Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto's surprise announcement that he is resigning but will stand again for election is being greeted with criticism and concern in Osaka.
Many are wondering what the purpose is of a campaign that might cost ¥600 million in taxpayers' money and yet make no difference in the political structure of the municipal assembly, which now opposes Hashimoto's top goal of integrating the city of Osaka with the prefecture.
Hashimoto, also co-leader of Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), said he is resigning and calling a snap election because municipal and prefectural politicians rejected a local bid last Friday to reach a compromise on four different proposals for integrating wards in Osaka.