Japan’s prime minister’s ally loses mayoral poll ahead of general elections

Japanese prime minister Yoshihide Suga answers reporters’ questions (Yoshitaka Sugawara/AP)

A close ally of Japanese prime minister Yoshihide Suga was defeated in a high-profile mayoral election in Yokohama, Mr Suga’s home turf, in a sharp setback for the already unpopular leader ahead of general elections later this year.

Opposition-backed scientist Takeharu Yamanaka comfortably beat Mr Suga’s candidate Hachiro Okonogi in a field of eight with support from voters critical of the governing party’s pandemic response and its backing of plans for a waterfront casino in the city.