Yuriko Koike — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Serves as the Governor of Tokyo since 2016, re-elected in 2020 and 2024
First female Governor of Tokyo
Served as a Member of the House of Representatives from 1993 to 2016
Held cabinet positions as Minister of the Environment (2003-2006) and Minister of Defense (2007)
Launched two political parties in 2017: Kibō no Tō and Tomin First no Kai
First woman to run for the leadership of a major Japanese political party (Liberal Democratic Party, 2008)
Graduated from Cairo University in 1976

Biography

Yuriko Koike is a prominent Japanese politician who has served as the Governor of Tokyo since 2016, becoming the metropolis' first female governor. She was re-elected in 2020 and 2024. Prior to her governorship, Koike held significant roles in national politics, including serving as a Member of the House of Councillors from 1992 to 1993 and a Member of the House of Representatives from 1993 to 2016.