Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike is perhaps the most recognizable female politician in the country’s history, and she is widely believed to be on track to secure a third term in the July 7 gubernatorial election – even with challenges from rival Renho and a record number of candidates.
Since becoming governor in 2016 under the banner of “Tokyo Reform 1.0”, she has been at the center of the country’s politics.
“Looking back on my two terms in office for eight years, I have worked with all my might to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people of Tokyo – during this time I have implemented historic COVID-19 prevention methods and thereby also held the Tokyo 2020 Games,” Koike said in her opening statement for the campaign on June 20.
