Tokyo Vice Gov. Naoki Inose, a noted writer, said Wednesday he will run for governor, emerging as possibly the strongest candidate to succeed his nationalist predecessor, Shintaro Ishihara.

Inose vowed at a news conference to boost Tokyo's disaster defenses, introduce more environmentally friendly power plants and integrate two subway systems to provide better services.

"I've decided to assume the serious responsibility of not only protecting the safety and security of Tokyo's residents, but also supporting Japan from Tokyo," said Inose, 66, who has been a vice governor for five years and five months under Ishihara.