (上野 房五郎), was a Japanese statesman, politician, and businessman in Meiji-period Japan. Maejima founded the Japanese postal service, and is known as Yūbin Seido no Chichi (郵便制度の父), or "Father of the Postal System".
Makiko Kikuta (菊田 真紀子, Kikuta Makiko; born 24 October 1969) is a Japanese politician who has served as a member of the…Makiko Kikuta (菊田 真紀子, Kikuta Makiko; born 24 October 1969) is a Japanese politician who has served as a member of the House of Representatives since 2003.
Chinami Nishimura (西村 智奈美, Nishimura Chinami; born 13 January 1967) is a Japanese politician who served as the…Chinami Nishimura (西村 智奈美, Nishimura Chinami; born 13 January 1967) is a Japanese politician who served as the Secretary-General of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan from 2021 to 2022. She is a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet and represents the Niigata 1st district. Her married name is Chinami Honda (本多 智奈美, Honda Chinami).
Takahiro Kuroiwa (黒岩宇洋, Kuroiwa Takahiro; born 13 October 1966) is a Japanese politician. He has been a member of the…Takahiro Kuroiwa (黒岩宇洋, Kuroiwa Takahiro; born 13 October 1966) is a Japanese politician. He has been a member of the House of Representatives from 2024 to 2026, having previously served from 2009 to 2012 and from 2014 to 2021. From 2002 to 2007, he was a member of the House of Councillors.