Two candidates backed by Osaka Ishin no Kai, a regional political party led by Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, won double elections in Osaka on Sunday.
Incumbent Osaka Gov. Ichiro Matsui, 51, who is also the party’s secretary general, won the gubernatorial race. Hirofumi Yoshimura, 40, a former House of Representatives lawmaker belonging to the party, was elected mayor for the first time.
Sunday’s victory follows the party’s double election triumph in 2011 and paves the way for another attempt to realize the so-called Osaka metropolis plan, which was rejected in a local referendum in May.
Matsui increased his standing by making use of his name recognition, while Yoshimura won the race by emphasizing his position as Hashimoto’s political heir.(The Japan News)
Link: http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002581521
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