佐藤健司

Kenji Sato is a Japanese politician currently serving as the Mayor of Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. Born in Iwakura, Aichi Prefecture, he graduated from the Faculty of Law at Doshisha University and began his career as a journalist for NHK. He entered politics by serving as a member of the Otsu City Council for two terms, followed by three terms as a member of the Shiga Prefectural Assembly. First elected as Mayor of Otsu in 2020, he was re-elected in 2024. His administration has faced scrutiny regarding political funding and his decisions to postpone the introduction of a municipal partnership system for same-sex couples, as well as adjustments to municipal budget priorities.