The July 31 election of a new Tokyo governor threatens a much-loved fixture in the city's calendar: the annual Sumida River Fireworks Festival.
Yoichi Masuzoe left office Tuesday in an expenses scandal, and city residents will now have to pick a successor.
The fireworks are planned for either July 30 or 31. Organizers typically reserve a full weekend in case inclement weather on Saturday forces them to postpone the display to Sunday.