Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara AP PHOTO

"I have worked for nearly eight years trying to change the country from Tokyo," Ishihara, first elected governor in April 1999, told the metropolitan assembly. "I will continue to give everything I have and take charge of managing the city."

The hawkish governor, notorious for racist and sexist remarks, has been under fire recently for spending too much on an official visit overseas and for calling the victims of bullying weak. But he is already the front-runner in the race.

The Japan Times Weekly: Dec. 16, 2006
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