By NNN-Kyodo,
Tokyo : Voting kicked off in local elections across Japan on Sunday after campaigning overshadowed by the worst crisis in Japan’s postwar history, triggered by a massive earthquake off the northeastern coast on March 11.
Candidates shied away from vigorous appeals to voters in a widespread mood of self-restraint in light of the 27,000 people left dead or unaccounted for following the quake and ensuing tsunami, together with the unfolding crisis at a nuclear power station in Fukushima Prefecture.
Yet results will be crucial in Sunday’s elections, including the much-publicized Tokyo gubernatorial race, over issues ranging from how to revitalize local economies to the devolution of power from the central government.