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.

Ishiba Shigeru elected LDP leader

Ishiba Shigeru has been elected leader of Japan's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The former LDP Secretary-General is now virtually assured of becoming the next prime minister. (NHK)

Hakamada Case Ends With Acquittal After 58 Years

The Hakamada case, a decades-long legal struggle, ended with an acquittal for Iwao Hakamada (88), who, along with his sister Hideko, fought for 58 years. Hakamada was suspected of the 1966 murder of a miso company executive’s family.

Japan launches information-gathering satellite on H2A rocket

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New Red Lights for Japan's Police Cars

Japan's National Police Agency is introducing new patrol cars equipped with red lights designed to assist people with hearing impairments, flashing differently depending on whether the vehicle is on an emergency run or a routine patrol.

Over 300 New Geoglyphs Discovered by Yamagata University in Nazca

Yamagata University, which has been conducting research on the Nazca geoglyphs in Peru, announced the discovery of over 300 new geoglyphs, depicting a variety of subjects, including humans and animals.

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