Reported 8 months ago
The Tokyo gubernatorial election, scheduled for July 7th, has seen a record-breaking 56 candidates registering on June 20th, compared to 22 in the previous election. The race centers on incumbent Governor Yuriko Koike seeking reelection and Renho, a former opposition party senator, challenging her. Koike, 71, emphasizes 'capital defense' to safeguard Tokyo's economy and livelihood with the support of four political parties, while Renho, 56, of Taiwanese descent, promises to alleviate the burden on young people and has the backing of opposition parties. Against the backdrop of Japan's serious aging population crisis, increasing the birth rate has become a significant issue in this election. Additionally, Koike faces allegations of falsifying her education background, with her former assistant accusing her of claiming to have graduated from the University of Cairo, which Koike denies. Apart from the prominent contenders Koike and Renho, other candidates include former Air Self-Defense Force staff Masuo Oyama and former mayor of Aki-Takata city in Hiroshima, Shinji Ishimaru. With a significantly increased number of candidates, this election sets a new record since the 2020 Tokyo gubernatorial election.
Source: YAHOO