Campaigning has begun in the race for Tokyo governor, in an election that has turned into a near-referendum on Japan's use of nuclear power.

Former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa is running on an anti-nuclear platform in the 9 February vote.

He has been endorsed by another former leader, the popular Junichiro Koizumi.

The popular Junichiro Koizumi (R) has thrown his support behind Morihiro Hosokawa

Their stand puts them in opposition to the candidate supported by the party of current PM Shinzo Abe, which backs the restart of Japan's nuclear plants.

The previous governor, Naoki Inose, stepped down in December over a financial scandal.

(Source: BBC)