平井明道

Akimichi Hirai is a Japanese politician currently serving as the Mayor of Takehara in Hiroshima Prefecture. Born in Takehara, he graduated from Komazawa University with a degree in Buddhist studies. Before entering politics, he founded a dojo in Tokyo focused on kickboxing and Zen, and later served as a Sōtō Zen monk. Hirai was elected to the Takehara City Council in 2022. In December 2025, he won the mayoral election as a newcomer, defeating the incumbent who had been supported by a broad coalition of major political parties. He campaigned on a platform of revitalizing the city, promising to lead reforms to address long-standing stagnation in Takehara.