Yachiyo City Mayor Tomonori Hattori announced during a press conference on the 6th that he has been diagnosed with stage 3 esophageal cancer. The 68-year-old mayor stated that he will enter a period of medical leave to focus on treatment.
Following the announcement, the mayor expressed his intention to undergo treatment with the goal of returning to work as soon as possible.
Mayor Hattori is scheduled to begin his medical leave on the 7th. The treatment period is expected to last approximately four to five months, with a target return date between late August and early September.
Regarding city administration, the mayor does not plan to appoint an acting official. Instead, he intends to continue performing duties remotely, such as handling important decision-making tasks, depending on his physical condition.
The cancer was discovered following an annual health checkup in January, which revealed an abnormality. Subsequent detailed examinations led to a formal diagnosis of esophageal cancer in March.
Treatment will take place at the Chiba Cancer Center located in Chuo-ku, Chiba City. The planned medical course includes chemotherapy followed by surgery.
Prior to the diagnosis, the mayor reported having almost no noticeable symptoms, aside from a slight sensation of discomfort in his chest around the beginning of the year. He noted that daily life had not been significantly impacted by any symptoms.
During the press conference, Mayor Hattori expressed a strong determination to do his best in treatment so that he can return to serve the citizens as quickly as possible.
While the medical leave may impact municipal administration, the mayor's plan to maintain remote operations aims to minimize disruptions to city governance.
