The Japanese capital Tokyo is witnessing more than 10,000 new Coronavirus cases in a day. Ms. Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo spoke to WION on the Covid-19 situation in Tokyo and the restrictions that are being considered to contain this sharp surge.

High tech Robots are being used to take care of Covid patients, says Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo

A petition calling for the cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics which garnered 350,000 signatures in nine days was submitted to organizers on Friday, reflecting growing public opposition to the event as the fourth wave of COVID-19 infections sweeps Japan.

"Stop Tokyo Olympics" campaign organizer Kenji Utsunomiya said the global festival of sport - already postponed from 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic - should take place only when Japan can welcome visitors and athletes wholeheartedly.

"We are not in that situation and therefore the Games should be canceled," he told a news conference. "Precious medical resources would need to be diverted to the Olympics if it's held."

The petition was submitted to the Olympic and Paralympic committee chiefs as well as Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike.

It came as Japan added three more areas to a state of emergency now covering Tokyo, Osaka, and four other prefectures amid surging case numbers, less than three months out from the scheduled July 23 start of the Games.

Asked about the anti-Games campaign, Tokyo Governor Koike said she would continue to work towards a "safe and secure" Olympics.

"Though there is a global pandemic, it is important to hold safe and secure Tokyo 2020 Games," she told a regular press conference.

The new areas under the state of emergency include Hokkaido prefecture where the Olympic marathon will take place after the prefecture reported a record high of 712 new coronavirus cases on Thursday.

Opposition to the Games has also come from doctors, while some high-profile Japanese athletes have expressed concern, including Masters golf champion Hideki Matsuyama and top women's&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;player Naomi Osaka.

Japanese business leader Masayoshi Son, chief of SoftBank Group Corp, added his voice to the chorus of trepidation on Thursday, saying in unusually blunt remarks that he was "afraid" of what might happen if the Games went ahead on schedule.

Dozens of towns that had been due to host visiting athletes at pre-Games events have canceled those plans, saying they could not guarantee medical help amid strains on the hospital system.

With the latest emergency measures, 19 out of Japan's 47 prefectures fall under restrictions that include closures of eateries by 8 p.m. and a ban on alcohol at bars and restaurants.

Nationwide, Japan has seen about 656,000 confirmed coronavirus cases so far, with 11,161 deaths.

A petition calling for the cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics which garnered 350,000 signatures in nine days was submitted to organizers on Friday, reflecting growing public opposition to the event as the fourth wave of COVID-19 infections sweeps Japan.

A petition calling for the cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics which garnered 350,000 signatures in nine days was submitted to organizers on Friday, reflecting growing public opposition to the event as the fourth wave of COVID-19 infections sweeps Japan. "Stop Tokyo Olympics" campaign organizer Kenji Utsunomiya said the global festival of sport - already postponed from 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic - should take place only when Japan can welcome visitors and athletes wholeheartedly. "We are not in that situation and therefore the Games should be canceled," he told a news conference. "Precious medical resources would need to be diverted to the Olympics if it's held." The petition was submitted to the Olympic and Paralympic committee chiefs as well as Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike. It came as Japan added three more areas to a state of emergency now covering Tokyo, Osaka, and four other prefectures amid surging case numbers, less than three months out from the scheduled July 23 start of the Games. Asked about the anti-Games campaign, Tokyo Governor Koike said she would continue to work towards a "safe and secure" Olympics. "Though there is a global pandemic, it is important to hold safe and secure Tokyo 2020 Games," she told a regular press conference. The new areas under the state of emergency include Hokkaido prefecture where the Olympic marathon will take place after the prefecture reported a record high of 712 new coronavirus cases on Thursday. Opposition to the Games has also come from doctors, while some high-profile Japanese athletes have expressed concern, including Masters golf champion Hideki Matsuyama and top women's tennis player Naomi Osaka. Japanese business leader Masayoshi Son, chief of SoftBank Group Corp, added his voice to the chorus of trepidation on Thursday, saying in unusually blunt remarks that he was "afraid" of what might happen if the Games went ahead on schedule. Dozens of towns that had been due to host visiting athletes at pre-Games events have canceled those plans, saying they could not guarantee medical help amid strains on the hospital system. With the latest emergency measures, 19 out of Japan's 47 prefectures fall under restrictions that include closures of eateries by 8 p.m. and a ban on alcohol at bars and restaurants. Nationwide, Japan has seen about 656,000 confirmed coronavirus cases so far, with 11,161 deaths.

A petition against Tokyo Olympics with 350,000 signatures submitted to organisers

COVID-19 cases are rising in Japan's Tokyo and the city is on a red alert. Tokyo's governor Yuriko Koike has described the situation as rather severe. Watch the WION report from Tokyo.

Red alert declared in Tokyo | Tokyo witnesses a sudden spike in daily cases | COVID-19 pandemic

Cancelling the 2020 Olympics is "unthinkable" although the classification of the coronavirus as a pandemic will likely have some impact on the Games, the Tokyo city governor said on Thursday.

"It can't be said that the announcement of a pandemic would have no impact... But I think cancellation is unthinkable," Yuriko Koike told reporters.

Doubts are increasingly being raised over whether the Olympics can be held as scheduled from July 24 to August 9.

Organisers have insisted the Games will go ahead as planned and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), with whom the final decision rests, has said there has not yet been any talk of cancellation or postponement.

The IOC has said it will coordinate closely with the World Health Organization, which has now officially classified the outbreak as a pandemic.

But coronavirus has already taken a huge toll on sport across the globe.

US basketball was the latest sport to be hit, as the NBA said it would suspend play starting on Thursday after a Utah Jazz player preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19.

In Italy, the hardest-hit European country, all sporting events including Serie A have been suspended until April 3.

Arsenal's game at Manchester City on Wednesday became the first Premier League fixture to be called off due to the outbreak, with the Gunners' players put in quarantine after coming into contact with the owner of Greek club Olympiakos.

The virus has also hit the UEFA Champions League, with Italian side Atalanta qualifying for the quarter-finals at Valencia on Tuesday in an empty stadium, while Paris Saint-Germain's win over Borussia Dortmund was also played without spectators.

In tennis, the prestigious ATP and WTA Indian Wells tournament was cancelled as California health officials declared a public health emergency in the area after a confirmed case of the coronavirus.

Cancelling the 2020 Olympics is "unthinkable" although the classification of the coronavirus as a pandemic will likely have some impact on the Games, the Tokyo city governor said on Thursday.

Cancelling the 2020 Olympics is "unthinkable" although the classification of the coronavirus as a pandemic will likely have some impact on the Games, the Tokyo city governor said on Thursday. "It can't be said that the announcement of a pandemic would have no impact... But I think cancellation is unthinkable," Yuriko Koike told reporters. Doubts are increasingly being raised over whether the Olympics can be held as scheduled from July 24 to August 9. Organisers have insisted the Games will go ahead as planned and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), with whom the final decision rests, has said there has not yet been any talk of cancellation or postponement. The IOC has said it will coordinate closely with the World Health Organization, which has now officially classified the outbreak as a pandemic. But coronavirus has already taken a huge toll on sport across the globe. US basketball was the latest sport to be hit, as the NBA said it would suspend play starting on Thursday after a Utah Jazz player preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19. In Italy, the hardest-hit European country, all sporting events including Serie A have been suspended until April 3. Arsenal's game at Manchester City on Wednesday became the first Premier League fixture to be called off due to the outbreak, with the Gunners' players put in quarantine after coming into contact with the owner of Greek club Olympiakos. The virus has also hit the UEFA Champions League, with Italian side Atalanta qualifying for the quarter-finals at Valencia on Tuesday in an empty stadium, while Paris Saint-Germain's win over Borussia Dortmund was also played without spectators. In tennis, the prestigious ATP and WTA Indian Wells tournament was cancelled as California health officials declared a public health emergency in the area after a confirmed case of the coronavirus.

Tokyo governor says cancelling 2020 Olympics 'unthinkable'

Tokyo's governor Yuriko Koike has hit out at the Shaun Bailey, the mayor who offered London to host this year's Tokyo Olympics due to the novel coronavirus epidemic.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympic-ceo-calls-coronavirus-concern-irresponsible-rumours-280473" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympic-ceo-calls-coronavirus-concern-irresponsible-rumours-280473&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwis4O_FtOLnAhWawTgGHa2TBXYQFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0vFBrmqjfau4W6vDMUTj_M" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympic-ceo-calls-coronavirus-concern-irresponsible-rumours-280473" target="_blank">Tokyo Olympics&nbsp;CEO calls coronavirus concern 'irresponsible rumours'</a>

On Wednesday, Tokyo's virology department said that holding the games 'now' will not be a wise decision and following this statement, London's mayor Shaun Bailey tweeted: "London can host the Olympics in 2020. We have the infrastructure and experience. And due to the coronavirus outbreak, the world might need us to step up."

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London can host the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> in 2020. 
 
We have the infrastructure and the experience. 
And due to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> outbreak, the world might need us to step up. 
 
As Mayor, I will make sure London is ready to answer the call and host the Olympics again.<a href="https://t.co/1jJesWS1D6">https://t.co/1jJesWS1D6</a>
— Shaun Bailey (@ShaunBaileyUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaunBaileyUK/status/1230111123476746241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He added: "As mayor, I will make sure London is ready to answer the call and host the Olympics again,".&nbsp;

London has hosted the Olympics in &nbsp;2012, 1948 and 1908.&nbsp;

Japanese governor Koike blasted on Shaun Bailey's offer calling it "not appropriate to try to make it an issue in a mayoral election".

"A reason why this issue has attracted global attention is due to the cruise ship," she said, in reference to the Diamond Princess, a vessel in Japan that has seen more than 600 cases of coronavirus.

"But the cruise ship's nationality belongs to Britain," she said referring to the ship's registration.&nbsp;

Earlier, Tokyo 2020 CEO Yoshiro Mori called scrapping of the games an "irresponsible rumour" during the meeting with top IOC (International Olympic Committee) officials.&nbsp;

"With regards to the coronavirus... there are many irresponsible rumours but I would like to make it clear again that we are not considering postponing or cancelling the games," he said.

As the death toll in China's coronavirus rose to 2,233 on Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/like-a-zombie-apocalypse-residents-on-edge-as-coronavirus-cases-surge-in-south-korea-281821">South Korea</a>&nbsp;confirmed 52 more cases of the virus taking the overall figure to 156 in the country.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tokyo's governor Yuriko Koike has hit out at the Shaun Bailey, the mayor who offered London to host this year's Tokyo Olympics due to the novel coronavirus epidemic.

Tokyo's governor Yuriko Koike has hit out at the Shaun Bailey, the mayor who offered London to host this year's Tokyo Olympics due to the novel coronavirus epidemic. Also read: Tokyo Olympics CEO calls coronavirus concern 'irresponsible rumours' On Wednesday, Tokyo's virology department said that holding the games 'now' will not be a wise decision and following this statement, London's mayor Shaun Bailey tweeted: "London can host the Olympics in 2020. We have the infrastructure and experience. And due to the coronavirus outbreak, the world might need us to step up." London can host the #Olympics in 2020. We have the infrastructure and the experience. And due to the #coronavirus outbreak, the world might need us to step up. As Mayor, I will make sure London is ready to answer the call and host the Olympics again.https://t.co/1jJesWS1D6 — Shaun Bailey (@ShaunBaileyUK) February 19, 2020 × He added: "As mayor, I will make sure London is ready to answer the call and host the Olympics again,". London has hosted the Olympics in 2012, 1948 and 1908. Japanese governor Koike blasted on Shaun Bailey's offer calling it "not appropriate to try to make it an issue in a mayoral election". "A reason why this issue has attracted global attention is due to the cruise ship," she said, in reference to the Diamond Princess, a vessel in Japan that has seen more than 600 cases of coronavirus. "But the cruise ship's nationality belongs to Britain," she said referring to the ship's registration. Earlier, Tokyo 2020 CEO Yoshiro Mori called scrapping of the games an "irresponsible rumour" during the meeting with top IOC (International Olympic Committee) officials. "With regards to the coronavirus... there are many irresponsible rumours but I would like to make it clear again that we are not considering postponing or cancelling the games," he said. As the death toll in China's coronavirus rose to 2,233 on Friday, South Korea confirmed 52 more cases of the virus taking the overall figure to 156 in the country.

'Not appropriate': Tokyo's governor slams London Olympic hosting offer

As <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-medals-unveiled-a-year-before-games-238165&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwit3Ibe9c_jAhVr6XMBHbRXALsQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw32CPD1RrfrmBTHqwYdqa2V">Tokyo 2020 Olympics</a> preparations enter their final stage, officials are touting the city's readiness, but activists and workers groups say speedy venue construction has had dangerous consequences.

The Olympic opening ceremony is now less than a year away and more than half the new venues being built for the Games are already complete.

"We are where we want to be," Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike confidently told reporters earlier this month.

But some argue the city has kept on schedule at the cost of the health and safety of the thousands of workers building the sites.

An official tally shows there have been at least two deaths linked to Olympics construction in Tokyo.

In 2017, a 23-year-old Olympic stadium worker killed himself after clocking nearly 200 hours of overtime the month before, with the local labour office recognising his suicide as a case of death from overwork, a phenomenon known as "karoshi".

The following year, a man was crushed to death between a crane and scaffolding.

Fourteen people have also been injured during construction, according to official records through the end of 2018.

But while London had a near-perfect construction safety record for the 2012 Games, Tokyo is still doing significantly better than other Olympic hosts.

In Rio, at least 11 people were killed during construction for the Games, and in Beijing, authorities acknowledged at least six deaths but media reports said more than 10 people were killed.

Too busy

 
Still, workers in Tokyo say they are being squeezed by the twin pressures of labour shortages and a tight schedule.

"The work is hard," said one veteran contractor in his sixties, who works as a sub-subcontractor on a project to build the Olympic Village.

He said manpower was about 40 percent short, and the pressure to stay on schedule has led to safety shortcuts.

He described days when he and his colleagues continued to work as a crane arm clutching a huge block of concrete moved overhead. They didn't move even after safety whistles were blown.

"We were too busy," he told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"It's like an assembly line for cars. You have to install the hoods no matter what because those putting in the windshields are waiting next."

They would only move when labour office inspectors came over.

"The breaks resulted in us being forced to hurry even more for the rest of the day, only increasing the risks," he said.

Labour unions say the problems with Olympic construction reflect issues in the industry in Japan more broadly, including the widespread use of multiple subcontractors who have little power to protest poor conditions.

Six-day workweeks are common, and the ageing country's labour shortage means workers are stretched thin.

One in four workers in Japan's construction industry is 60 or older, far outstripping the number of workers aged 30 or younger.

Overwork is also a problem for workers in other industries, despite government efforts to address excessive hours.

Conditions are really good

 
The conditions have raised concern among labour activists.

In May, the Building and Wood Worker's International union reported "alarming" testimony from 40 workers building the new national stadium and Olympic village.

The report warned of "dangerous patterns of overwork" and alleged some workers had been forced to buy their protective equipment.

It said workers described unsafe conditions and that half of those interviewed did not have formal contracts -- a situation not illegal in Japan but uncommon in industrialised countries.

It also accused employers of creating a "culture of fear" with workers afraid of losing their jobs if they complained or reported problems.

Olympic organisers, along with the Tokyo local government and the Japan Sport Council (JSC) in charge of building the new stadium, said they are discussing the report with BWI.

JSC vice president Jugo Imaizumi said he thought there had been a "misunderstanding".

"Many people who came back here after working elsewhere say they realised conditions here are really good," Imaizumi told AFP.

Olympics worksites close at night to prevent overwork and employees have Sundays off, he added.

Officials also say only a handful of complaints have been submitted to the Tokyo local government and Olympic organising committee.

But labour officials said that is merely evidence of workers' reluctance to speak up because although they can request anonymity they are required to submit their name and phone number when filing a complaint.

"Their logic is that since there is no filing of complaints, there is no problem," a labour union official near Tokyo told AFP.&nbsp;

"The system is just to establish an 'alibi' for them."

As Tokyo 2020 Olympics preparations enter their final stage, officials are touting the city's readiness, but activists and workers groups say speedy venue construction has had dangerous consequences.

As Tokyo 2020 Olympics preparations enter their final stage, officials are touting the city's readiness, but activists and workers groups say speedy venue construction has had dangerous consequences. The Olympic opening ceremony is now less than a year away and more than half the new venues being built for the Games are already complete. "We are where we want to be," Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike confidently told reporters earlier this month. But some argue the city has kept on schedule at the cost of the health and safety of the thousands of workers building the sites. An official tally shows there have been at least two deaths linked to Olympics construction in Tokyo. In 2017, a 23-year-old Olympic stadium worker killed himself after clocking nearly 200 hours of overtime the month before, with the local labour office recognising his suicide as a case of death from overwork, a phenomenon known as "karoshi". The following year, a man was crushed to death between a crane and scaffolding. Fourteen people have also been injured during construction, according to official records through the end of 2018. But while London had a near-perfect construction safety record for the 2012 Games, Tokyo is still doing significantly better than other Olympic hosts. In Rio, at least 11 people were killed during construction for the Games, and in Beijing, authorities acknowledged at least six deaths but media reports said more than 10 people were killed. Too busy Still, workers in Tokyo say they are being squeezed by the twin pressures of labour shortages and a tight schedule. "The work is hard," said one veteran contractor in his sixties, who works as a sub-subcontractor on a project to build the Olympic Village. He said manpower was about 40 percent short, and the pressure to stay on schedule has led to safety shortcuts. He described days when he and his colleagues continued to work as a crane arm clutching a huge block of concrete moved overhead. They didn't move even after safety whistles were blown. "We were too busy," he told AFP on condition of anonymity. "It's like an assembly line for cars. You have to install the hoods no matter what because those putting in the windshields are waiting next." They would only move when labour office inspectors came over. "The breaks resulted in us being forced to hurry even more for the rest of the day, only increasing the risks," he said. Labour unions say the problems with Olympic construction reflect issues in the industry in Japan more broadly, including the widespread use of multiple subcontractors who have little power to protest poor conditions. Six-day workweeks are common, and the ageing country's labour shortage means workers are stretched thin. One in four workers in Japan's construction industry is 60 or older, far outstripping the number of workers aged 30 or younger. Overwork is also a problem for workers in other industries, despite government efforts to address excessive hours. Conditions are really good The conditions have raised concern among labour activists. In May, the Building and Wood Worker's International union reported "alarming" testimony from 40 workers building the new national stadium and Olympic village. The report warned of "dangerous patterns of overwork" and alleged some workers had been forced to buy their protective equipment. It said workers described unsafe conditions and that half of those interviewed did not have formal contracts -- a situation not illegal in Japan but uncommon in industrialised countries. It also accused employers of creating a "culture of fear" with workers afraid of losing their jobs if they complained or reported problems. Olympic organisers, along with the Tokyo local government and the Japan Sport Council (JSC) in charge of building the new stadium, said they are discussing the report with BWI. JSC vice president Jugo Imaizumi said he thought there had been a "misunderstanding". "Many people who came back here after working elsewhere say they realised conditions here are really good," Imaizumi told AFP. Olympics worksites close at night to prevent overwork and employees have Sundays off, he added. Officials also say only a handful of complaints have been submitted to the Tokyo local government and Olympic organising committee. But labour officials said that is merely evidence of workers' reluctance to speak up because although they can request anonymity they are required to submit their name and phone number when filing a complaint. "Their logic is that since there is no filing of complaints, there is no problem," a labour union official near Tokyo told AFP. "The system is just to establish an 'alibi' for them."

Tokyo Olympic construction race raises worker safety questions

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has once again proved that he is a shrewd political strategist who understands Japanese politics better than his rivals. His latest controversial decision to hold snap elections to the House of Representatives one full year earlier than required raised many eyebrows in Japan and many analysts called it a risky gamble.

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<h5>Mr Abe&rsquo;s ruling Liberal Democratic Party- Komeito coalition scored a dramatic victory capturing more than two-thirds majority seats in the Lower House.</h5>
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Already enjoying more than two-thirds majority in the House, it was doubted whether he could even retain the existing strength leave alone the question of bettering it. When Abe took the decision to call the snap elections, he thought that it would be the usual &ldquo;rubber stamp elections&rdquo; which he could easily win as he had done in 2014. Though subsequently many developments like the rise of Ms Yuriko Koike as a challenger seemingly created some hiccups. Finally,&nbsp;Mr Abe&rsquo;s ruling Liberal Democratic Party- Komeito coalition scored a dramatic victory capturing more than two-thirds majority seats in the Lower House.

This victory, fifth successive win in national elections since 2012, will strengthen Mr Abe&rsquo;s position within his own party and even ensure his re-election as party president for the third term in September 2018 and his continuance as the Prime Minister until 2021. Some of his detractors within the party who could have challenged him now look very much weakened by&nbsp;Mr Abe&rsquo;s victory.

He is likely to be the longest-serving post-war prime minister of Japan. It is to be noted that the next major national election he will face will be in the summer of 2019 which will elect&nbsp;half the members of the House Councilors. It means that he will have ample time to initiate and implement some of his long-cherished goals like amending the Constitution, denuclearisation of North Korea, and enhancing the consumption tax from 8 per cent to 10 per cent by 2019.

In particular, Mr Abe will show utmost circumspection while dealing with the constitutional amendment which has posed the greatest challenge to successive governments in the past. He knows that since the issue can fuel a great deal of heat within the country, he has to move carefully to work out a national consensus before taking any hasty step. Winning 310 odd seats in the elections is not the same as winning the hearts of the people. In fact, many public opinion surveys taken after the election results conveyed the message that about 45-50 per cent of the people surveyed expressed their disagreement with Mr Abe&rsquo;s policies.

The Japanese Constitution lays down that any amendment to the Constitution needs to be approved by the two-thirds majority of both Houses and that it has to be endorsed by the people in a national referendum. Mr Abe knows that post-war Japanese pacifism has been centered on this Article and large segments of Japanese people strongly believe that this provision has given considerable stability to the reemergence of Japan as a strong peace-loving democratic state since 1952.

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<h5>Mr Abe is likely to remain in power for four more years augurs well for the rapidly advancing India-Japan partnership.</h5>
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Mr Abe will respect the strength of the people&rsquo;s sentiments and explore all possibilities to mould a national consensus on the issue. It will take time, but it would need careful handling.&nbsp;For instance, there are many elements in his own party who are not fully convinced about changing the Constitution. Further, his own political ally the Komeito Party has long expressed its reservations to the constitutional amendment. To what extent it is going to cooperate with Mr Abe will remain to be seen. In addition, while seeking to amend the Constitution, he has to give careful considerations to how other Asian neighbouring countries would respond to it.

Finally, the fact that Mr Abe is likely to remain in power for four more years augurs well for the rapidly advancing India-Japan partnership. He has been one of the strongest pillars of the bilateral ties since 2006. In particular, his close relations with Mr Narendra Modi have contributed to the deepening of the bilateral partnership since 2014. Mr Abe&rsquo;s recent summit meeting with Mr Modi at Ahmedabad in September 2017 marked a major milestone in their relations.

With Shinzo Abe in power, India-Japan relations will prosper and that will benefit India

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has once again proved that he is a shrewd political strategist who understands Japanese politics better than his rivals. His latest controversial decision to hold snap elections to the House of Representatives one full year earlier than required raised many eyebrows in Japan and many analysts called it a risky gamble. Mr Abe’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party- Komeito coalition scored a dramatic victory capturing more than two-thirds majority seats in the Lower House. × Already enjoying more than two-thirds majority in the House, it was doubted whether he could even retain the existing strength leave alone the question of bettering it. When Abe took the decision to call the snap elections, he thought that it would be the usual “rubber stamp elections” which he could easily win as he had done in 2014. Though subsequently many developments like the rise of Ms Yuriko Koike as a challenger seemingly created some hiccups. Finally, Mr Abe’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party- Komeito coalition scored a dramatic victory capturing more than two-thirds majority seats in the Lower House. This victory, fifth successive win in national elections since 2012, will strengthen Mr Abe’s position within his own party and even ensure his re-election as party president for the third term in September 2018 and his continuance as the Prime Minister until 2021. Some of his detractors within the party who could have challenged him now look very much weakened by Mr Abe’s victory. He is likely to be the longest-serving post-war prime minister of Japan. It is to be noted that the next major national election he will face will be in the summer of 2019 which will elect half the members of the House Councilors. It means that he will have ample time to initiate and implement some of his long-cherished goals like amending the Constitution, denuclearisation of North Korea, and enhancing the consumption tax from 8 per cent to 10 per cent by 2019. In particular, Mr Abe will show utmost circumspection while dealing with the constitutional amendment which has posed the greatest challenge to successive governments in the past. He knows that since the issue can fuel a great deal of heat within the country, he has to move carefully to work out a national consensus before taking any hasty step. Winning 310 odd seats in the elections is not the same as winning the hearts of the people. In fact, many public opinion surveys taken after the election results conveyed the message that about 45-50 per cent of the people surveyed expressed their disagreement with Mr Abe’s policies. The Japanese Constitution lays down that any amendment to the Constitution needs to be approved by the two-thirds majority of both Houses and that it has to be endorsed by the people in a national referendum. Mr Abe knows that post-war Japanese pacifism has been centered on this Article and large segments of Japanese people strongly believe that this provision has given considerable stability to the reemergence of Japan as a strong peace-loving democratic state since 1952. Mr Abe is likely to remain in power for four more years augurs well for the rapidly advancing India-Japan partnership. × Mr Abe will respect the strength of the people’s sentiments and explore all possibilities to mould a national consensus on the issue. It will take time, but it would need careful handling. For instance, there are many elements in his own party who are not fully convinced about changing the Constitution. Further, his own political ally the Komeito Party has long expressed its reservations to the constitutional amendment. To what extent it is going to cooperate with Mr Abe will remain to be seen. In addition, while seeking to amend the Constitution, he has to give careful considerations to how other Asian neighbouring countries would respond to it. Finally, the fact that Mr Abe is likely to remain in power for four more years augurs well for the rapidly advancing India-Japan partnership. He has been one of the strongest pillars of the bilateral ties since 2006. In particular, his close relations with Mr Narendra Modi have contributed to the deepening of the bilateral partnership since 2014. Mr Abe’s recent summit meeting with Mr Modi at Ahmedabad in September 2017 marked a major milestone in their relations.

What Japan & India stand to gain from Shinzo Abe's victory

Voters in the Japanese capital head to the polls on Sunday and could elect their first woman governor, after two predecessors stepped down over scandals that clouded the city&#39;s preparations to host the 2020 summer Olympic Games.

Opinion polls show that Yuriko Koike, Japan&#39;s first female defense minister, leads former bureaucrat Hiroya Masuda and liberal journalist Shuntaro Torigoe.

Koike, 64, is a member of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe&#39;s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) but angered the party&#39;s Tokyo branch by not getting its approval before announcing her candidacy for city governor.

The LDP instead drafted Masuda, 64, who once served as governor of a rural prefecture.

&quot;I often reflect that I&#39;m terrible at traditional Japanese skills like consensus-building, but my passion was stronger,&quot; Koike told a news conference this month.

According to polls published last weekend, Masuda was in second place while Torigoe, a 76-year-old cancer survivor who is backed by several opposition parties, trails both. But about 30 per cent of voters were undecided.

The sprawling city of some 13.5 million people faces a plethora of problems such as an aging population, daycare shortage, and the ever-present possibility of a big earthquake.

But a big issue in the campaign has been the 2020 Olympics, which Japan hopes will spur its economy, struggling to escape decades of deflation.

There has been a string of problems since the city won the games in 2013.

Construction of the main stadium has been delayed and the original logo for the games had to be scrapped after plagiarism accusations.

After the resignations of the city&#39;s two previous governors, the new one will be responsible for saving Tokyo&#39;s reputation as host for the games.

One of the governor&#39;s first duties will be to travel to Rio de Janeiro when the curtain comes down on next month&#39;s games there to accept the Olympic flag as the next host.

&quot;The Olympics are right in front of us. I want to use them as a chance to build a new Tokyo for beyond 2020,&quot; Koike said when the campaign began.

Though the LDP and its coalition partner back Masuda, fallout for Abe will likely be minimal if he does not win.

&quot;This is basically a Tokyo issue,&quot; said Kenji Yumoto, vice chairman of the Japan Research Institute think-tank.

&quot;Abe&#39;s prestige probably won&#39;t be damaged and support for the LDP won&#39;t fall.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

Two of Tokyo's governors had earlier stepped down over scandals that clouded the city's preparations to host 2020 summer Olympics

Voters in the Japanese capital head to the polls on Sunday and could elect their first woman governor, after two predecessors stepped down over scandals that clouded the city's preparations to host the 2020 summer Olympic Games. Opinion polls show that Yuriko Koike, Japan's first female defense minister, leads former bureaucrat Hiroya Masuda and liberal journalist Shuntaro Torigoe. Koike, 64, is a member of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) but angered the party's Tokyo branch by not getting its approval before announcing her candidacy for city governor. The LDP instead drafted Masuda, 64, who once served as governor of a rural prefecture. "I often reflect that I'm terrible at traditional Japanese skills like consensus-building, but my passion was stronger," Koike told a news conference this month. According to polls published last weekend, Masuda was in second place while Torigoe, a 76-year-old cancer survivor who is backed by several opposition parties, trails both. But about 30 per cent of voters were undecided. The sprawling city of some 13.5 million people faces a plethora of problems such as an aging population, daycare shortage, and the ever-present possibility of a big earthquake. But a big issue in the campaign has been the 2020 Olympics, which Japan hopes will spur its economy, struggling to escape decades of deflation. There has been a string of problems since the city won the games in 2013. Construction of the main stadium has been delayed and the original logo for the games had to be scrapped after plagiarism accusations. After the resignations of the city's two previous governors, the new one will be responsible for saving Tokyo's reputation as host for the games. One of the governor's first duties will be to travel to Rio de Janeiro when the curtain comes down on next month's games there to accept the Olympic flag as the next host. "The Olympics are right in front of us. I want to use them as a chance to build a new Tokyo for beyond 2020," Koike said when the campaign began. Though the LDP and its coalition partner back Masuda, fallout for Abe will likely be minimal if he does not win. "This is basically a Tokyo issue," said Kenji Yumoto, vice chairman of the Japan Research Institute think-tank. "Abe's prestige probably won't be damaged and support for the LDP won't fall." (Reuters)

Tokyo may elect its first female governor as it prepares for 2020 Olympics

Veteran politician Yuriko Koike was elected governor of Tokyo today, according to media exit polls, becoming the first woman to lead Japan&#39;s capital. 
 
Public broadcaster NHK, Jiji Press and other media forecast Koike as the winner immediately after polls closed at 8 pm (1100 GMT). 
 
&quot;I will lead Tokyo politics in an unprecedented manner, a Tokyo you have never seen,&quot; 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. He was the second successive city leader to quit. 
 
A key task for Koike will be dealing with Tokyo&#39;s troubled preparations for the 2020 summer Olympics, which have been plagued by a series of embarrassing scandals and soaring costs. 
 
Euphoria in 2013 at securing the right to host sport&#39;s marquee event has given way to frustration over gaffes and scandals. 
 
Despite the high number of candidates, the race was seen a three-way contest between Koike and two male candidates, a former prefectural governor and a television journalist. 
 
Masuzoe&#39;s predecessor Naoki Inose, who had led the successful bid to win the Games bowed out after becoming embroiled in a personal financial scandal. 
 
Koike, a former TV anchorwoman, speaks fluent English and Arabic, the latter acquired as a student in Cairo and has also served as defence minister and environment minister. 
 
She has compared herself to Hillary Clinton and was once seen as having the best chance to be Japan&#39;s first female prime minister. But she was defeated when running in 2008 for leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. 
 
Koike won the Tokyo election despite failing to obtain the LDP&#39;s backing. 
 
It spurned her for failing to seek its approval before announcing her candidacy. 
 
Koike&#39;s four-year term will extend until just after the Games start and her performance in the run-up will be closely watched. 
 
A key challenge will be getting a grip on swelling costs, seen as possibly double or triple the reported original forecast of 730 billion Yen ($6.92 billion). 
 
The Tokyo Games have also been hit by one embarrassment after another. 
 
Last year Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had to tear up blueprints for a new Olympic stadium because of ballooning costs, while organisers ditched the official logo after the designer was accused of plagiarism. A new one was solicited. 
 
Such fiascoes, however, have since been overshadowed by allegations of corruption, and French prosecutors have launched an investigation into alleged bribes linked to Tokyo&#39;s bid. Organisers have denied wrongdoing. 
 
Other key issues in the election were Tokyo&#39;s dire childcare shortage and overseeing disaster response plans and preparations due to perennial earthquake threats to the capital. 
 
(AFP)

The election, contested by 21 candidates, was called after previous governor Yoichi Masuzoe resigned over a financial scandal

Veteran politician Yuriko Koike was elected governor of Tokyo today, according to media exit polls, 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. He was the second successive city leader to quit. 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. Euphoria in 2013 at securing the right to host sport's marquee event has given way to frustration over gaffes and scandals. Despite the high number of candidates, the race was seen a three-way contest between Koike and two male candidates, a former prefectural governor and a television journalist. Masuzoe's predecessor Naoki Inose, who had led the successful bid to win the Games bowed out after becoming embroiled in a personal financial scandal. Koike, a former TV anchorwoman, speaks fluent English and Arabic, the latter acquired as a student in Cairo and has also served as defence minister and environment minister. She has compared herself to Hillary Clinton and was once seen as having the best chance to be Japan's first female prime minister. But she was defeated when running in 2008 for leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Koike won the Tokyo election despite failing to obtain the LDP's backing. It spurned her for failing to seek its approval before announcing her candidacy. Koike's four-year term will extend until just after the Games start and her performance in the run-up will be closely watched. A key challenge will be getting a grip on swelling costs, seen as possibly double or triple the reported original forecast of 730 billion Yen ($6.92 billion). The Tokyo Games have also been hit by one embarrassment after another. Last year Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had to tear up blueprints for a new Olympic stadium because of ballooning costs, while organisers ditched the official logo after the designer was accused of plagiarism. A new one was solicited. Such fiascoes, however, have since been overshadowed by allegations of corruption, and French prosecutors have launched an investigation into alleged bribes linked to Tokyo's bid. Organisers have denied wrongdoing. Other key issues in the election were Tokyo's dire childcare shortage and overseeing disaster response plans and preparations due to perennial earthquake threats to the capital. (AFP)

Tokyo elects Yuriko Koike as first woman governor

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