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Governor Yuriko Koike Injured in Ceremonial First Baseball Pitch

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike fractured a knee during a ceremonial first pitch at Jingu Stadium on August 6. She said she will telework while recovering. 

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) announced on Wednesday, August 7 that Governor Yuriko Koike (72) has suffered an avulsion fracture in her knee joint. According to the TMG, doctors said recovery could take approximately two months. Governor Koike will handle her official duties through telework for the time being.

Injury and Wheelchair Exit

On Tuesday night, Koike delivered the ceremonial first pitch during an NPB game between her hometown Hyogo Prefecture Hanshin Tigers and the Tokyo Yakult Swallows at Jingu Stadium in Tokyo. 

"Next year, the World Athletics Championships will be held at the nearby National Stadium," she remarked. "Also, the Deaflympics will take place at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Let's continue to promote sports together." 

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike slips on the mound at Jingu Stadium. (©Sankei by Mitsuo Abe).

After this message, she threw the pitch from the mound. The ball bounced twice before reaching the catcher's mitt and Koike waved as she exited the stadium.

According to sources, she complained of discomfort immediately afterward and left the stadium in a wheelchair. It was thought that she twisted her knee while pitching.

Third Term as Tokyo Governor

Governor Koike was recently re-elected for her third term in the Tokyo gubernatorial election in July. 

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike loses her balance while throwing the ceremonial first pitch on August 6. (©Sankei by Minami Nagao).
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On the afternoon of August 7, the governor was set to present the FY2025 fiscal policy and budget proposal to the Komeito party at its Tokyo Headquarters. However, her injury forced her to cancel. 

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike holds her right leg after throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Jingu Stadium. (©Sankei by Minami Nagao).

Her future schedule is now uncertain. While wishing for her speedy recovery, the injury marks an unfortunate start to her third term. 

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Read the article in Japanese. 

Author: The Sankei Shimbun

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