Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike might be the most recognizable female politician in the nation¡¯s history, and it¡¯s widely thought that she is en route to securing her third term in office in the gubernatorial election set for July 7 ¡ª even with challenges in the form of rival Renho and a record number of candidates.

Ever since she became governor in 2016 under the banner of ¡°Tokyo Reform 1.0,¡± she has taken center stage in the nation¡¯s politics.

¡°Looking back on my two terms over eight years, I have worked with all my might to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people of Tokyo ¡ª during this time I have implemented historic COVID-19 prevention methods and through it also held the Tokyo 2020 Games,¡± Koike said in her campaign kickoff speech on June 20.