Photo/Illutration The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku Ward on June 20 (Kotaro Ebara)

Incumbent Yuriko Koike has an early lead in the July 7 Tokyo governor’s election over her main challenger, Renho, according to an internet survey.

However, 40 percent of the survey respondents did not indicate a preference for any candidate. They may hold the key on election day.

The survey was conducted on June 22 and 23 by four internet research companies commissioned by The Asahi Shimbun.

Respondents were not randomly selected, so the survey differs from a public opinion poll. Instead, the survey is part of a series that aims to show voter trends.

A total of 1,266 valid responses were received in the survey.

More than 70 percent of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s supporters backed Koike’s re-election bid, as well as the majority of Komeito supporters, and more than 40 percent of unaffiliated voters who made their preferences known.

Female support for Koike was also strong, and by age group, the governor was particularly popular among those in their 30s.

Renho, former acting head of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, received backing from 70 percent of CDP supporters and most of those who support the Japanese Communist Party.

However, just under 20 percent of unaffiliated voters picked Renho in the survey, and she trailed Koike in terms of support from women.

By age group, Renho was fairly strong among those aged 70 and older.

Shinji Ishimaru, former mayor of Akitakata, Hiroshima Prefecture, struggled in the survey, but he gained support from 20 percent of unaffiliated voters, topping Renho.

Ishimaru received slightly more support from men than women, and he was fairly strong among those in their 40s and 60s.

Toshio Tamogami, former chief of staff of the Air Self-Defense Force, was fairly popular among men in their 60s, but he failed to muster much support from other groups.

The dozens of other candidates in the election are well behind the four front-runners.

No major party has formally endorsed any candidate.

But the LDP and Komeito, as well as Tomin First no Kai (Tokyoites First), a regional party for which Koike serves as a special adviser, are supporting the incumbent.

The Democratic Party for the People’s metropolitan chapter is also backing Koike.

Renho has received support from the CDP, the Japanese Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party.

The survey also asked respondents if the LDP’s political fund scandal would be an important factor in their decisions on voting day.

Those who said “yes” tended to support Koike, Renho or Ishimaru.

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