New Miyazaki Gov. Sonomanma Higashi shakes hands with staff members on Jan. 21. KYODO PHOTO

After winning the post Jan. 21, the former TV entertainer emphasized to reporters the importance of creating an organization that will fulfill his election pledges. "The true value of Miyazaki Prefecture will be tested through (our work to) restore confidence," Higashi, 49, said. He also said he will use his legal name, Hideo Higashikokubaru, while performing his duties.

Higashi hinted he may handpick someone from the private sector as vice governor but did not elaborate. He also tried to dispel public concern over his ability, as a political rookie, to pursue policies through negotiations with assembly members.

Higashi received 266,807 votes to easily out-distance former Forestry Agency Director General Hidesaburo Kawamura, 57, who got 195,124 votes, and three other contenders.

Meanwhile, police served a fresh arrest warrant Jan. 22 against former Gov. Tadahiro Ando for taking bribes. Ando allegedly received about ¥30 million from a building design company that received an order through bid-rigging, police sources said. Police will also arrest Shizuo Ishikawa, a 68-year-old former aide to a Diet member, as Ando's accomplice, and Yoshifumi Nihongi, 56, the former president of Yamato Engineering Inc., the Tokyo-based design company, for allegedly making the bribes, the sources said.

The Japan Times Weekly: Jan. 27, 2007
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