The town assembly in Hachirogata, Akita Prefecture, has removed its 72-year-old mayor. The mayor has been unable to work for months after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
The assembly took the decision on May 8 to oust the mayor from office. Officials cited the mayor's prolonged absence due to medical issues as the reason for the removal.
The 72-year-old mayor of Hachirogata has remained unconscious and unable to perform his duties following the brain hemorrhage that occurred several months ago. The action by the assembly addresses the resulting vacancy in local leadership.