[HIGHLIGHTS] Kumamoto prefecture gubernatorial election: Takashi Kimura, endorsed by the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, is certain to win for the first time

NHK's pre-situation coverage and exit polls of voters who had cast their votes on the 24th showed that Kimura, the former vice governor of Kumamoto Prefecture, was recommended by the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito. He is far ahead of former Kumamoto mayor Masafumi Koyama (58), who has held the position.

In a survey conducted among those who voted early by the 23rd, Mr. Kimura was ahead in the polls, and is expected to steadily increase his vote share.