大野元裕

Motohiro Ono is the Governor of Saitama Prefecture, having first assumed office in August 2019 and winning re-election in 2023. Before his tenure as governor, he served two terms as a member of the House of Councillors, where he held positions including Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense and Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Cabinet Office. His career began in diplomacy and research, with significant experience in Middle Eastern affairs, including roles at Japanese embassies in Jordan and Syria and as a researcher at the Middle East Institute of Japan. Politically, he has focused on regional infrastructure development, such as the extension of railway lines, and has been an advocate for maintaining a balanced approach to public policy. He is known for his background as a Middle East expert and his commitment to continuing the regional development policies established by his predecessor.