In an interview with Jiji Press, Koike also said she gives the top priority to the relocation of the Tsukiji market to the Toyosu district in neighboring Koto Ward.

"Tsukiji will be a transport base during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics," Koike said. "Room for the redevelopment will become wider after the site is made vacant."

Koike will reach the first anniversary of her inauguration as governor on Aug. 2. Saying that the year has passed "very quickly," Koike expressed her willingness to achieve results quickly by cooperating with the metropolitan assembly.

Koike said she hopes that the detailed redevelopment plan will incorporate ideas gathered from the private sector. Therefore the plan will not be set until discussions are boiled down, she said.

"We'll consider how to use them both (Tsukiji and Toyosu) effectively, but there will be a time lag," Koike said, adding she will therefore tackle the market relocation first.

During a speech hosted by the Research Institute of Japan, a Jiji Press affiliate, on Tuesday in Tokyo, Koike said she is surprised at the slumping public support ratings for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet.

His administration "may have caused a feeling of dislike over small matters" Koike said, noting the importance of respecting various values.

Meanwhile, Koike again denied she will return to national politics. (Jiji Press)