The growing populist political movement has taken another step forward after Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara announced he will create a school for aspiring lawmakers and hopes to link it with Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto's Osaka Ishin no Kai (One Osaka) group in time for the next Lower House election.

"Tokyo and Osaka will tie up to send new people into the political world. The entire coalition will create something like a Japan Restoration Party (Nihon Ishin no Kai)," Ishihara said in announcing the school Friday.

Plans for the new school are still unfolding, but he said it likely be established after discussions with Osaka Ishin no Kai next month, and Hashimoto, whose group already boasts a political leadership school, will be a guest lecturer. The best of the final graduates will be expected to run in the next general election.