Osaka Ishin no Kai (One Osaka), a local political group that is part of Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), has lost its majority in the Osaka Prefectural Assembly after four members were expelled Monday for voting against the group's proposal to privatize a local railway.
The loss of the majority dealt a fresh political blow to Osaka Mayor and Nippon Ishin co-leader Toru Hashimoto and Osaka Gov. and party Secretary-General Ichiro Matsui.
Wracked by internal dissent and plummeting popularity, the fundamental party goal of merging the city and prefecture appears more distant than ever.