Former TV presenter for variety programs and talk shows on environmental issues.
2010, at the age of 36, became the youngest mayor in Fukuoka City’s history; re-elected in 2014, 2018 and 2022, securing a record number of votes for these elections. Now serving a fourth term.
Has been active in promoting Fukuoka at home and abroad. Using Fukuoka City’s established status since May 2014 as the National Strategic Special Zone for Global Start-ups and Job Creation, is implementing various deregulations and systematic reforms, including the Start-up Visa and corporate tax cuts for start-ups. He has been a strong force in leading Japan’s start-up movement and policies. Has also been active in the fields of tourism and MICE promotion, and has succeeded in earning Fukuoka the right to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the 2023 World Aquatics Championships.
Received the World Mayor 2014 award, a prize awarded to outstanding mayors around the world.
In 2017, he became the first Japanese mayor to participate in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
In 2020, he appealed for unity against COVID-19 in a video message at the New Year's Eve celebrations held in Times Square, New York, USA. He also demonstrated his natural leadership by being one of the first in Japan to provide support to businesses suffering during the pandemic.
As a local representative, he has also served at major national conferences, and is involved in activities that look to the future of the nation, such as raising issues related to digitalization and the division of roles between the national and loca
l governments.