Baseball
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."
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.
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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.
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