Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, the founder of Ishin no To (Japan Innovation Party) who left the party Thursday, said Saturday he intends to create a new party by mid-December, with most Osaka-based Ishin members considering joining it.
Hashimoto's remark makes a split of Ishin inevitable, something that could trigger a realignment among opposition parties. Ishin leader Yorihisa Matsuno and other Tokyo-based Ishin members are likely to reinforce cooperation with the Democratic Party of Japan, of which Matsuno used to be a member.
"We will be united and join Mr. Hashimoto," said Ishin's Nobuyuki Baba, who leads Osaka-based Ishin members.