Nagano Governor Abe Prepares to Lead the National Association of Governors
Nagano Governor Shuichi Abe to Lead Japan's National Governors' Association
Shuichi Abe, the Governor of Nagano Prefecture in Japan, has been endorsed as the next head of Japan's National Governors' Association. Abe, a native of Tokyo, has had a long career in government and will begin his two-year term on September 3, 2025.
Abe started his government career in 1984 when he joined the Ministry of Home Affairs, now the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. He also served as vice governor of Nagano Prefecture prior to being elected governor in 2010. In addition to his gubernatorial role, Abe was a vice president of the National Governors' Association before his appointment as its head.
Abe's key achievements prior to leading the association include serving as vice governor of Nagano Prefecture, which provided executive experience at the prefectural government level. He also demonstrated political stability and regional leadership by being elected governor in 2010 and subsequently re-elected. Abe's significant administrative role within the Ministry of Home Affairs gave him expertise in internal government functions.
In 2025, Abe made history by becoming the first governor from Nagano to be appointed as the head of Japan's National Governors' Association. He was endorsed by 15 of the 47 governors. The National Governors' Association, a body in Japan that represents the nation's 47 governors, holds a meeting every two years to appoint its head.
Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai will step down after completing his first term as the head of the National Governors' Association. Abe's appointment will be official at a meeting on Aug. 26.
Abe is currently serving his fourth term as Nagano governor and will continue to lead the prefecture while also representing the nation as the head of the National Governors' Association.
- Abe, serving as both the current governor of Nagano and the head of the National Governors' Association, might share a photo of his inauguration on social media, showcasing his continuation of government obligations in both regional and national politics.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation, Abe's leadership in the National Governors' Association might bring about new reforms and policies, implementing changes both within Nagano Prefecture and on a general-news-worthy national level.
