Mayor of Chichibu, Kazuhiko Kiyono, Promotes Local Charm in YouTube Show 'Tried doing XX with a Mayor' with a Strawberry Picking Experience

Ichini Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya, Tokyo; CEO: Suguru Takahata), operator of Japan's largest political and election portal 'Senkyo Dot Com', delivers the YouTube program 'Tried doing XX with a Mayor', where mayors from across Japan challenge various projects to promote their municipalities.

■ Episode 39 features Mayor Kazuhiko Kiyono of Chichibu City, Saitama!
Released on April 27, this episode features Mayor Kazuhiko Kiyono of Chichibu City appearing in 'Pilgrimage Attire' at Shimanbu-ji, the first temple of the pilgrimage route, to promote the charms of Chichibu City.

Chichibu City is the largest municipality by area in Saitama Prefecture. It is blessed with rich mountains and clear streams as the source of the Arakawa River, offering seasonal landscapes. Historical and cultural resources such as Mitsumine Shrine and the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage sites are scattered throughout, and local culture is passed down through generations. In recent years, the city has focused not only on tourism promotion but also on enhancing regional medical care and town planning through wide-area cooperation.

In this episode, the mayor experiences the pilgrimage coinciding with the 'Goshidai Kaicho' (General Opening of the Temples), held once every 12 years. While savoring the afterglow of the pilgrimage, he also enjoys seasonal sweet strawberries at 'Wado Farm'!

We also interviewed him about future policies such as tourism promotion, regional medical care, and regional development through wide-area cooperation.

The mayor appeared in full pilgrimage gear: Oizuru (vest), Sugegasa (hat), Kongozue (staff), Wakesa (stole), and Jiling (bell)! He also gave a big thumbs-up to the exceptional taste of 'Amarin', a variety limited to Saitama Prefecture.

■ Background of 'Tried doing XX with a Mayor'
The need for municipal PR is higher than ever for two main reasons.

First, it is essential to convey local charm to people outside the region, tourists, and media professionals. In April 2024, the 'Population Strategy Council' analyzed that 744 municipalities (40% of the total) might eventually vanish by 2050 as the population of women in their 20s and 30s halves. To protect hometowns from 'extinction', attracting donations (furusato nozei), tourists, migrants, and companies from outside is an urgent issue.

Second is the need for municipal publicity for local residents. A survey conducted by the 'Association for Promoting Fair Elections' after the 2023 unified local elections showed that 54.1% of voters—the lowest ever—responded that they 'had trouble deciding who to vote for because they did not understand the candidates' personalities or policies.' While mayors are the most familiar and important politicians in local life, there are too few opportunities to know their work and personalities.

In response to this rising demand, the YouTube program 'Tried doing XX with a Mayor' was launched in May 2024 to allow people outside the region to learn about the area's charm and increase opportunities for residents to know their leaders and local government initiatives.

We will continue to transmit the charm of regions together with mayors nationwide!

■ Biography: Kazuhiko Kiyono, Chichibu City, Saitama
Mayor Kazuhiko Kiyono
Biography:
2008: Graduated from Waseda University, School of Political Science and Economics. Worked in nature conservation and reconstruction support organizations after graduation.
2014: Elected as Chichibu City Councilor. Served three terms.
2025: Elected as Mayor of Chichibu. Currently in his first term.
- Daily routine: Running, Radio Calisthenics
- Motto: Humble and Honest
- Favorite words: Impermanence of all things
- Hobbies: Reading, Listening to music, Cooking