Society

Suga's hometown, constituency celebrate his election as new PM

Sep 17 (Kyodo) - Yoshihide Suga's hometown In northeastern Japan and his constituency in Yokohama, near Tokyo, were in festive moods Wednesday as supporters celebrated his election as Japan's new prime minister.

A vertical banner reading "Congratulations on becoming prime minister" in large letters was raised and fireworks set off at his childhood home in Yuzawa, Akita Prefecture.

Around 110 people gathered in a cultural hall for a public viewing of the extraordinary Diet session, in which Suga was elected as the first premier hailing from Akita.

In Yokohama's Minami Ward, around 200 supporters gathered in a tent set up near Suga's local office. A large round of applause sounded at around 1:45 p.m., when he was formally elected Japan's new prime minister in the powerful House of Representatives.

Suga's 67-year-old wife Mariko, who was in the front row, bowed her head and said, "Suga will continue to do his best so please support him."

Nearby, a shopping arcade was decorated with banners featuring illustrations of Suga, and customers were handed red and white buns to mark the auspicious event.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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