Vice Mayor Mitsuhiro Yao resigns six months after taking office as Kawasaki shifts to two-deputy system

Vice Mayor Yao resigned as of Oct 16

Kawasaki City announced on October 19, 2026 that Vice Mayor Mitsuhiro Yao had requested to leave for personal reasons. His resignation was approved effective October 16.

Yao was seconded from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and became vice mayor on April 1, 2026. His departure came about six months into a planned four-year term.

The official announcement gives no further reason beyond personal circumstances.

He oversaw nine areas, including urban development and ports

Yao oversaw areas including general planning, finance, urban development, construction and parks, ports, the waterfront strategy, crisis management, water services and transportation.

A vice mayor assists the mayor, supervises groups of city bureaus and helps coordinate major projects across departments. Yao's responsibilities have now been reassigned.

Two vice mayors for now: Mitamura and Shiratori

Kawasaki will operate for the time being with two vice mayors: Yuya Mitamura and Shigeyuki Shiratori. Their new assignments took effect on October 19.

Mitamura now oversees areas including health and welfare, children and families, urban development, transportation, hospitals and the fire department. Shiratori oversees citizen and cultural affairs, the economy, the environment, construction and parks, ports, ward offices and water services. Both share responsibility for general planning, finance and crisis management.

Ward offices, including Saiwai Ward Office, fall under Shiratori's assignment. The city has not announced any change to public service counters or application procedures.

Contacts

For the resignation, contact the Kawasaki City Personnel Division at 044-200-3887. For the new division of responsibilities, contact the Administrative Reform Management Office at 044-200-3564.