First female Tokyo Governor
Yuriko Koike, age 64, bilingual Japanese-Arabic speaker, former Minister of the Environment (2003-2006, under Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi), former Defense Minister (2007, under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his first tenure), elected today as the new Governor of Tokyo, the first female in that post. Creator of the stupid "Cool Biz" energy-saving plan that advises/instructs businesses and schools to keep a 28-degree room temperature during the summer time.
40% voter turnout. Not a really strong mandate, is it?
The news is being eclipsed this evening by the death today of Sumo wrestling legend Chiyonofuji, of cancer. Chiyonofuji's muscular physique, athleticism and dramatic throws made him the most successful and one of the most popular wrestlers of his day. He was a great wrestler, and this is sad news.