Veteran politician Yuriko Koike was elected governor of Tokyo on Sunday, media exit polls projected, becoming the first woman to lead Japan's capital.
Public broadcaster NHK, Jiji Press and other media forecast Koike as the winner immediately after polls closed at 8 pm (1100 GMT).
"I will lead Tokyo politics in an unprecedented manner, a Tokyo you have never seen," Koike, 64, told cheering supporters in a hoarse voice after two weeks of campaigning.
The election, contested by a record field of 21 candidates, was called after previous governor Yoichi Masuzoe resigned over a financial scandal.
A key task for Koike will be dealing with Tokyo's troubled preparations for the 2020 summer Olympics, which have been plagued by a series of embarrassing scandals and soaring costs.
Veteran politician Yuriko Koike was elected governor of Tokyo on Sunday, media exit polls projected, becoming the first woman to lead Japan’s capital.
Public broadcaster NHK, Jiji Press and other media forecast Koike as the winner immediately after polls closed at 8 pm (1100 GMT).
“I will lead Tokyo politics in an unprecedented manner, a Tokyo you have never seen,” Koike, 64, told cheering supporters in a hoarse voice after two weeks of campaigning.
The election, contested by a record field of 21 candidates, was called after previous governor Yoichi Masuzoe resigned over a financial scandal.
A key task for Koike will be dealing with Tokyo’s troubled preparations for the 2020 summer Olympics, which have been plagued by a series of embarrassing scandals and soaring costs.
