Society

Tokyo governor announces re-election bid

Jun 13 (NHK) - Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko has announced her intention to seek a second term as leader of the Japanese capital.

Koike launched her re-election bid at a news conference on Friday.

She said the urgent issue for Tokyo is to respond to the coronavirus outbreak. She noted the fight against the virus is not over and that she wants to lead efforts to prepare for a possible second wave of infections.

She added the fight must be won so a blueprint for Tokyo in the post-pandemic era can be drawn up.

Koike indicated that she will not ask any political party to support her.

Fifteen other people have announced their candidacy for the gubernatorial election that will be held on July 5.

Koike is 67 years old. She became Tokyo's first female governor four years ago by beating a candidate supported by the governing coalition as well as other hopefuls.

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