【Obituary】Former Tachikawa Mayor Hisashi Aoki Passes Away at 101; Developed Tama Monorail and Faret Tachikawa

Hisashi Aoki, former Mayor of Tachikawa City, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the age of 101 due to sepsis. In accordance with the family's wishes, the wake and funeral services were held privately by close relatives on Saturday, June 13.

A memorial registry will be set up at the Tachikawa City Hall Main Building (1156-9 Izumicho, Tachikawa City) in the 1st Floor Multi-purpose Plaza (next to the Citizen Lobby) from Tuesday, June 16 to Friday, June 19, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. This initiative aims to express the city's condolences for his long-standing public service and to provide citizens and associates with an opportunity to pay their respects. Please note that condolence money and floral offerings are not being accepted.

Hiroshi Sakai, Mayor of Tachikawa, released the following statement: 'I express my deepest condolences upon hearing the news of the passing of former Mayor Hisashi Aoki. He laid the foundation for the development of our city by promoting the development of the Tama Urban Monorail, Faret Tachikawa, and the elevation project of the JR Chuo Line, while also greatly contributing to local government development as the president of the Japan Association of City Mayors. I express my deep gratitude for his long years of achievements and pray for the repose of his soul.'

Major Biography: - 1957: Appointed Treasurer of the former Sunagawa Town - 1963: Appointed Deputy Treasurer of Tachikawa City - 1965: Appointed Director of the Construction Department, Tachikawa City - 1969: Appointed Director of the General Affairs Department, Tachikawa City - 1972: Appointed Director of the Welfare Department and the Planning and Finance Department, Tachikawa City - 1974: Appointed Director of the Planning Department, Tachikawa City - 1976: Appointed Director of the Development Department, Tachikawa City - 1978: Appointed Deputy Mayor of Tachikawa City - 1987: Inaugurated as the 14th Mayor of Tachikawa City - 2000: Appointed President of the Tokyo Association of City Mayors - 2002: Appointed President of the Japan Association of City Mayors - 2007: Retired as Mayor of Tachikawa City (serving 5 terms, 20 years)

Born on May 28, 1925, Hisashi Aoki started his public service career in 1957. Following the merger with Tachikawa City, he held various key administrative posts before serving as deputy mayor starting in 1978. He was elected as the 14th mayor in 1987, dedicating 20 years to the city's administration.

Achievements for Tachikawa's Development: - Infrastructure and Transport: Promoted urban redevelopment around Tachikawa Station and the JR Chuo Line elevation project between Mitaka and Tachikawa, resolving traffic congestion and community division. - Tama Urban Monorail: Championed the necessity of north-south transit in the Tama area and laid the groundwork for the monorail construction. - Faret Tachikawa: Facilitated the redevelopment of the former military base site, completing the Faret Tachikawa art district in 1994, which features art installations by over 90 artists from 36 countries. - Welfare Services: Established the Comprehensive Welfare Center and enhanced services for senior citizens, disabled individuals, and senior employment programs. - Local Administration: Led local decentralization and finance reforms as the president of the Tokyo Association of City Mayors and the National Association of City Mayors.

【Inquiries】 Tachikawa City Hall, Mayor's Office, Secretary Division Contact: Ushiyama Tel: 042-523-2111 (Ext. 2168)