Seigo Tsuchida, Long-Serving Higashine Mayor and Yamagata Political Figure, Dies at 82
Seigo Tsuchida, a prominent political figure in Yamagata Prefecture and the long-serving mayor of Higashine City, has passed away at the age of 82. His death was announced by Higashine City officials on April 16, 2026. Tsuchida died while undergoing inpatient treatment for multiple myeloma, midway through his seventh term as mayor. He had served in the role for 28 years, having first been elected in 1998. Notably, he won six consecutive elections without opposition, tying a national record for active mayors. Before his municipal career, Tsuchida served four terms in the Yamagata Prefectural Assembly under the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and worked as a secretary for the House of Representatives. Although he lost a gubernatorial bid in 1993, he remained an influential force in local politics, known for his flexibility across party lines. His administration focused on combating population decline through childcare support, promoting local cherry production via Geographical Indication registration, and establishing the prefecture's first public integrated junior and high school. Governor Mieko Yoshimura expressed sincere condolences, praising his contributions to regional development, including the revitalization of Yamagata Airport.
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Seigo Tsuchida, Long-Serving Higashine Mayor and Yamagata Political Figure, Dies at 82
Seigo Tsuchida, a prominent political figure in Yamagata Prefecture and the long-serving mayor of Higashine City, has passed away at the age of 82. His death was announced by Higashine City officials on April 16, 2026. Tsuchida died while undergoing inpatient treatment for multiple myeloma, midway through his seventh term as mayor. He had served in the role for 28 years, having first been elected in 1998. Notably, he won six consecutive elections without opposition, tying a national record for active mayors. Before his municipal career, Tsuchida served four terms in the Yamagata Prefectural Assembly under the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and worked as a secretary for the House of Representatives. Although he lost a gubernatorial bid in 1993, he remained an influential force in local politics, known for his flexibility across party lines. His administration focused on combating population decline through childcare support, promoting local cherry production via Geographical Indication registration, and establishing the prefecture's first public integrated junior and high school. Governor Mieko Yoshimura expressed sincere condolences, praising his contributions to regional development, including the revitalization of Yamagata Airport.
asahi