Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko has announced her intention to run in the capital’s gubernatorial election next month. She will be chasing a third term in office.
Koike made the announcement Wednesday at a plenary session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly.
She said: “There are still many issues to address, including the aging society, falling birthrate, natural disaster preparedness, as well as women’s empowerment and digitalization, where Japan lags far behind other countries. I will do my best to promote Tokyo’s further development.”
Koike plans to run as an independent. She told reporters she will compile her election platform and release it shortly.
The 71-year-old was born in Hyogo Prefecture and began her career as a newscaster. She won her first Diet seat in the 1992 Upper House election. She later served eight consecutive terms as a member of the Lower House. She was elected Tokyo governor in 2016.
Upper House lawmaker Renho, who had already declared her candidacy, officially informed the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party that she is leaving the party. She says she wants to draw support from a wider base in the election.
Renho said: “I hope people can go beyond party lines to support me. I believe Tokyo can become better. Childrearing and education, job satisfaction… these are all things we can bring into the present.”
She says she intends to announce her platform by next week.
The major parties have announced who they plan to back in the election.
The main ruling Liberal Democratic Party, its junior coalition partner Komeito, and the regional TOMIN First party are considering backing Koike.
The Constitutional Democratic Party, Japanese Communist Party and Social Democratic Party all plan on backing Renho.
Four people have so far said they intend to run in the election. More than 40 others have also expressed an intention, according to an NHK survey.
The election is expected to serve as a referendum on Koike’s two terms. Money in politics, as well as rising prices, are also expected to become hot campaign issues.
Other topics include measures to tackle the falling birthrate and child-rearing support. The total fertility rate in the capital was 0.99 last year, falling below 1.
The Meiji Jingu Gaien redevelopment project is also expected to be a major issue. The plan was approved by the Tokyo government but has drawn opposition.
The official campaign season for the Tokyo gubernatorial election begins on June 20. Voting takes place on July 7.