Kofu City Mayor Yuichi Higuchi

What makes Kofu City so appealing, where traditional values ​​and a new vision for the city intersect?

Yuichi Higuchi, Mayor of Kofu City

■ Profile
His motto is "One rain shower can nourish a thousand mountains." His hobby is reading. He respects Ryoma Sakamoto and Tanzan Ishibashi. He graduated from Yamanashi Prefectural Kofu First High School and Senshu University. His political motto is "Arguments are humble, but actions are easy." He was first elected to the Yamanashi Prefectural Assembly in 1999, and has since been re-elected four times. In 2007, he became the 39th Mayor of Kofu. He is currently serving his third term.

Kofu Mayor Yuichi Higuchi was inspired to become a politician by his father, who served as a neighborhood association chairman and local councilor. He is dedicated to supporting child-rearing and youth. We asked him about his initiatives for the future of Kofu, including urban development in anticipation of the opening of the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line, which is expected to be a major turning point.

■ Taking action based on our own initiative

Growing up, I was close to my father, who served as the town's chairman and local councilor, so I was accustomed to rule-making and related activities. In that environment, I naturally developed the mindset of "first, we decide things ourselves, and then rely on others for things we can't decide on ourselves." After graduating from university, I worked as a salaried employee selling insurance and mutual aid. I was also involved in my father's work, and when he retired, I thought, "I should try it too," and quit my job. During that time, I gained experience in volunteer work and disaster relief after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Through providing support, I organized exchange programs, such as inviting disaster victims to Yamanashi, and learned that there are activities that cannot be done by the government alone. I feel that the importance of taking action based on our own initiative is still relevant to my current work in city administration.

■ Raising children as a whole society

Now in my 12th year as mayor, I have particularly focused on childcare support. Since taking office, I have reviewed the previous system that integrated welfare for the elderly, children, and people with disabilities, and established a new "Children's Future Department." The first thing I tackled was creating an organization to more effectively promote childcare support. Specifically, I launched a system called the "Children's Support Platform" to promote activities related to children's development more effectively by having all adults involved with children cooperate and collaborate. Adults who agree with activities that support children are registered as "Childcare Supporters/Children's Support Organizations," creating a system in which children are supported by society as a whole. In addition, "Oshiro Land," where children can play energetically indoors regardless of the season, has received high praise from parents as a place that promotes children's development. Childcare support cannot be solved by a single policy. I have been advancing policies while valuing a comprehensive approach. Thanks to these efforts, Kofu City has ranked first overall among 62 core cities nationwide for three consecutive years since 2023 in the "Next Generation Development Environment Ranking" conducted by a private organization (NPO Egalite Otemae).

■ Initiatives to connect young people with companies

Another important aspect we believe is creating solid employment opportunities for young people. Therefore, Kofu City is collaborating with startup companies and working to create a system that injects new energy into the region. Furthermore, 12 cities and towns in the Yamanashi Central Metropolitan Area (Ken-o Net Yamanashi) cooperated to hold a "Joint Company Information Session and Internship Fair." We made efforts to make it easy for students and young people from urban areas to participate, such as operating buses from Kofu Station to the venue. Approximately 300 people attended, providing an opportunity to learn about companies in Yamanashi Prefecture and Kofu City. In addition, we are also holding a "Metaverse Joint Company Information Session" in a metaverse space, and the number of online participants is increasing. Through these initiatives, we hope that a give-and-take will be fostered between companies and young people, building mutually beneficial relationships.

■ Aiming to create a city that is uniquely Kofu

I value "creating a city that is uniquely Kofu." Kofu, which celebrated its 500th anniversary in 2019, has a long history and culture. I want to leverage this charm and promote city development that will lead to the future. Specifically, in addition to its appeal as a fruit kingdom, I am working to expand local products such as the wine industry and jewelry industry. I also aim to redevelop the area around Kofu Castle and the hot spring resorts, recreating the area that once flourished. Furthermore, I want to make Kofu a base for "walking around town" and "mountain climbing." Kofu is a city where you can easily switch between work and leisure, as you can enjoy nature with just a short trip and go hiking or golfing in about 20 minutes. I would be happy if I could promote these unique charms of Kofu and make many people "Kofu fans." I also want to connect the redevelopment of former department store sites and other areas not as isolated "points," but as a "line." I want to enhance the overall appeal of Kofu by linking its history, culture, nature, and transportation.

■ A new gateway created by the linear motor train

One of the major turning points I anticipate is the Chuo Shinkansen maglev train. The significant reduction in travel time may make a new lifestyle possible, such as commuting from Yamanashi to Tokyo for work or school. I believe the Chuo Shinkansen has the potential to transform Kofu into a "new gateway." On the other hand, I also believe it's crucial to define the roles of the existing Kofu Station area and the new maglev station area. I want the area around Kofu Station to develop as a political, economic, and cultural center, while the area around the new maglev station becomes a place that generates new vitality and interaction.

■Message to university students

In recent years, we live in an era where a wide variety of opinions are exchanged on social media. That's why I want you to organize these diverse opinions, taking into account both subjective and objective viewpoints, and move forward. In particular, I want those who aspire to careers in politics or administration to cherish the idea that "a single rain can nourish a thousand mountains," which is also my political philosophy. The small daily actions of each individual can improve someone's life. I believe that when everyone works with this mindset, a positive synergy will be created throughout the organization. You students will be the main players in 10 years. Actively take on various opportunities and choose your own path.

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on May 18, 2026: Mio Ozawa, 2nd year student at Seijo University

Chiharu Yamada, 2nd year student at the University of Information Management and Innovation / Reina Inomoto, 1st year student at Kyoto University of the Arts / Mio Ozawa, 2nd year student at Seijo University