Ehime gubernatorial election

Ehime gubernatorial election

MATSUYAMA, Japan - Former Matsuyama Mayor Tokihiro Nakamura (C) celebrates in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, after the media reports he is heading for victory in the Ehime gubernatorial election on Nov. 28, 2010.

Kako wins Ehime election

Kako wins Ehime election

MATSUYAMA, Japan - Ehime Gov. Moriyuki Kato, backed by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, its junior partner the New Komeito party, and the tiny opposition Social Democratic Party, speaks at a Matsuyama hotel in Ehime Prefecture on Jan. 21 as it appeared certain he would win a third term in the gubernatorial election.

Campaigning gets under way for 3 gubernatorial elections

Campaigning gets under way for 3 gubernatorial elections

Miyazaki, Japan - Supporters of a candidate (L, back to camera) in a gubernatorial election in Miyazaki Prefecture listen to his speech in Miyazaki on Jan. 4 as official campaigning got under way for the Jan. 21 election, along with similar elections in Yamanashi and Ehime prefectures.

Campaigning gets under way for 3 gubernatorial elections

Campaigning gets under way for 3 gubernatorial elections

Miyazaki, Japan - Supporters of a candidate (L, back to camera) in a gubernatorial election in Miyazaki Prefecture listen to his speech in Miyazaki on Jan. 4 as official campaigning got under way for the Jan. 21 election, along with similar elections in Yamanashi and Ehime prefectures. (Kyodo)

Kako wins Ehime election

Kako wins Ehime election

MATSUYAMA, Japan - Ehime Gov. Moriyuki Kato, backed by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, its junior partner the New Komeito party, and the tiny opposition Social Democratic Party, speaks at a Matsuyama hotel in Ehime Prefecture on Jan. 21 as it appeared certain he would win a third term in the gubernatorial election. (Kyodo)

Ehime gubernatorial election

Ehime gubernatorial election

MATSUYAMA, Japan - Former Matsuyama Mayor Tokihiro Nakamura (C) celebrates in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, after the media reports he is heading for victory in the Ehime gubernatorial election on Nov. 28, 2010. (Kyodo)