Junji Fukuhara

Early years On 18 December 1967, Fukuhara was born in Ōdate, Akita Prefecture. He graduated from the Keio University's Faculty of Law.

Political career In 1995, Fukuhara ran for the Ōdate City Council and won. He had served the office until 2003.

On 26 April 2015, Fukuhara ran for the mayor again and defeated Obata.

On 21 April 2019, Fukuhara was re-elected and secured his second-term.

On 23 April 2023, Fukuhara was re-elected and secured his third-term.

On 7 October 2023, the LDP Akita Federation nominated Fukuhara as Kaneda's successor after Kaneda announced his retirement.

On 12 July 2024, Fukuhara tell the chairman of the city council that he would resign on 31 August 2024.

In the 2024 general election, Fukuhara lost to CDP incumbent Takashi Midorikawa after a close race but won a seat in the PR.

In the 2026 general election, Fukuhara defeated CRA incumbent Midorikawa.

Scandal Allegations of Public Offices Election Act Violations In the general election held in October 2024, a campaign worker in their 60s from the Fukuhara camp was referred to prosecutors on suspicion of violating the Public Offices Election Act (bribery) for allegedly paying campaign car staff compensation exceeding the legal limit. In response to inquiries, Fukuhara commented: "This is deeply regrettable and inexcusable. I have urged those involved to reflect deeply on their actions, and I will ensure that thorough measures are taken to prevent any recurrence."

On 11 April 2025, the Akita Department Prosecutors announced that it had summarily indicted three individuals, including the former secretary-general of the Fukuhara camp, as of March 26. They were charged with violations of the Public Offices Election Act regarding both bribery and the acceptance of bribes.