山下真

Makoto Yamashita is the 21st elected Governor of Nara Prefecture, having assumed office in 2023. A former journalist for the Asahi Shimbun and a qualified lawyer, he previously served three terms as the Mayor of Ikoma City from 2006 to 2015. Known for his reformist approach, Yamashita has focused on fiscal discipline and the review of large-scale infrastructure projects initiated by his predecessors, often emphasizing cost-effectiveness and transparency in public administration. As a prominent figure within Nippon Ishin no Kai, he serves as a member of the party's executive committee and has been active in regional policy shifts, including the reorganization of prefectural facilities and the cancellation of several major development plans.