Ishihara's third term as Governor of Tokyo

Shintaro Ishihara, 74, was the comfortable winner of the Tokyo gubernatorial elections held April 8 which saw 14 candidates in fierce competition including his main challenger, the former Miyagi governor Shiro Asano.
Both Ishihara and Asano's election platforms focused on public safety and the environment, with incumbent Ishihara pledging to make Tokyo "the world's safest capital'' if re-elected. His catchphrase was "Re-Boot! Tokyo" and his platform featured anti-disaster policies and international efforts and cultural exchanges leading up to the hosting of the 2016 Olympics. He also pledged to provide free medical support for children from low-income families.
Ishihara maintained his popularity and lead throughout pre-election polls despite much media controversy. Recently he had made slurs about women and non-Japanese, was criticised for excessive spending on official trips as well as contracting his son for a public art project. However he has secured heavier restrictions on diesel emissions and increased safety in Shinjuku's notorious Kabuki-cho district with increased police and video surveillance; issues that mean many residents of Tokyo still see him as a man of action.