比田勝尚喜

Naoki Hitakatsu is a Japanese politician currently serving as the Mayor of Tsushima, Nagasaki Prefecture. Born in 1954, he spent much of his career as a local government official, serving in the Kamitsushima town office and later within the Tsushima city administration, including roles as the Director of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and as Deputy Mayor. First elected as mayor in 2016 with support from the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, he has since been re-elected twice. His policy focus includes balancing national security concerns with local economic development, particularly regarding land use on border islands. He is also known for his decision to reject the hosting of a final disposal site for high-level radioactive waste in Tsushima, citing concerns over community division and potential reputational damage to the local tourism industry.