Mika Yokota
Mika Yokota | |
|---|---|
横田 美香 | |
 Yokota in June 2026 | |
| Governor of Hiroshima | |
| Assumed office 29 November 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Hidehiko Yuzaki |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 1, 1971 Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan |
| Party | Independent |
| Education | University of Tokyo |
| Website | yokota-mika |
Mika Yokota (Japanese: 横田 美香, Yokota Mika; born 1 August 1971) is a Japanese politician and former civil servant serving as the Governor of Hiroshima since November 2025.[1] She previously served as Vice Governor of Toyama Prefecture and Hiroshima Prefecture, and held senior positions in Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Cabinet Secretariat. She is the first woman elected Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture and the first female governor in the Chūgoku region.[2]
Early life and education
Yokota was born in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture. During her childhood she lived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for several years while her father was stationed overseas.[3] She graduated from Hiroshima University Fuzoku Senior High School before earning a law degree from the University of Tokyo.[4]
Civil service career
Yokota joined the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in 1995. During her career she worked in a number of policy areas including agricultural administration, fisheries, food safety, and international food standards. She also served in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the Cabinet Secretariat.
In 2021 she was appointed Vice Governor of Toyama Prefecture. In 2024 she became a Cabinet Councillor in the Cabinet Secretariat, including service in the Cabinet Bureau for Infectious Disease Crisis Management.[5]
She became Vice Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture in April 2025.[6]
Governor of Hiroshima
In September 2025 Yokota announced her candidacy for Governor of Hiroshima as an independent, succeeding outgoing governor Hidehiko Yuzaki, who had decided not to seek another term.[7]
She won the 2025 Hiroshima gubernatorial election held on 9 November 2025 and assumed office on 29 November.[8] Her election made her the first woman to serve as Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture and the first female governor in Japan's Chūgoku region.[9]
Political positions
Yokota's public policy priorities have included support for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, rural revitalization, and measures to address Japan's population decline.
She has also advocated expanding opportunities for women in public life and reducing unconscious bias in workplaces and society, drawing on experience gained while serving as Vice Governor of Toyama Prefecture.[10]
Personal life
Yokota is married to Kazuaki Hashizume, a forestry official who has served in Japan's Forest Insurance Center.[11]
Electoral history
| Election | Date | Party | Votes | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Hiroshima gubernatorial election | 9 November 2025 | Independent | 552,614 | Elected |
References
- ↑ "Governor's Profile". Hiroshima Prefectural Government. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
- ↑ "Former vice governor Mika Yokota elected governor of Hiroshima Prefecture". The Asahi Shimbun. 9 November 2025.
- ↑ "Interview with Vice Governor Mika Yokota". KNB.
- ↑ "Toyama appoints Mika Yokota as vice governor". Toyama Shimbun. 22 February 2021.
- ↑ "Cabinet personnel appointments". Sankei News. 2 April 2024.
- ↑ "New Vice Governor appointed". NHK Hiroshima. 4 March 2025.
- ↑ "Former vice governor announces candidacy". Yomiuri Shimbun. 2 September 2025.
- ↑ "Hiroshima gubernatorial election results". Yomiuri Online. 9 November 2025.
- ↑ "Former vice governor elected Hiroshima governor". The Asahi Shimbun. 9 November 2025.
- ↑ "Vision the Toyama: Interview with Mika Yokota". KNB Official Channel. 11 August 2021.
- ↑ "Mika Yokota enters Hiroshima gubernatorial race". Rinsei News. 17 September 2025.