Arab News Japan

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike secured a second term and claimed victory on July 5 as the gubernatorial election and the campaigning came to an end, major media reported.

Koike, 67, now will face a host of challenges including containing the coronavirus pandemic and dealing with the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, which were postponed by one year to summer 2021.

Her contenders included Taro Yamamoto, leader of small political party Reiwa Shinsengumi, Kenji Utsunomiya, former president of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, and Taisuke Ono, former vice governor of Kumamoto Prefecture.

Koike served in such posts as environment minister and defense minister before becoming the first woman to assume the governorship of Tokyo in August 2016.

This time, Koike obtained support from Komeito, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s coalition partner, and Tomin First no Kai (Tokyoites First Group), a regional political party to which she serves as special adviser.

The LDP did not give official backing to Koike but its secretary-general, Toshihiro Nikai, declared support for her.

In her campaigning, Koike touted her achievements during her first four years in office, including those in administrative and fiscal reform and child welfare.

*With JIJI Press