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In an effort to foster a more open and transparent local government, Ota City’s newly elected mayor, Masanobu Hozumi, has introduced a monthly initiative to engage with citizens through digital means. The mayor plans to host virtual dialogues every weekday evening using the popular video conferencing platform Zoom, starting from June 25. This innovative approach will allow a select group of residents to directly communicate with the mayor, while the broader community can participate by viewing the sessions online. This is part of a broader digital strategy to implement the campaign promise of a more “open city government,” leveraging social media, community radio, and online video to increase accessibility and communication between the administration and its citizens.
the Original
On May 23, 2025, Ota City’s Mayor, Masanobu Hozumi, announced plans to host monthly online meetings with citizens, using video conferencing tools like Zoom. These meetings, called “Hozumi-meet Online,” will take place once a month, on weekday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Hozumi’s goal is to create an open channel for communication between the mayor and citizens by making the process easily accessible. The mayor will invite 10 residents (who live, work, or study in the city) to participate in each session, with up to 100 people able to join the Zoom meeting as viewers.
The first session, scheduled for June 25, will focus on the theme, “What if I were the Mayor?” During this event, participants will be encouraged to engage in open dialogue and share their ideas. This initiative is part of Hozumi’s broader digital communication strategy, which also includes utilizing social media and community FM radio to broadcast his activities. The mayor also announced that regular press conferences would be filmed and distributed on YouTube to further expand transparency and reach a wider audience.
Mayor Hozumi was elected in April 2025 after a 30-year gap since the last mayoral election in Ota City. His victory marks a significant shift in local governance, with an emphasis on digital tools and a more interactive approach to civic engagement.
What Undercode Says:
This move by Mayor Hozumi is an exciting step toward modernizing local government and enhancing transparency. By leveraging platforms like Zoom, the mayor aims to break down barriers between city officials and residents, making it easier for people to engage with governance on their terms. In a world where digital communication has become crucial, this initiative aligns with global trends toward increased civic participation through online channels.
Digital platforms have proven to be powerful tools for promoting transparency in governance, offering a direct line of communication between the people and their elected leaders. This is especially important in local elections, where the relationship between politicians and voters often feels more personal, and citizens expect direct involvement in decision-making processes.
Additionally, the focus on a specific, engaging theme for each meeting — starting with “What if I were the Mayor?” — is a smart way to stir meaningful discussions and increase participation. It allows citizens to think critically about their community and encourages them to voice their ideas in an open, non-threatening format. Offering a live-streamed option for the public ensures that even those unable to participate directly can stay informed and involved.
Hozumi’s use of social media and community FM radio broadcasts also aligns with current trends where digital engagement is the norm. By diversifying his communication strategy across multiple platforms, Hozumi is ensuring that his message reaches as many residents as possible. This approach not only enhances transparency but also helps cultivate trust between the city government and its citizens.
The inclusion of a monthly schedule for the meetings creates a consistent opportunity for engagement, making it more likely that residents will participate and feel connected to the city’s governance. This frequency is crucial, as it prevents the communication process from feeling like a one-off event and fosters continuous dialogue.
Fact Checker Results:
✔ Accurate: Mayor
✔ True: The
✔ Verified: The first event on June 25 will feature the “What if I were the Mayor?” theme, engaging citizens in a creative conversation.
Prediction:
Given the increasing reliance on digital platforms for civic engagement, Ota City may soon see a wider shift in how local governments approach transparency and communication. This innovative model could inspire other cities in Japan — and even globally — to adopt similar strategies for bridging the gap between government officials and citizens. Furthermore, with the growing popularity of online participation, the success of Hozumi’s initiative could lead to more frequent and diverse virtual dialogues, further deepening the connection between local governments and their communities.
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Reported By: xtechnikkeicom_5124f178ae84aca7a65ba499
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