In 2026, numerous local elections are scheduled to be held in Japan outside the unified local elections in 2023 and 2027, including 13 gubernatorial elections and other local elections, due to term expiry.
At least 13 gubernatorial elections are scheduled to be held in 2026.
The 2026 Fukui gubernatorial election was held on 25 January 2026.
Incumbent Tatsuji Sugimoto stepped down from office on 4 December 2025 following allegations of sexual harassing staff using texts.
The 2026 Yamaguchi gubernatorial election was held on 8 February 2026.
The 2026 Nagasaki gubernatorial election was held on 8 February 2026.
The 2026 Osaka gubernatorial election was held on 8 February 2026. Incumbent governor Hirofumi Yoshimura resigned on 22 January 2025.
The 2026 Ishikawa gubernatorial election was held on 8 March 2026.
The 2026 Kyoto gubernatorial election is scheduled to be held on 5 April 2026.
The 2026 Niigata gubernatorial election is scheduled to be held on 31 May 2026.
The 2026 Shiga gubernatorial election is scheduled to be held on 5 July 2026.
The 2026 Nagano gubernatorial election is scheduled to be held on 9 August 2026.
If not set earlier, the 2026 Kagawa gubernatorial election is scheduled to be held on 4 September 2026.
The 2026 Okinawa gubernatorial election is scheduled to be held on 13 September 2026.
If not set earlier, the 2026 Fukushima gubernatorial election is scheduled to be held on 11 November 2026.
If not set earlier, the 2026 Aichi gubernatorial election is scheduled to be held on 30 November 2026.
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