Yuriko Koike

Biography

Koike Yuriko is Tokyo’s first female governor. First elected to the post in July 2016, she is now in her tenth year, placing a continued focus on people-centered policies. In January 2026, she assumed the role of Chair of the OECD Champion Mayors where she spearheads initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive growth. Prior to becoming governor, she served for 24 years in the National Diet of Japan. She held key cabinet positions, including environment minister and defense minister. She holds a degree in sociology from Cairo University’s Faculty of Arts and is fluent in both English and Arabic.