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. He died on April 16, 2026, while undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma, midway through his seventh term as mayor. Tsuchida served as Higashine's mayor for 28 years, having first been elected in 1998. His tenure was marked by six consecutive uncontested victories and one contested win in 2022, tying the national record for active mayors. Before his municipal leadership, he served four terms in the Yamagata Prefectural Assembly under the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and attempted a gubernatorial run in 1993. Known as 'Mr. LDP,' he maintained significant influence in regional politics while demonstrating flexibility, such as supporting non-LDP candidates when strategic. His policy achievements included childcare support, settlement initiatives to combat population decline, and the Geographical Indication registration for local cherries. Yamagata Governor Mieko Yoshimura expressed sincere condolences, honoring his contributions to the prefecture's development, including the revitalization of Yamagata Airport. Tsuchida had announced his intention to retire at the end of his current term earlier in March 2026.
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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. He died on April 16, 2026, while undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma, midway through his seventh term as mayor. Tsuchida served as Higashine's mayor for 28 years, having first been elected in 1998. His tenure was marked by six consecutive uncontested victories and one contested win in 2022, tying the national record for active mayors. Before his municipal leadership, he served four terms in the Yamagata Prefectural Assembly under the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and attempted a gubernatorial run in 1993. Known as 'Mr. LDP,' he maintained significant influence in regional politics while demonstrating flexibility, such as supporting non-LDP candidates when strategic. His policy achievements included childcare support, settlement initiatives to combat population decline, and the Geographical Indication registration for local cherries. Yamagata Governor Mieko Yoshimura expressed sincere condolences, honoring his contributions to the prefecture's development, including the revitalization of Yamagata Airport. Tsuchida had announced his intention to retire at the end of his current term earlier in March 2026.
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