Around the World: Japan

Close race in local poll

Two candidates vying for a governor's post were in close competition yesterday in a race seen as a key factor for influencing when embattled Prime Minister Taro Aso will call a general election.

Yukiko Sakamoto backed by Aso's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Heita Kawakatsu supported by the main opposition party were running neck and neck, according to exit polls by public broadcaster NHK.