Shōmei Yokouchi facts for kids

Shōmei Yokouchi (横内 正明, Yokouchi Shōmei, March 2, 1942 – April 21, 2020) was an important Japanese politician. He served in Japan's national parliament, called the Diet, for many years. Later, he became the governor of Yamanashi Prefecture, which is like being the leader of a state or region. He worked to improve things for the people of Yamanashi.

Discovering Shōmei Yokouchi

Shōmei Yokouchi was a key figure in Japanese politics. He was born on March 2, 1942, in Nirasaki, a city located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. He grew up and later dedicated much of his life to serving the people of his home region and the entire country.

Early Life and Education

Shōmei Yokouchi was a very bright student. He attended the prestigious University of Tokyo, one of Japan's top universities. There, he studied law, which gave him a strong understanding of how laws are made and how governments work. This education was a great foundation for his future career in public service.

Becoming a National Politician

After finishing his studies, Shōmei Yokouchi decided to enter politics. In 1993, he was elected to the House of Representatives. This is one of the two houses that make up Japan's national parliament, known as the Diet. The Diet is where laws are discussed and passed for the entire country.

• He represented the Yamanashi Prefecture electoral district.
• Later, he represented Yamanashi District No. 3.
• He served in the House of Representatives for nearly a decade, until 2002.

During his time in the national Diet, he helped make important decisions that affected all of Japan.

Serving as Governor of Yamanashi

After his time in the national parliament, Shōmei Yokouchi took on a new role closer to home. In 2007, he was elected as the governor of Yamanashi Prefecture. A governor is like the chief executive of a prefecture, similar to a state in other countries.

• As governor, he was responsible for managing the prefecture's affairs.
• This included things like education, public works (like roads and bridges), and promoting the local economy.
• He served two terms as governor, from February 17, 2007, until February 16, 2015.

During his time as governor, he worked hard to improve the lives of the people in Yamanashi, focusing on local issues and development.

A Legacy of Public Service

Shōmei Yokouchi passed away on April 21, 2020. He is remembered for his long career in public service, both at the national level in the Diet and as the leader of his home prefecture. His dedication helped shape policies and improve conditions for many people in Japan.