Tetsuya Kobayashi, Mayor of Kumagaya

2026.04.16

Kumagaya City's Future Strategy: Connecting to the Next Generation and Forging a New Path with Decisiveness

■ Profile
He served as the 5th and 6th mayor of Kumagaya City. His hobbies include skiing and reading. He graduated from the Faculty of Economics at Chuo University. His father was the mayor of the former Kumagaya before the merger of one city and two towns. With the policy philosophy of "creating a new Kumagaya brand," he aims to create a city where children can live with hope for the future and smiles on their faces, a city where "the value of living in Kumagaya can be truly felt," and a Kumagaya that "citizens and people from outside the city can be proud of."

Despite growing up in an environment where he felt a close connection to government due to his father's influence, Mayor Kobayashi initially took a job in the private sector. Inheriting his father's aspirations in his later years, and driven by a sense of responsibility and mission to the community, he became mayor of Kumagaya City after serving as a prefectural assembly member. We spoke with Mayor Kobayashi, now in his second term, about his strategies for the future of Kumagaya City.

I am currently serving as the mayor of Kumagaya City, but my life hasn't always been solely focused on politics. During my student years, I worked part-time in a wide range of fields, including television and planning and managing ski tours. Through interacting with diverse people and gaining hands-on experience, I believe I have cultivated my ability to coordinate, communicate, and understand people's feelings.
Politics was a familiar presence to me because my father served as mayor. However, at the time, I kept a certain distance from the world of politics. This was because I had witnessed firsthand the harsh realities of politics, where ideals alone are not enough, and the difficulties of facing criticism. Nevertheless, my father's illness sparked a determination in me: "If I don't do it, who will?" From there, I decided to pursue a career as a prefectural assembly member, then as chairman of the prefectural assembly, and finally as mayor. Throughout my political activities, what I have consistently valued is not compromising my beliefs. I believe that maintaining a core set of principles, even when one's position changes, is the foundation for moving organizations forward and gaining the trust of citizens.

■ The responsibility of making one's own decisions and the promotion of urban infrastructure development

The greatest reward of being mayor is the ability to make your own judgments and final decisions. Of course, the responsibility is heavy, but that's precisely why it's worth the challenge.
Specifically, these include the development of the Northern Region Development and Exchange Hub Facility and City Hall, which will be carried out jointly with Saitama Prefecture, the Arakawa Riverfront Development Project, and the construction of the Tonegawa New Bridge. In particular, the construction of the Tonegawa New Bridge, which has been a challenge for 30 years, is a long-cherished wish of the citizens. Once the bridge is completed, traffic flow will improve, logistics and commuting convenience will increase, and it will lead to an increase in the productivity of the city as a whole. We believe this is not merely infrastructure development, but a strategic investment aimed at strengthening the city's competitiveness.

■ Expanding childcare support and establishing a one-stop system

Addressing the declining birthrate is one of the most important issues in local government management. I initiated a program to make childcare free for children aged 0-2, and combined with the national system, we achieved virtually complete free childcare. Reducing the financial burden on families raising children is a crucial policy that directly contributes to encouraging people to settle in the area.
Furthermore, in April 2026, we opened "Kumakids," a childcare support and health hub facility, consolidating a nursery school, after-school children's club, maternal and child health center, health center, and holiday/nighttime emergency clinic. This has created a one-stop service that provides consultation, health checkups, and medical care in an integrated manner. Administrative services are meaningless unless they are easy to understand and use. Improving convenience leads to increased satisfaction.

■ Kumagaya's Strengths and Future Vision

Kumagaya is a transportation hub where the Shinkansen, conventional railway lines, and expressways intersect, making its excellent access to the Tokyo metropolitan area a major strength. Furthermore, as a sports town, it is home to several professional and corporate sports teams, and boasts unique facilities such as the Kumagaya Prefectural Sports and Culture Park and a glider airfield.
Culturally, you can experience history, tradition, and culture through places like the Menuma Shōtenzan Kankiin Shōtendō, the only National Treasure building in Saitama Prefecture, and the Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival, which is said to be the best Gion festival in the Kanto region.
Going forward, we will promote walkable urban development, create jobs through the development of industrial parks, and create an environment where young people can work locally. Speed and strategy are essential for urban management. We will thoroughly implement selection and concentration to establish a sustainable growth model.
In addition, collaboration with private companies as well as the government is essential to revitalize the local economy. It is important not only to attract new companies but also to support local small and medium-sized enterprises and to create a system that encourages new challenges. We want to create an environment where universities, companies, and the government cooperate to circulate talent within the region. Furthermore, we aim to make the city hall more user-friendly for citizens by utilizing digital technology to make administrative procedures easier to understand and strengthening information dissemination. The appeal of a city is enhanced not only by its buildings and roads, but also by attracting people who are willing to take on challenges. We want to make Kumagaya City a stage for many people to take on challenges.

■Message to university students

Finally, I would like to encourage all university students to value taking action. Beyond academics, I encourage you to take on various challenges such as part-time jobs, studying abroad, volunteering, and starting your own business. The broader your experiences, the more your judgment and interpersonal skills will be honed.
My own experiences as a student form the foundation of who I am today. Challenges you take on in your youth will undoubtedly become assets that support you in the future. Don't be afraid of failure; take that first step. Your actions will become the force that shapes Kumagaya for the next era.

Student Newspaper Online, May 5, 2026, Interview by Reina Inomoto, 1st year student at Kyoto University of the Arts