The Tokyo gubernatorial election officially kicked off Thursday, with many viewing Renho as incumbent Gov. Yuriko Koike¡¯s main obstacle to securing a third term.

¡°There are many challenges, but I intend to face them head on,¡± Koike told supporters in Shinjuku on Thursday. ¡°I will make Tokyo a better place, continuing to work together for and with the people of Tokyo ¡ª please support me in my fight for a third term.¡±

A few stations away in Nakano, Renho followed suit.