Koike, whose weightlifting experience was a reassurance to the sports world as she took up the Governor post four years before the Japanese capital hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020, did not offer a specific reason for stepping-down.

However, it has been widely seen as an attempt to avoid any conflict of interest and perceived favouritism for one sport over another.

"H.E. Yuriko Koike, the elected Governor of Tokyo on July 31 resigned the office of JWA President after presenting her resignation at the JWA Executive Board Meeting on September 10," explained a letter signed by the Secretariat of the JWA and sent to the wider weightlifting community.

"Following her resignation Mr. Yoshiyuki Miyake, vice-president, twice world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, was elected President by recommendation of the Ex-President Koike to succeed her, at the same EB Meeting.

"We take advantage of this opportunity to express our highest appreciation to the World, Continental and National Weightlifting Federations."

This came ahead of a busy few weeks in which Koike has commissioned a report which claimed the Tokyo 2020 budget will balloon to four times its initial value unless drastic changes are made. 

Considering the JWA are desperate for more money from Japanese authorities, it would have been difficult for Koike to remain in her post.

It is possible, however, that she may return after she vacates the Governor position in 2020.

Miyake, who celebrated his 71st birthday last week, won an under 60 kilograms bronze medal at Mexico City 1968.

He also secured bronze medals in the 1965, 1966 and 1968 World Championships, gold medals in the 1969 and 1971 World Championships, and a gold medal in the 1970 Asian Games.

He is also a retired Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Colonel.

His older brother Yoshinobo won Tokyo 1964 and Mexico City 1968 gold medals in the same under 60kg event, while his daughter Hiromi followed under 48kg silver at London 2012 with a Rio 2016 bronze.