Voters in Tokyo are casting ballots on Sunday to decide the next leader of the capital. A record 56 candidates are running for governor.

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m.

The main focus in campaigning has been incumbent Koike Yuriko's performance in the last eight years during her two terms.

Candidates have also made a number of proposals. One big issue to tackle is the declining number of births. Tokyo was recently found to have the lowest total fertility rate in the country.

Election officials say the early voting option was taken by about 2.1 million people, up 23 percent from the previous election. That means about 19 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots early.

Polls will close by 8 p.m. and vote counting will start the same night.