Koike, who was re-elected as Governor in a landslide result earlier this month, revealed her determination to host the Tokyo 2020 Games next year.

"I want to host them as a symbol of the world coming together to overcome this tough situation and of strengthened bonds among humankind," she said, as reported by Reuters. 

Tokyo 2020 was delayed by a year by the International Olympic Committee and organisers in March due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Koike's statement comes at a time when the number of coronavirus cases in the Japanese capital is high, with 143 confirmed today.

A record high of 224 cases was reported last week. 

Koike claimed increased testing had led to the surge, with night-time businesses encouraged to have their staff tested.

She has so far rejected the idea of enforcing another state of emergency in Tokyo. 

A total of 21,868 coronavirus cases have been reported in Japan since the outbreak began, resulting in 982 deaths. 

Tokyo 2020 has vowed to prioritise the health and safety of athletes, spectators, stakeholders, volunteers and staff ahead of the Games.

Health officials in Japan have recently expressed concerns that the rescheduled Games could pose a greater health risk to the public, however. 

Concerns have been raised that the global health crisis will not have subsided to a suitable level by 2021, particularly with countries at varying stages of managing their national response.

Organisers have also pledged to reduce the cost impact of postponement and promote public interest.

Tokyo 2020 will simplify and reduce the complexity of the Games to ensure they can be organised efficiently, safely and sustainably, officials said.