Official campaigning for the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly got underway on June 13.

A major focus is on whether the political parties supporting Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko can retain their majority in the 127-seat body.

In the assembly, the Liberal Democratic Party, which has the largest number of seats, Tomin First no Kai, also known as Tokyoites First party for which Koike serves as special adviser, and the Komeito party make up the majority force backing the current governor.

The June 22 election comes as the LDP is facing a backlash over improper reporting of revenue from political fundraising parties.

Candidates vying for seats across 42 electoral districts in the Japanese capital are expected to clash over issues including childcare support, measures to combat rising commodity and housing prices, and assessment of Koike's governorship.

Koike is serving her third term as Tokyo governor, a position she has held since August 2016.

The local election is also drawing attraction as a prelude to the House of Councillors election scheduled for this summer.