In the Shiga Prefecture gubernatorial election held on the 5th following the expiration of the incumbent's term, incumbent independent governor Taizo Mikazuki (55) defeated three independent newcomers: former Ritto City employee Motoji Osumi (42), Communist Party Shiga Prefectural Committee Vice Chairman Gokuo Tsubota (67) (endorsed by the Communist Party), and company employee Masaaki Sakamoto (57), securing his fourth term.