The Takanosumachi Thereafter

Mayor Iwakawa was voted into office in 1991 promising better welfare for senior citizens As a result of his efforts to create a town with resident participation while battling against antireform forces of the town council Takanosumachi becomes the best welfare town in Japan In the nationwide local elections in 2003 however Iwakawa loses by a huge margin against the opposing candidate who promises the consolidation of local municipalities