Former defense minister Yuriko Koike to be Tokyo's first female governor

File photo shows former defense minister Yuriko Koike attends a joint news conference at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo, Japan July 13, 2016.[Photo/Agencies]

TOKYO - Former Defense Minister Yuriko Koike is set to win Tokyo gubernatorial race on Sunday, exit polls by local media showed.

The 64-year-old former TV anchorwoman will become Tokyo's first female governor.

Koike, a member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was running as an independent candidate after failing to win the party's endorsement.

Her main competitors included former internal affairs minister Hiroya Masuda backed by the ruling LDP, and veteran journalist Shuntaro Torigoe backed by four opposition parties.

A record 21 candidates entered Sunday's race to replace Yoichi Masuzoe, former Tokyo governor who resigned in June over inappropriate use of public funds for private holidays and gifts.

The new governor will be tasked with the city's preparations for hosting the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.