Update : 2023-3-20
Mr. IMAI Hiroshi, honorary citizen of Soka City, passed away on March 3.
We express our deepest condolences.
Mr. Imai served for many years to the development of local autonomy and to the national administration, winning his first election for a member of the city assembly in 1970, and serving as the chairperson of the city assembly, four terms as mayor, four terms as a member of the House of Representatives and Senior Vice-Minister for Public Management.
His achievements include the promotion of upgrading of urban infrastructure such as the flood control projects, the re-development around the east exists of Soka and Yatsuka Stations as well as the initiation of cultural projects we are proud of, such as the International Harp Festival and the International Oku-no Hosomichi Symposium.
His contribution to lay the foundation of the present Soka City is immeasurable.
Mr. Imai received great many honors as a meritorious person in local autonomy from Saitama Prefecture and from the nation, and Soka City presented a title of honorary citizen in 2018, glorifying his achievements and honor.