Exit polls indicate that Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, 71, is poised to win a third consecutive term in Sunday's gubernatorial election, solidifying her position as Japan's first female governor of its largest city. Supported by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Koike's victory comes amidst challenges including Japan's declining fertility rates and economic concerns. First elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, Koike, a conservative figure, gained national prominence for her handling of Tokyo through the COVID-19 pandemic and the delayed 2021 Olympics. The city's fertility rate, at 0.99, remains a critical issue, impacting future demographics and economic vitality. As one of Japan's most influential female politicians, Koike oversees Tokyo's substantial budget, which reached 16.55 trillion yen ($100 billion) this fiscal year, reflecting the city's economic significance. She garnered over 40% of the vote, securing a commanding lead according to Reuters. In a surprising twist, Shinji Ishimaru, 41, a former mayor from Hiroshima prefecture, emerged second in the polls, overtaking Renho Saito, 56, backed by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), who placed third. Ishimaru's success was attributed to mobilizing young voters through extensive online outreach and focusing on economic development. Yuriko Koike, a former journalist turned politician, rose to prominence in 2016 when she became Tokyo's first female governor, despite not being the official LDP candidate. She emphasized local issues like public transport congestion and overwork culture, though global challenges like the pandemic and Olympic preparations dominated her tenure. However, Koike faced controversies, including allegations about her education credentials from Cairo University, which she vehemently denied. Critics also pointed to unfulfilled pledges on Tokyo's infrastructure and work-life balance issues. Renho Saito, once a key opponent supported by major opposition parties, including the CDPJ and the Japanese Communist Party, faced challenges after leaving the CDPJ and losing her Upper House seat. The gubernatorial election, projected as a contest between national ideologies, unfolded amidst widespread disillusionment with political leadership amidst economic uncertainties and currency fluctuations. — Agencies
