Mitsuhei Obuchi

Mitsuhira Obuchi (Obuchi Mitsuhira, June 8, 1930 – May 26, 2008) was a Japanese businessman and politician. He was born in Nakanojo Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture. His birth name was Kōgo Obuchi. He graduated from the Faculty of Commerce at Meiji University and also completed studies at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology.

His father was the first Mitsuhira Obuchi, who served as a House of Representatives member, and his younger brother was Keizo Obuchi, the 84th Prime Minister of Japan. His niece is Yuko Obuchi, also a member of the House of Representatives. His family includes his wife Sayoko, eldest daughter Noriko (born October 11, 1964), eldest son Narisaka (born January 6, 1967, director-general of the Japan-China Economic Co-operation Association and convicted of violating labor standards law), second daughter Keiko (born January 11, 1969), second son Tetsuya (born January 10, 1971), and third son Kenyu (born November 27, 1972).

In the business world, he was a prominent leader of the Kōzansha conglomerate in Gunma Prefecture, overseeing numerous companies. He joined Kōzansha Silk Spinning in 1958, demonstrating outstanding management skills. Subsequently, he became the CEO of Kōzansha Lumber in 1959 and founded Kōzansha in 1961. He also established Kōzansha Automotive Industry and Kōzansha Masonry, serving as president of each. In 1964, he founded Kōzansha Electric Industry and Kōzansha Transportation Industry, serving as their president.

In 1983, Kōzansha Electric Industry was designated as a model factory for Gunma Prefecture small and medium-sized enterprise rationalization. In 1993, he established Kōzansha Philippines, followed by Kōzansha Cavite in 1996. Through these efforts, his companies expanded domestically and internationally.

In politics, he was first elected mayor of Nakanojo Town and was re-elected in 1996 and 2000. In the 2000 election, his efforts to build a renowned art museum sparked opposition; he narrowly won re-election by just 1,000 votes in a close contest against a Communist Party candidate. This election was also seen as an indication of waning influence of his brother, Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi. In 2004, he ran for a third term but was unsuccessful.

Apart from his elected office, he held various positions, including president of Kōzansha, president of Hotel Kōzan-so, chairman of the Gunma Prefecture Social Insurance Association, and a board member of the Social Insurance Association. He also served as chairman of the Agatsuma Wide Area Town and Village Development and Promotion Organization, and held roles in various industrial and civic associations.

He passed away on May 26, 2008, due to illness, at the age of 77.